27 B.C. - A.D. 14 Augustus Silver Tetradrachm of Antioch, Year 28

We are very pleased to offer you the historic silver Tetradrachm of Augustus from Antioch. Depicting Rome’s celebrated first emperor, who reigned from 27 B.C. to A.D. 14, this coin was hand struck in the great provincial city of Antioch – honored on the reverse.

Hand struck during or close to the year Jesus was thought to be born (5 B.C.), they were among the most prominent coins used to pay the hated temple tax, about which Jesus speaks in biblical accounts of Matthew, Mark and Luke. Weighing about 15 grams and containing over 75% silver, these large attractive pieces are similar to coinage circulated by Seleucid emperors in Syria before being conquered by Rome in 64 B.C.

The sought-after portrait of Rome’s first emperor is surrounded by a Greek inscription translating to “Of Caesar Augustus.” The reverse features the seated goddess Tyche – symbol and deity of ancient Antioch – holding a palm branch and wearing the gates of the city upon her head (see enlargement). To the lower right is the river god Orontes, swimming the major river through Antioch that bears his name.

We were very fortunate to find a small quantity of these prized Augustus coins. These legendary silver Tetradrachms have been preserved in Fine/Very Fine condition for more than 2,000 years, and feature impressive design details. Don’t miss this opportunity to own one of the most famous and sought-after coins from Biblical times and Ancient Rome!