TIBERIUS (14-37). Sestertius. Rome.

Obv: CIVITATIBVS ASIAE RESTITVTIS.
Tiberius seated left on curule chair, feet on stool, holding patera and sceptre.
Rev: TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVST P M TR POT XXIIII.
Legend around large S • C.

RIC² 48.

In AD 17, a powerful earthquake struck Asia Minor, wiping out twelve cities. Faced with this tragedy and deeply shocked, Tiberius took immediate action for aid and reconstruction. According to Tacitus, the emperor promised 10 million sestertii to the inhabitants of Sardis and exempted them from payments due to the treasury and the taxes. Similar measures were taken for Magnesia on Sipylum, Temnos, Philadelphia, Aegae, Apollonia, Mostene, Hierocaesarea, Mirina, Cyme, and Tmolus. This sestertius commemorates Tiberius' generous gesture, depicting on the obverse the statue that the twelve rebuilt cities dedicated to him.

Condition: Very fine.

Weight: 25.82 g.
Diameter: 35 mm.