Emperor Otho, 69 AD Antioch Mint

This coin was minted by Emperor Otho near the end of the first Jewish revolt. The pellet and crescent symbol at the base of the reverse represents Roman power dominating the solar eclipse cycle. A total solar eclipse over Antioch in 59 AD and solar eclipses over the empire in the 60's did not appear to be represented on coins. Most likely the Roman state was in disarray with the great fire in Rome, the Jewish revolt and the Roman civil wars after the death of Nero. With the seige of Jerusalem and the Roman victory of the first Jewish revolt, Roman power was again perceived as being validated by the heavens. Photo Zuzim Coins