Agrippa II under Titus, 75 AD Rome Solar Eclipse

The above coin was minted in Caesarea Paneas in 74/75 AD. The obverse displays a bust of Titus to the right and the reverse has an empty crescent in the upper right field. A winged Nike or Victory is about to crown Titus. This coin was in obvious celebration of the defeat of the Jewish rebellion. Tens of thousands of Jews were killed in games celebrated at Caesarea Paneas following the first Jewish Revolt. Agrippa II and Berenice made a state visit to Rome in 75 AD. A total solar eclipse was visible in Rome in 75 AD. It may have coincided with the foundation of the building of the Roman Colosseum. Jewish war treasure and slaves were instrumental in the building of the Flavian amphitheater or Colosseum. It is possible that this solar eclipse contributed to Titus' decision not to marry a Jewish princess and Berenice was sent back to Judea. She came to Rome with the intention of marrying Titus who was at the time the son of Emperor Vespasian. The coins of Agrippa II demonstrate that the usual star and crescent motiff of a solar eclipse was separated into a star on some coins and a solar crescent on others. It appears that Agrippa II is trying to communicate that Titus and Vespasian have achieved a Roman victory that is legitimized by the solar crescent in Rome.

Photo Sahar Coins

This coin was also minted in 75-77 AD in Caesarea Paneas by Agrippa II. Vespasian is on the obverse facing right. The coin also displays a star in the left upper field of the reverse. Demeter or the goddess of the harvest is facing left. The star is representing the moon which was associated with the planting and harvesting of crops.

Photo Vaughn Rare Coin Gallery