Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898)
TRIB'UTE, that which is paid to rulers in token of subjection and for the support of government. Gen 49:15. By the Jewish law, Ex 30:13, a tribute or capitation-tax was half a shekel, or twenty-five cents, which was expended in the temple-service. The conversation of our Saviour with Peter on the subject of paying this tribute-money was designed to show him that, being himself the Son of God, the King for whose service the tribute was paid, he
might justly be exempted from paying it; but, to prevent any needless irritation on the part of the officers or nation, he by miraculous power provided the means of paying the required tribute, which amounted to fifty cents for both. Matt 17:24.