Antioch, time of Augustus, Ae 22 (Star of Bethlehem)

Seleucis ad Pieria, Antioch Silanus, legatus Syriae, circa 11-12, Æ 22 mm. 7.5 gm. Obv: Laureate, bearded head of Zeus r. Rev: Ram running r., head turned l., above, star, below, date BM (= year 42 of the Caesarean era). BMC 159, 63. SNG Cop. 97. RPC 4266. Astronomer and Author Michael Molnar has published evidence that this coin depicts Jupiter’s occultation of Aries in 6 B.C., coinciding with the celestial event known as the “Star of Bethlehem.”