Zenobia IVNO REGINA Antoninianus Replica | Hand-Struck Silver Coin

Why collectors buy this piece

• Inspired by the exceptionally rare coinage of Queen Zenobia of Palmyra
• Issued during Zenobia’s brief open break with Rome in AD 272
• Obverse legend identifies Zenobia as Augusta
• Juno Regina reverse reinforces Zenobia’s claim to imperial authority
• Distinctive reverse includes Juno, a peacock and a star
• Faithfully reproduced using traditional hand-striking methods in sterling silver
• Each coin is intentionally irregular — like ancient originals

Best suited for collectors interested in Zenobia, the Palmyrene Empire, Roman usurpers, and the Crisis of the Third Century.

Overview & Craftsmanship

This Zenobia IVNO REGINA antoninianus is a hand-struck sterling silver replica inspired by the exceptionally rare billon issue produced at Antioch in March–May AD 272. The design belongs to the brief period when Zenobia openly claimed the title Augusta and challenged the authority of Emperor Aurelian.

Each piece is individually hammered in solid silver using traditional striking methods, producing natural variations in flan, relief and surface character. The ancient prototype was struck in billon, while this modern reproduction is made in sterling silver.

Historical & Numismatic Background

• Zenobia became regent for her son Vaballathus following the assassination of her husband Odaenathus in AD 267.
• Palmyrene control expanded across much of the Roman East, including Egypt and parts of Asia Minor.
• In the spring of AD 272, Zenobia assumed the title Augusta while Vaballathus became Augustus, marking their open break with Rome.
• The legend IVNO REGINA refers to Juno as queen of the gods, supporting Zenobia’s new imperial status.
• Emperor Aurelian defeated the Palmyrene forces later in AD 272 and captured Zenobia as she attempted to escape toward the Persian frontier.
• Ancient accounts disagree about her eventual fate, although later tradition places her in Aurelian’s Roman triumph.

Numismatic References:

This replica is inspired by ancient issues documented in standard numismatic references, including:

– RIC V 2 corr. — star not noted in the original reference

– RIC V Online temp. 3122

– MIR 47, 360b/0

– BN 1267a

– Bland, Coinage 29

Technical Details & Variations

Type: Zenobia IVNO REGINA antoninianus replica

Denomination represented: BI Antoninianus

Mint: Antioch, 8th officina

Era represented: 272 AD

Material: Sterling silver (AR)

Weight: approx. 4-5 g

Dimensions: approx. 20-21 mm

Manufacturing method: Hand-struck (hammered)

Obverse: Draped bust right, wearing stephane, set on crescent
Legend:
S ZЄNOBIA AVG

Reverse: Juno standing left, holding patera in right hand and sceptre in left; at feet to left, peacock standing left; star in left field
Legend:
IVNO REGINA

Due to the traditional hand-striking process, variations in weight, diameter, strike, centering, tone, and surface are expected.

Intended Use

Suitable for:

– collectors of ancient and historical coinage

– academic or educational reference

– museum or exhibition display

– historically accurate reenactment

– high-quality numismatic gifts

Replica Disclaimer

This item is a hand-struck sterling silver replica inspired by an authentic ancient billon antoninianus of Zenobia. It is not an original ancient coin.

The ancient prototype was struck in billon, a low-silver alloy. This modern reproduction is made in sterling silver and is sold transparently as a replica.

Explore related Palmyrene and rare antoninianus pages:

• See the related Vabalathus fantasy sestertius replica
• See the rare Dryantilla antoninianus replica
• Browse Roman antoninianus replicas