Lot 287: Syria, Seleucis and Pieria. Antiochia ad Orontem. Pseudo-autonomous issue. 1st century A.D. Æ. Year 44 of the Actian Era (A.D. 13/4).

Syria, Seleucis and Pieria. Antiochia ad Orontem. Pseudo-autonomous issue. 1st century A.D. Æ (18 mm, 7.76 g, 11 h). Year 44 of the Actian Era (A.D. 13/4). Laureate head of Zeus right / [EΠI ΣIΛANOY ANTIOXEΩN], ram leaping right, head turned to look back at star above; below, date (ΔM). McAlee 99; RPC 4269. Sandy dark-green patina, minor porosity. Good very fine.

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 manager where Jesus was born.

• Offered By: Barry P. Murphy
• Lot #: 287
• Listing #: 192701
• Closed: Tuesday, December 13, 2016 6:23:00 PM CT
• Estimate: $75