Publius Quinctilius Varus Ancient Bronze | Antioch, Syria | 5–4 BC

Varus of Teutoburg Fame | Antioch Bronze Coin | 5–4 BC

Own a Coin from Varus’s Governorship of Syria

Struck at Antioch during the reign of Augustus, this ancient bronze names Publius Quinctilius Varus, the Roman governor later remembered for the loss of three legions in the Teutoburg Forest. Issued years before that disaster, it preserves a different chapter of his career through the coinage of Roman Syria.

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Own This Piece of History

Origin: Antioch, Syria
Authority: Publius Quinctilius Varus, imperial legate under Augustus
Date: 5–4 BC, Year 27 of the Actian era
Metal: Bronze
References: McAlee 87; RPC I 4252

Obverse: Laureate head of Zeus facing right.

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

Greek inscription: ΑΝΤΙΟΧΕΩΝ ΕΠΙ ΟΥΑΡΟΥ, meaning “Of the Antiochenes, under Varus.” ΖΚ in the right field marks Year 27.

Why This Coin Matters

Before his disastrous German campaign, Varus served as Rome’s governor of Syria under Augustus. This coin names him directly in its Greek inscription, providing a tangible connection to his provincial administration.

In AD 9, Varus commanded the Roman army overwhelmed in the Teutoburg Forest. This earlier issue offers collectors a way to explore his career before the event that defined his historical reputation.

The designs also celebrate Antioch’s local identity. Zeus appears on the obverse, while Tyche and Orontes unite the city’s protective deity with its river landscape. The coin connects Roman government with the Greek traditions of the eastern Mediterranean.

Perfect For

• Collectors interested in Varus and the Teutoburg Forest disaster.

• Augustus and early Roman Empire enthusiasts.

• Roman provincial coin collectors.

• History lovers exploring ancient Syria and Antioch.

What You’ll Receive

• One authentic ancient bronze coin attributed to Antioch under Varus, McAlee 87 / RPC I 4252.

• The accompanying identification tag shown.

• Backed by the Kinzer Coins lifetime authenticity guarantee.

Continue the Story

Pair this Year 27 issue with a Year 26 bronze of Varus to explore two consecutive years of Antioch’s coinage under the same Roman governor.

Buy with Confidence

• Guaranteed authentic ancient coin.

• Lifetime authenticity guarantee.

• 30-day return policy.

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