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

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

Own a Coin from the Final Decades of the Roman Republic

Struck at Antioch in ancient Syria in 47–46 BC, this bronze coin preserves the meeting of Greek civic tradition and Roman power. A portrait countermark applied after striking adds a possible connection to Cleopatra VII and the territories associated with her alliance with Mark Antony.

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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, with an oval countermark depicting a head facing right. The accompanying tag describes the countermark as female, 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, with Γ, the Greek numeral for Year 3, in the exergue beneath the design.

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

Why This Coin Matters

Minted during the lifetime of Julius Caesar and Cleopatra VII, this coin reflects Antioch’s Greek identity within the Roman political world. Its image of Zeus and proud civic titles carried familiar local traditions into everyday commerce.

The countermark tells a second story. Stamped onto an existing coin, it records an ancient intervention in the coin’s circulation. Numismatist Richard McAlee proposed that this portrait represents Cleopatra VII and marked coins used in Syro-Phoenician territories granted to her by Mark Antony.

The portrait’s identity remains uncertain. Its possible association with Cleopatra makes it an intriguing subject for collectors exploring how coins were reused as political authority changed.

Perfect For

• Collectors interested in Cleopatra VII and Mark Antony.

• Ancient Greek and Roman provincial coin enthusiasts.

• Collectors exploring countermarks and ancient circulation.

• History lovers drawn to the late 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

Explore the ancient eastern Mediterranean through a coin whose original civic design and later countermark preserve two chapters of its history.

Buy with Confidence

• Guaranteed authentic ancient coin.

• Lifetime authenticity guarantee.

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