Ancient Antioch Bronze of Zeus with Possible Cleopatra VII Countermark | 47–46 BC

Antioch Ancient Bronze Coin with Possible Cleopatra VII Countermark | 47–46 BC

Own a Coin from the World of Caesar and Cleopatra

Struck at Antioch in ancient Syria in 47–46 BC, this bronze coin connects you to the eastern Mediterranean during the final decades of the Roman Republic. Its design features Zeus, while an ancient portrait countermark adds a possible connection to Cleopatra VII.

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Own This Piece of History

Origin: Antioch, Syria, under Roman rule
Date: 47–46 BC, Year 3 of the Caesarian era
Metal: Bronze
References: McAlee 47; RPC I 4219

Obverse: Laureate head of Zeus facing right. An oval countermark contains a head facing right, described on the accompanying tag as female and possibly representing Cleopatra VII.

Reverse: Zeus enthroned facing left, holding Nike, the goddess of victory, and a scepter. The headdress of Isis appears in the inner left field. Below the throne, Γ marks Year 3 of the Caesarian era.

Greek inscription: ΑΝΤΙΟΧΕΩΝ ΤΗΣ ΜΗΤΡΟΠΟΛΕΩΣ ΚΑΙ ΙΕΡΑΣ ΚΑΙ ΑΣΥΛΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΑΥΤΟΝΟΜΟΥ, identifying Antioch as a metropolis, sacred, inviolable, and autonomous.

Why This Coin Matters

This bronze was struck during the lifetime of Julius Caesar and Cleopatra VII. Its Greek imagery and civic inscription reflect Antioch’s continuing local identity under Roman rule.

The portrait countermark adds another layer of history. Applied after the original coin was struck, these small stamped designs could authorize existing money for continued circulation.

Numismatist Richard McAlee proposed that this countermark depicts Cleopatra VII and was used on coins circulating in Syro-Phoenician territories granted to her by Mark Antony. The identification remains debated, making this a possible Cleopatra connection rather than a confirmed portrait of the queen.

Perfect For

• Collectors interested in Cleopatra VII, Julius Caesar, and Mark Antony.

• Ancient Greek and Roman provincial coin enthusiasts.

• Collectors fascinated by countermarks and ancient monetary history.

• History lovers exploring the final decades of the Roman Republic.

What You’ll Receive

• One authentic ancient bronze coin of Antioch, attributed as McAlee 47 / RPC I 4219.

• The accompanying identification tag shown.

• Backed by the Kinzer Coins lifetime authenticity guarantee.

Continue the Story

Discover how Greek civic traditions, Roman authority, and the ambitions of Cleopatra and Mark Antony intersected in the ancient eastern Mediterranean.

Buy with Confidence

• Guaranteed authentic ancient coin.

• Lifetime authenticity guarantee.

• 30-day return policy.

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