TIBERIUS, A.D. 14-37. AV Aureus (7.77 gms), Lugdunum Mint, A.D. 15-18. NGC Ch AU, Strike: 5/5 Surface: 5/5.RIC-25; Calicó-305d. Tribute Penny type. Obverse: TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS, laureate head right; Reverse: PONTIF MAXIM, Livia (as Pax), holding branch and scepter, seated right on throne with plain legs. An ever popular type, this gold version of the tribute penny---a denarius referenced in the Bible---was issued throughout the reign of Tiberius. Facets such as the chair legs (plain as opposed to ornate) and the features of the emperor (of good style as opposed to more caricaturish) aid in determining the period during which this issues were struck. With plain chair legs and a more realistic portrait, this piece is among the earliest issued for the type. Exceptionally lustrous and offering a well centered strike, this specimen represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire a historically important coin oftentimes encountered in more circulated conditions.
