Tiberius Orichalcum Sestertius, RIC I (second edition) Tiberius 63

Monetary Context and Function

The sestertius formed the cornerstone of the early imperial base-metal monetary system reformed under Augustus. Valued at one-quarter of a silver denarius or four copper asses, the sestertius was manufactured from orichalcum, a copper-zinc brass alloy valued more highly than pure copper. This bright golden-toned metal conferred an elevated prestige to the coin, making it an ideal physical medium for extensive public ideological statements. Struck late in the reign of Tiberius, RIC I (second edition) Tiberius 63 functioned as a high-value everyday spending coin within the Roman marketplace. Its wide flan provided maximum surface area for intricate relief and extended inscriptions, allowing the imperial regime to broadcast official messages of dynastic continuity, divine favor, and civil protection to soldiers, merchants, and private citizens across Italy and the western provinces.

Production Standards and Minting

Production of this specific issue was centered exclusively at the imperial mint in Rome. Under the early Julio-Claudian administrative structure, the Rome mint executed base-metal coinage under the formal authorization of the Senate, while closely reflecting the political program of the princeps. Struck on heavy orichalcum flans, the sestertii of Tiberius's late period generally adhered to a theoretical standard of approximately one Roman ounce, commonly ranging in surviving specimens between 25.0 and 28.5 grams, with module diameters averaging 34 to 36 millimeters. Flans were cast in individual molds or open sheets before being struck between engraved iron or bronze dies. Due to the high relief and physical resistance of cold brass blanks, striking these sestertii required substantial manual force, frequently resulting in minor die-alignment irregularities and variable flan cracking along the edges.

Obverse Iconography

The obverse design departs from the conventional portraiture of the reigning emperor, focusing entirely on posthumous honors dedicated to the deified Augustus. The central motif is a circular ornamental shield (clipeus) inscribed with the phrase OB CIVES SER in three horizontal lines, celebrating the preservation of Roman citizens. This shield is set within an oak wreath (corona civica), referencing the legendary honor decreed by the Senate to Augustus in 27 BC. Flanking the shield are two symmetrically placed capricorns facing inward, each supporting the wreath with their forelegs. The capricorn was Augustus's natal or conception constellation, symbolizing good fortune, maritime and terrestrial dominion, and world peace. Beneath the ensemble lies a celestial globe, emphasizing Roman universal sovereignty and cosmic order under divine protection.

Reverse Iconography

The reverse layout is understated yet politically significant, dominated by the massive letters S C (Senatus Consulto) positioned squarely in the center of the flan. This bold senatorial acronym is enclosed entirely by an encircling epigraphic legend detailing Tiberius's imperial titles. By placing S C in prominent isolated relief, the design underscores the historic partnership between the Senate and the princeps in validating base-metal token coinage. Unlike earlier issues that featured seated personifications or temple facades, this purely epigraphic arrangement shifted focus to the constitutional legitimacy of the current administration, linking senatorial decree directly to the titles and religious offices exercised by Tiberius.

Inscriptions and Epigraphy

The inscriptions on RIC I (second edition) Tiberius 63 are strictly divided between dedication and official titulature. The obverse reads DIVO AVGVSTO S P Q R, translating as 'To the Deified Augustus, by the Senate and People of Rome'. This dedicatory legend formally identifies the issue as an offering of honor to the deceased Augustus. The reverse bears the comprehensive titular string: TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVST P M TR POT XXXVII. This abbreviates 'Tiberius Caesar, Divi Augusti Filius, Augustus, Pontifex Maximus, Tribunicia Potestate XXXVII' ('Tiberius Caesar, Son of the Deified Augustus, Augustus, Chief Priest, Holding the Tribunician Power for the thirty-seventh time'). The explicit mention of the thirty-seventh renewal of tribunician power provides an absolute chronological anchor for the issue, while simultaneously reaffirming Tiberius's adoption and filial connection to the deified founder.

Typology and Chronological Placement

In the standard classification scheme of the Roman Imperial Coinage, this coin is catalogued as RIC I (second edition) Tiberius 63, corresponding to BMCRE 101. It belongs to a compact, distinctive sequence of commemorative brass issues struck toward the close of Tiberius's reign. Because Tiberius received his first grant of tribunician power in 6 BC and underwent successive renewals, his thirty-seventh tribunician year commenced in mid-AD 35 and ran into AD 36. This firmly dates the production of type 63 to that specific annual administrative window. It forms a typological companion to neighboring issues such as RIC 62 (which bears TR POT XXXVI) and RIC 68 (TR POT XXXVIII), charting a sustained program of posthumous Augustan commemorations that reinforced the prestige of the dynasty during a period marked by political isolation and succession concerns.

Circulation, Wear, and Preservation

Following its release from the Rome mint, this sestertius circulated across Italy and rapidly reached military frontiers and commercial hubs along the Rhine and Danube valleys, as well as the provinces of Gaul and Hispania. As heavy base-metal currency, sestertii remained in active circulation for decades, often staying in commercial channels into the Flavian era and occasionally the early Antonine period. Consequently, many preserved specimens display significant contact wear, softening of the fine detail on the capricorns, or selective cleaning of the orichalcum surface. Die wear is also noticeable on late strikings within the AD 35-36 issue, reflecting the rigorous demands placed upon the bronze dies at the imperial mint.

References

1. Coins of the Roman Empire in the British Museum, Volume I: Augustus to Vitellius. pp. 138-139, nos. 101-103
2. Online Coins of the Roman Empire: RIC I (second edition) Tiberius 63. ric.1(2).tib.63
3. The Roman Imperial Coinage, Volume I: From 31 BC to AD 69 (Revised Edition). p. 98, no. 63