By: Ikarus KuwaitCopyright © 2008 Ikarus Kuwait. All rights reserved.

This is an exhibit of a very interesting historical coin, which has a story of its own in human history.

This coin, a silver Roman Dinarus, is known historically as the biblical tribute penny. It was in circulation at the Roman Empire and its provinces, including Jerusalem and the holy land, during the time of Jesus.

Obverse:TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS, laureate (Tiberius) head right. RIC 30, RSC 16a, BMC 48, XF

A Roman tax payer arrived at Jerusalem and the holy land to collect taxes for the Roman emperor Tiberius (who reigned from 42 BC - 37 AD).

The tax payer came to the followers of Jesus, asking them to pay their taxes to Caesar and the Romans. The people asked Jesus for guidance; whether they should pay taxes or not.

Reverse:PONTIF MAXIM, Livia (Tiberius mother), as Pax, seated right on throne with ornate legs, holding long scepter & olive branch. RIC 30, RSC 16a, BMC 48, XF

This coin ( silver dinarus ) was presented to Jesus, then Jesus asked his followers about the coin, about the image and the writings on it.

When he was told it was Caesar’s picture, Jesus said to his followers his famous biblical quotation: “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's and unto God the things that are God's (The Bible: Matthew 22:20-21)”.