  Tribute Penny – Tiberius, ca. 18-35 CE. | Tiberius didn’t particularly want to be emperor. He was stepson of Augustus and became emperor in 14 CE upon Augustus’ death. Tiberius was one of the greatest Roman generals but is remembered by history as a dark and reclusive ruler. Pliny the Elder called him "the gloomiest of men." After the death of his son Drusus Julius Caesar in 23 AD, Tiberius became even more reclusive. Tiberius left Rome to retire on the island of Capri in 27 CE. When Tiberius eventually died, the succession was left to his nephew Caligula and grandson Tiberius Gemellus. Caligula quickly established his reputation by executing Gemellus. |  Tiberius, 41-54 CE |
 | Tiberius took no interest in coinage, leaving a single type in place for nearly all of his 23-year reign. It proved to be one of the most widely used coinages in Roman history and ranks among the most familiar coins of antiquity. Tiberius coins became known as the 'Tribute Penny' due to its famous reference in The Bible as the coin Jesus said to "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's." |  |
