By Adam Smith

The North Jefferson News



A coin dating back to the time of Jesus was recently sold at a Gardendale jewelry store.

A centuries-old Tiberius coin, dating from 14 to 37 A.D., was briefly in the possession of Bob Boffa at Gardendale Jewelers on Main Street. Boffa said he didn’t want to reveal how much the coin sold for.

The coin was recently sold to a local resident who could not be reached for comment.

“That coin was extremely rare,” Boffa said. “I’ve only seen one other in the years we’ve carried ancient coins. Mr. Swanson has a one in 3 million chance to hold a coin that Jesus held.”

The Tiberius coin is the only coin mentioned in the Bible that was held by Jesus. The “tribute penny,” the denarius of Tiberius, was minted during the reign of Tiberius Caesar.

The instance in which He held the coin can be found in the book of Mark, in which Jesus answers whether it is lawful for Jews to pay taxes to Caesar. Matthew 22:21, Jesus replies, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

Boffa said he has dealt in ancient coins for 15 years. He said he was the seller of the oldest coin in Alabama, a Thrace horse coin, dating from 350 B.C. He said such a coin would be worth several thousand dollars now.

Boffa said most of his ancient coins are acquired from a dealer who participates in excavations all over the world. As part of a fee, Boffa said the dealer gets to take several coins from each find.

Currently, Boffa has a few other ancient coins that date back to B.C., including a coin from the reign of Emperor Constantine. He said the most popular ancient coins he has carried through the years have been coins from the Bible, but he has also carried treasure coins from pirate ships.

Boffa said he hoped those who purchase ancient coins are getting enjoyment out of them and aren’t locking them away in a safe.

“These things are more of a pass-me-down collector’s item,” he said. “It’s a gift that when they purchase it, they not only buy it for themselves, but for their grandchildren and grandchildren’s children.”