This is a collection/collage of "Archeological Artifacts Contemporary to the New Testament,: which is the title of the piece and engraved in gold on a black plague at the top center of the piece. On the left side of the piece is a Tiberius Denarius, or "Tribute Penny." Below it is a plague like the title one with a bible verse from Matthew 22:21. Under this coin is another, larger coin, the Shekel of Tyre and a bible verse from Matthew 25:15. In the center of the piece is a Roman nail and a bible verse from John 19:18. On the left side of the piece are two Roman Gaming Lots, or dice, and a bible verse from Mark 15:24. Under the dice are two small copper coins and a bible verse from Luke 21:2. At the bottom center of the piece is a plague indicating the historical consultants who put together the collection, Harlan J. Berk LTD. The whole piece is contained behind glass in an ornate gold frame.

Spero Kinnas donated a collection of Acheological Artifacts Contemporary to the New Testament. This collection of artifacts was conducted by Aaron Berk from Harlan J. Berk, Ltd.

Harlan J. Berk, Ltd. is a respected name in acquisition and authentication business of classical antiques since 1964. Aaron Berk, is a part owner and operator of the frim. He was written over 75 catalogs on classical antiques and has built many numerous collections for collectors and museums.

This particular collage contains:
A Tiberius Denarius, or a tribute penny. The tribute penny is said to be the coin which was shown to Jesus when he made his famous speech, "Render unto Casear." The coin is a Roman Denarius with the head of Tiberius. The inscription on the coin reads, "Ti[berivs] Caesar Divi Agv[vsti] F[ilivs] Avgvstvs," claming that Augustus was a god.
A Shekel of Tyre, a larger coin. This was used as the mode of payment in Temple tax in Jerusalem.
A Roman nail, with a bible verse from John 19:18. This type of nail is the type which is usually used in crucifications.
Two Roman dice. Dice was common but illegal in Rome, except for during the Saturnalia Festival. Dice were the cause of many special laws in Rome.
And finally, two smaller cooper coins.

The content on this site is made available for research and education purposes only. The use of these materials may be restricted by law or the donor.

Any other use, such as exhibition, publication, or commercial use, is not allowed except by written permission in accordance with the NHM Image Rights and Reproduction Policy.

For questions on image rights and reproduction, please contact nhmcollections@hellenicmuseum.org