Advent Roman Coin with Star
Silver coin of Polemon with star, Kingdom of Pontus
A large eight-pointed star is depicted prominently on the reverse of this rare silver coin from the Kingdom of Pontus, located in the Black Sea region of modern Turkey. The use of the star may simply reflect astrological inspiration – a star visible in the night-sky – or instead have deeper mythological or divine meaning that we do not yet fully understand.
The text surrounding the star identifies this Roman provincial coin as having been issued between 37–8 BCE by Polemon I, who is depicted on the obverse (front).
Polemon had been given the Pontus by Marc Antony in 39 BCE and, despite falling on the wrong side of history after the Battle of Actium, where Octavian defeated the combined forces of Antony and Cleopatra, remained a Roman Client King until revolt led to his death in c. 8 BCE.
Silver coin of Polemon I, Kingdom of Pontus
dia 18 mm
c.37–8 BCE
HCR9474
Not on display
