Description: Syria, Seleucis and Pieria, Antioch. Dated year 44 Actian Era (13/14 AD). Laureate head of Zeus right / EΠI ΣIΛANOΥ ANTIOΧEΩN; ram leaping right, looking back; above, 8-pointed star, ΔM (date) below.

Diameter: AE20 mm

Weight: 6,78 g

Grade: gF/aVF

Attribution: RPC I 4269; BMC Galataia pg. 159, 65; SNG Cop. 98

Commentary: grey-brown patina with some deposits

History: In his "The Star of Bethlehem: The Legacy of the Magi", Dr. Michael Molnar sees in the reverse design the occultation of Jupiter by the moon in the constellation of Aries, which he identifies as the most probable candidate for the biblical account of the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Magi to the manger where Jesus was born.

Article Number: 061-08-02-42750