Lugdunum mint, undated (3.63g), laureate head, right / Pax seated, right, holding scepter and palm frond, RIC 26. Though the coin's weight is within tolerance and the style is correct, it has some subtle coppery toning that suggests it is likely made of plated silver over a copper core. Such deception was commonplace in the Roman Empire until the silver coins were officially debased in the 3rd century A.D.

From the Estate of the late Jay Neal Morton, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

The coin comes with an inscribed 20th century collector's envelope reading, Tiberius Caesar / Denarius/ A/.D. 14-37 / This is the coin known / as the Tribute Penny/ of the Bible. / Bought from woman / refugee of Smyrna / Dec. 1939 - V. rare. The "woman refugee of Smyrna" noted on the envelope may have survived the 1922 Turkish genocide of Greeks living in Smyrna, eventually making her way to America. The 1939 date on the envelope is likely when the coin was acquired. This denarius type is widely considered by collectors to be the Biblical "Tribute Penny" that appears in Matthew 22:19.

Very Fine condition with old cabinet toning.