Silanus, Legate Syria, Star of Bethlehem? Some scholars have argued that the star shown on the reverse of this coin represents the Star of Bethlehem. Silanus, legate of Rome to Syria, struck in Antioch, Syria, and dated 13/14 AD, bronze of 18.1 mm, 6.75 grams. Obverse: Zeus bust right. Reverse: Ram leaps to right star above. Reference: Roman Provincial Coinage 4269.