© Journal International d'Archéologie Numismatique, Tome onzième, pl. XIII, p. 231, Svoronos, 1908
© Journal International d'Archéologie Numismatique, Tome onzième, pl. XIII, p. 231, Svoronos, 1908
Denarius - Marcus Antonius C • SOSIVS IMP; Zacynthus 36 BC
36 BC year| Bronze | 4.7 g | 19 mm |
| Issuer | Island of Zacynthus (Achaea) |
|---|---|
| Period | Republic (509 BC - 27 BC) |
| Type | Circulating commemorative coin |
| Year | 36 BC |
| Value | Denarius (1) |
| Currency | Denarius (49 BC to AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 4.7 g |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#104030 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Trophy of arms with shield in left hand and spear in right hand. Jewess seated below to the right, facing right, head in ands. Naked captive Jew below to the left, facing right.
Script: Latin
Lettering: C • SOSIVS IMP
Unabridged legend: Gaius Sosius Imperator.
Translation: Supreme leader (imperator) Gaius Sosius.
Edge
Rough
Comment
Other reference: JIAN#2 (Journal International d'Archéologie Numismatique, Tome onzième, p. 217, Svoronos, 1908)While the first in the well-known Judaea Capta series of coins was struck under Vitellius (see below), a distinct prototype was struck in 36 BC by Gaius Sosius under Mark Antony. Sosius, a Roman general and governor of Syria, conquered Jerusalem in 37 BC, while supporting Herod the Great in his battle against Mattatayah Antigonus.
Sosius' Jerusalem victory coin depicts figures of both a mourning Judaea and a naked male (probably generic, but possibly representing M. Antigonus) with his hands tied behind him.
Antigonus had been re-instated as King of the Jews by the Parthians in 40 BC. In the same year, the Roman Senate and Octavian (Augustus) named Herod king of Judaea. To gain his "rightful" place, Herod marched against Antigonus. Mark Antony appointed Sosius governor of Syria and ordered him to support Herod. Sosius sent two legions and personally followed with the reminder of his army, which joined Herod and begun a siege on Jerusalem. The city was taken in 37 BC and Sosius ordered his soldiers to pillage. After a horrendous massacre of Jewish occupants, Herod himself managed to restrain the soldiers from further destroying his new capital by promising to reward them appropriately from his own funds. Antigonus surrendered to Sosius, who insulted him and derided him by calling him "Antigone." Finally Sosius "dedicated a golden crown to God and departed from Jerusalem, taking Antigonus in chains to Antony," according to Josephus. In 37 BC, Antony was wintering in Antioch.
It is not clear why these coins were struck in Zacynthus, but the attribution seems probable. Antony had a fleet stationed in Zacynthus in 39 BC, and Sosius himself commandeered the left wing of Antony's fleet at Actium. The authors of RPC also note that the provenance of these coins conform Zacynthus as the location of their production.
From David Hendin, Guide to Biblical Coin, 5th Edition, p.404-405
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a rare portrait of Marcus Antonius, also known as Mark Antony, who was a prominent Roman general and politician. The coin was minted in 36 BC, during his reign as a triumvir, and it is believed to be one of the earliest coins to depict him. The coin's design also includes an image of a dolphin, which was a symbol associated with the island of Zacynthus, where the coin was minted.