Drachmas Doubloons and Dollars: The History of Money
(Exhibition Home)
Ancient Rome
Introduction
Early Italian and Roman Republican Coinages (c. 500-88 BC) - Julius Caesar and the Late Republic (88-27 BC) - Augustus and the Roman Principate - Nero (AD 54-68) and Propaganda - Biblical Coins - Roman Provincial Coins - The Severan Family (AD 193-235) - Economic and Political Decline - The Late Roman Empire (AD 284-476)
Biblical Coins

New Testament reference to Roman coins show how important they were in daily life. Nevertheless, only pure Tyrian silver was accepted for taxes to the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. The denarius of Tiberius is believed to be the coin referred to by Jesus when he advised followers, "Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's and unto God what is God's."
Silver denarius of Tiberius (AD 14-37).
Bronze lepton of Pontius Pilate showing the lituus, a staff used by Roman priests to interpret omens.
Silver shekel (106 BC) of Tyre, later coins of this type were probably the 30 pieces of silver paid for Jesus' arrest.
Silver shekel (AD 67) of Jewish forces during the First Jewish Revolt (AD 66-70) against Rome, depicting a chalice - a ritual vessel in the Jerusalem Temple.
Bronze sestertius of Vespasian commemorating the Roman victory in the First Jewish Revolt. Mourning Jewish woman and a bound prisoner appear beneath a palm tree.