Syria, Seleukis and Pieria. Antioch on the Orontes. Pseudo-autonomous issue. Æ Trichalkon (7.45 g), 1st century AD. Actian era 44 (AD 13/4). Silanus, governor. Laureate head of Zeus right. Reverse: EΠI ΣIΛA-NOY ANTIOXEΩN, ram leaping right, head turned to look back at star above; below, date (ΔM). McAlee 99; Butcher 58; RPC 4269. Nice "Star of Bethlehem" issue. Earthen green patina. A choice example! Extremely Fine. Estimate Value $300 - 400
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.