Antioch Bronze of Publius Quinctilius Varus | Zeus & Tyche | 7–6 BC

Varus Under Augustus | Ancient Antioch Bronze Coin | 7–6 BC

Own a Coin Naming the Governor Who Later Lost Three Roman Legions

Struck at Antioch in 7–6 BC, this ancient bronze names Publius Quinctilius Varus during his governorship of Syria under Augustus. Years before the Teutoburg Forest disaster, his name appeared on coins used in the Roman East, alongside images celebrating Antioch’s Greek heritage.

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Own This Piece of History

Origin: Antioch, Syria
Authority: Publius Quinctilius Varus, imperial legate under Augustus
Date: 7–6 BC, Year 25 of the Actian era
Metal: Bronze
References: McAlee 85; RPC I 4242

Obverse: Laureate head of Zeus facing right.

Reverse: Tyche, the protective goddess of Antioch, seated facing right and holding a palm branch. The river god Orontes appears swimming below.

Greek inscription: ΑΝΤΙΟΧΕΩΝ ΕΠΙ ΟΥΑΡΟΥ, meaning “Of the Antiochenes, under Varus.” ΕΚ in the right field represents Year 25.

Why This Coin Matters

This coin connects directly to Varus through its inscription naming him as the governing authority. It belongs to his Syrian career during the reign of Rome’s first emperor, Augustus.

Varus later commanded the Roman forces defeated in the Teutoburg Forest in AD 9, where three legions were destroyed. This earlier bronze offers a tangible connection to the administrator and commander before that catastrophe defined his legacy.

Its imagery also tells Antioch’s story. Zeus represents the city’s Greek religious traditions, while Tyche and Orontes bring together its protective goddess and the river that shaped its setting. These familiar local symbols continued to appear on money issued under Roman government.

Perfect For

• Collectors interested in Varus and Roman military history.

• Augustus and early Roman Empire enthusiasts.

• Roman provincial coin collectors.

• History lovers exploring ancient Antioch and Syria.

What You’ll Receive

• One authentic ancient bronze coin attributed to Antioch under Varus, McAlee 85 / RPC I 4242.

• The accompanying identification tag shown.

• Backed by the Kinzer Coins lifetime authenticity guarantee.

Continue the Story

Explore Varus’s Syrian governorship by collecting the consecutive Year 25, 26, and 27 issues, tracing the changing dates on Antioch’s bronze coinage.

Buy with Confidence

• Guaranteed authentic ancient coin.

• Lifetime authenticity guarantee.

• 30-day return policy.

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