KINGS OF ARMENIA. Artaxias III, 18-34. Octachalkon (Bronze, 24 mm, 10.73 g, 12 h), with Tiberius, Artaxata. Jugate laureate heads of Tiberius and Zeno-Artaxias III to right. Rev. [KAI TIBEPIΟΣ K ZHNOΣ] Four-pointed Armenian tiara to right. Kovacs 189. RPC S-2-1-5488 (4 specimens). Extremely rare. Flan flaw on the obverse, otherwise, fair.


Lucius Antonius Zeno, the son of the Pontic King Polemo I (circa 37-8 BC), was appointed King of Armenia by Germanicus in 18 AD. He was not an Armenian, but he changed his name to Artaxias and quickly adapted Armenian habits and culture, making him very popular among the local population. Interestingly enough, this issue calls him by his native name Zeno and may thus predate his coronation.