Heritage World Coin Auctions
CICF Signature Sale 3032 Online Sessions 15-16 April 2014
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
Ancients
STAR OF BETHLEHEM COINS?SYRIA. Antioch. Pesudo-Autonomous Issue, time of Augustus (27 BC-AD 14). Æ 20mm (8.33 gm). Struck ca. AD 5/6. Laureate head of Zeus right / Ram leaping right, head left, star above. McAlee 95. RPC 4265. Green patina with earthen highlights. Good Very Fine.From The Dr. Patrick Tan CollectionIn his book "The Star of Bethlehem: The Legacy of the Magi," historical astronomer Michael Molnar makes a case that the series of coins issued in the early first century AD by the city of Antioch depict a celestial event -- an occultation of Jupiter by the moon in the constellation of Ares -- that is the most likely candidate for the "Star of Bethlehem" that guided the Magi to the place of Christ's birth. He dates the event to April 17, 6 BC, and claims it was so portentious (Ares being a celestial symbol of Judaea and surrounding regions) that it was referenced on coins issued decades after the fact. This and the next five coins are all part of this unique series, which depict a ram (Ares) leaping to the right and looking back at a star and/or the moon.
Estimate: 100-150 USD
STAR OF BETHLEHEM COINS?SYRIA. Antioch. Pesudo-Autonomous Issue, time of Augustus (27 BC-AD 14). Æ 20mm (8.33 gm). Struck ca. AD 5/6. Laureate head of Zeus right / Ram leaping right, head left, star above. McAlee 95. RPC 4265. Green patina with earthen highlights. Good Very Fine.From The Dr. Patrick Tan CollectionIn his book "The Star of Bethlehem: The Legacy of the Magi," historical astronomer Michael Molnar makes a case that the series of coins issued in the early first century AD by the city of Antioch depict a celestial event -- an occultation of Jupiter by the moon in the constellation of Ares -- that is the most likely candidate for the "Star of Bethlehem" that guided the Magi to the place of Christ's birth. He dates the event to April 17, 6 BC, and claims it was so portentious (Ares being a celestial symbol of Judaea and surrounding regions) that it was referenced on coins issued decades after the fact. This and the next five coins are all part of this unique series, which depict a ram (Ares) leaping to the right and looking back at a star and/or the moon.
Estimate: 100-150 USD