© Ira & Larry Goldberg Auctioneers
© Ira & Larry Goldberg Auctioneers
Trichalkon Augustus; Star of Bethlehem
| Bronze | 5.72 g | 22 mm |
| Issuer | Antioch on the Orontes (Syria) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Augustus (Caius Octavius) (27 BC - 14 AD) |
| Type | Circulating commemorative coin |
| Years | 6-13 |
| Value | Trichalkon (1⁄16) |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 5.72 g |
| Diameter | 22 mm |
| Thickness | 3 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#140429 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 79% |
Reverse
Ram running right, looking back, star above, DM (year 44) below.
AT and BM - MHTPOΠOΛEΩN ANTIOXEΩN, “people of the metropolis Antioch.”
ΓΜ and ΔΜ - EΠI SILANOU ANTIOXEΩN, “ reign of Silanus Antioch”
Lettering:
ΕΠΙ ΣΙΛΑΝΟΥ
ΔΜ
ΑΝΤΙΟXΕΩΝ
Edge
Plain
Comment
Antioch, Syria, AE Legate issue under Augustus. It is from the actian year 44, meaning it was struck between 12 to 13 AD.Michael Molnar, an astronomer, believes this coin depicts Jupiter's occultation of Aries in 6 B.C., the most probable "Star of Bethlehem."
Struck under Quintus Caeceilius Metellus Creticus Silanus.
Dates: AT for age 12. BM, ΓΜ, ΔΜ for age 18. (Actian Era began 31 BC)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of the Star of Bethlehem, which is also known as the Christmas Star, and is associated with the birth of Jesus Christ.
