It was "Christmas in July" when this “Star of Bethlehem” coin arrived this week. Although it is not Roman republican, it is one that has been on my watch-list. SYRIA, Seleucis and Pieria, Antioch. AE Trichalkon, Q. Ummidius Durmius Quadratus, legatus Obv: Turreted and veiled bust of Tyche right with ANTIOXEΩN Rev: Leaping ram (Aries) looking back at star in crescent above, EΠIKOYADPATOY (translation is “reign of Quadratus”) dated ETEP 25th Anniversary of Resurrection & 60th Anniversary of Birth ETEP= 105 or 56/7AD (Caesarian Era starting 49BC) This was minted during the first years of Nero’s reign in Rome (misattributed at McAlee 125a in the auction listing - I think the correct references are McAlee 102; RPC I 4290). Here are a couple of interesting links related to this coin: The Star of Bethlehem : The Legacy of the Magi by Michael R. Molnar, 1999 Star of Bethlehem Coins : A Set of Serial Commemoratives by T. B. Cartwright, 2014 Post any coins of Seleucis and Pieria, your Christmas in July coin, or anything else entertaining.
Very nice! I had a more common ΔM date type last summer, but it was sold in the AMCC1 auction in December. Maybe someone here has it now? SELEUCIS AND PIERIA, Antioch ad Orontem AE21, issued 13-14 CE. 6.00g, 21mm. Obv: Laureate head of Zeus right. Rev: EΠI ΣIΛANOΥ ANTIOΧEΩN, ram leaping right, looking back, above, eight-pointed star, beneath, ΔM (Year 44 of Actian era=AD 13/14). RPC I 4269; McAlee 99. Now ex Justin Lee collection lol As "Christmas in July" goes, this was more of a birthday present than Xmas present, but it was a gift to myself either way: Sicily, Messana, The Mamertinoi Circa 288-278 BC, AE Quadruple Unit Obverse: APEOΣ, Laureate head of Ares right; helmet head behind. Reverse: MAMEP-TI-NΩN, Bull butting left. References: Särström Series I, Group A; Calciati I pg. 91, 1; SNG ANS 399; SNG Copenhagen 428; SNG Morcom 623 Size: 27mm, 17.51g Ex: CNG Auction 447, Lot 20 (7/3/2019); CNG Mail Bid Sale 67, Lot 287 (9/22/2004); From the Tony Hardy Collection
