Varus, Governor of Syria | Ancient Antioch Bronze Coin | 6–5 BC

Publius Quinctilius Varus Antioch Bronze Coin | Zeus & Tyche | 6–5 BC

Own a Coin Naming One of Rome’s Most Famous Commanders

Struck at Antioch during the reign of Augustus, this ancient bronze names Publius Quinctilius Varus while he served as Rome’s governor of Syria. Its designs pair Zeus with Tyche and the river god Orontes, preserving the identity of a great eastern city under Roman rule.

✓ Guaranteed Authentic
✓ Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee
✓ 30-Day Returns

Own This Piece of History

Origin: Antioch, Syria
Authority: Publius Quinctilius Varus, imperial legate under Augustus
Date: 6–5 BC, Year 26 of the Actian era
Metal: Bronze
References: McAlee 86; RPC I 4245

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.” The date ϚΚ represents Year 26.

Why This Coin Matters

This coin names Varus during his earlier career in Syria, before his command in Germany ended in the destruction of three Roman legions at the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest in AD 9.

Its historical connection comes through the inscription naming Varus. The portrait on the obverse represents Zeus.

The reverse celebrates Antioch itself. Tyche personifies the city’s fortune and protection, while Orontes represents the river central to its landscape and identity. Together, these figures show how local traditions remained prominent on provincial money during Augustus’s reign.

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 Antioch and Syria.

What You’ll Receive

• One authentic ancient bronze coin of Antioch issued under Varus, attributed as McAlee 86 / RPC I 4245.

• The accompanying identification tag shown.

• Backed by the Kinzer Coins lifetime authenticity guarantee.

Continue the Story

Explore the career of Varus through a coin from his Syrian governorship, years before his name became inseparable from one of Rome’s greatest military defeats.

Buy with Confidence

• Guaranteed authentic ancient coin.

• Lifetime authenticity guarantee.

• 30-day return policy.

• Secure shipping from the U.S.

New to Ancient Coins?

Start your journey with our beginner ancient coin collection.

History wasn’t just written, it was minted.