Hadrian Reissue of Antioch Ram Coin 129 AD
The solar eclipses of 118, 121, and 125 AD were seen in Roman Antioch and are likely represented on this coin minted there in 129 AD. The Bar Kochba revolt was brewing and the symbolism on the reverse displays the ram or Judea looking back at the solar eclipse events. Solar eclipses were symbols of terror to the uneducated population. They were represented on coins as warnings to the people of the terror of Roman warfare and to not rebel against Roman government. The Antioch ram coin series was minted in 55 AD as Israel was close to rebellion in the First Jewish War. It was continued in the above form under Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius. The Galilee did not revolt during Bar Kochba and these coins were minted to commemorate additional solar eclipses over the Levant. A considerable Jewish population resided in Galilee and the Romans most likely minted these coins hoping to prevent another rebellion after the Bar Kochba Revolt. Note the Greek letter Epsilon has been changed on the reverse to signify a pellet within a crescent as on the coins of Herod Antipas after the 29 AD solar eclipse. Photo Beast Coins