The Coins of Zenobia and Vaballathus of Palmyra
Our gallery takes its name from Palmyra, the caravan city in the Syrian desert, and from its most famous ruler, Queen Zenobia. For a few remarkable years in the third century AD she challenged Rome itself. The coins struck in her name and her son’s are some of the most evocative a collector can hold.
Palmyra and the rise of Zenobia
Palmyra grew rich on the trade routes between the Roman Empire, Persia and the East. In the 260s its leader, Septimius Odaenathus, defended Rome’s eastern frontier against the Sasanian Persians and was honored by the emperor Gallienus. When Odaenathus was assassinated around 267, his widow Zenobia took power as regent for their young son, Vaballathus.
Zenobia did not stay a regent for long. Around 270 her armies took Egypt, and Palmyrene control spread across Syria, Arabia and much of Asia Minor. The mints of Antioch and Alexandria, two of the largest in the Roman East, came under her control.
The coins, in three stages
1. Partners with Aurelian (about 270–272)
At first Zenobia presented her son as a partner of the new emperor, Aurelian, rather than a rival. The Antioch mint struck bronze antoniniani with Aurelian on one side and Vaballathus on the other. The legend around Vaballathus gives his titles in abbreviated form: VABALATHVS V C R IM D R, read as vir consularis, rex, imperator, dux Romanorum.
Alexandria struck matching billon tetradrachms, dated by the regnal years of both rulers. These joint coins are the most available today and the natural starting point for a collection.
2. Independence (272)
In 272 the partnership ended. Vaballathus was proclaimed Augustus and Zenobia took the title Augusta. Antioch briefly struck antoniniani in their own names alone, with Vaballathus in a radiate crown and Zenobia with the reverse IVNO REGINA. Alexandria struck tetradrachms for Zenobia too.
These issues were short-lived and are rare. The antoniniani of Zenobia as Augusta in particular are prized pieces, and any example should come from a trusted source.
3. Aurelian’s victory
Aurelian marched east in 272, defeated the Palmyrene army at Immae near Antioch and again at Emesa, and besieged Palmyra. Zenobia was captured trying to escape toward Persia. Ancient writers say she was led through Rome in Aurelian’s triumph in 274 and lived out her life in Italy. Aurelian’s later coins proclaim him restitutor orientis, restorer of the East.
Collecting the Palmyrene coins
- Start with the joint issues. Aurelian and Vaballathus antoniniani from Antioch, and the Alexandrian tetradrachms, show the story in metal at an accessible level.
- Look for clear legends. The value of these coins lies in the titles. A well-centered strike with a readable VABALATHVS legend is worth more than an attractive but off-center piece.
- Be careful with the rarities. The independent coins of Vaballathus Augustus and Zenobia Augusta attract forgers. Check weight, style and provenance, and see our guide to authenticity.
- Add Aurelian’s eastern victory coins to complete the story from both sides.
Why Palmyra still matters
Zenobia’s revolt lasted only a few years, yet she became a legend: a woman who ruled half of Rome’s East and struck coins as an equal to the emperor. Palmyra itself remained a great city of colonnades and temples, much of which suffered terrible damage in the recent Syrian war. The coins are among the most direct links we have to that world.
Browse our Roman coins and the wider collection, or tell us what you are looking for. Coins of Palmyra are a specialty close to our heart, and we are glad to help you find one.