Anyone (Atheist, Christian, etc.) with knowledge or opinion of the book of Revelation?

Question

I am looking for a particular Roman Coin, probably minted in Asia ca. 62 CE to 98 CE. Or AD if you prefer.

Roma seated, likely facing left, seven heads, ten horns on the reverse, with Vespasian, Titus or Domitian on the obverse. Likely with Vespasian on the coin but minted under Domitian, as this would match the second beast making an image of the first beast. Other combinations are possible. The Roman letters in the inscription which are also Roman numerals should add up to 616 or 666, using only the initial title and name, not the accomplishments.

Any ideas? I'm also posting on some coin forums.

This is a legitimate question, given my ancient coin collection and my interest in the ancient Mediterranean, Biblical and otherwise.

Yes, I am looking for the 'Mark of the Beast' coin.

Pilgrim, my opinion is that in the references made by John, he is describing a Roman coin. The woman depicted in Revelation chapter 17 is likely the Goddess of Rome, Roma, seated and facing left as she typically is on first century Roman coins. The seven mountains are the 'City of Seven Hills', namely Rome.

The references to the two Beasts would be Vespasian first, and then Titus or Domitian, his two sons who succeeded him as Emperor, in that order.

They are the family that put down the first Jewish revolt, 67 CE to 70 CE, and because Emperors because of it.

A good place to start looking for the coins is here: http://www.forumancientcoins.com/

I think the coins minted under these Emperors showing defeated and mourning Jews, after the destruction of the Temple, on the obverse are of particular interest.

mxcardinal, I know that Nero is the usual suspect, but I think the Flavian dynasty is more likely because of their direct connection to the destruction of the Temple, both as Generals and as Emperors. Also, Domitian has always been the best second guess for the 666/616 combination.

My guess for the 616/666 calculation is a little different than the typical Nero/Neron Kaiser hypothesis.

I think it could be a title and name combination that is minted directly on the coin, especially the coins depicting the Emperors as gods, i.e., CAESAR DIVIVS, using only C = 100, D = 500, I = 1 and V = 5 gives us 612. Very close and lacking an L to put it at 662. Using only D C L X V I would create 666 and eliminating the L would create 616. There are many abbr. used on the coins, so many combination are possible.

This would leave M = 1,000 as the only unused Roman Numeral.

I-ate-your, I agree. Similar to the decision made by George Orwell's editors to change the title of his novel from 1948 to 1984 to reduce the backlash.

Answer 1

Interesting... Let us know if you find it.

[][][] r u randy? [][][]
.

Answer 2

Me thinks -
The seven heads are 7 continents =
By most standards, there are a maximum of seven continents - Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia/Oceania, Europe, North America, and South America. Many geographers and scientists now refer to six continents, where Europe and Asia are combined (because they're one solid landmass).

The 10 horns are 10 Major organized Religions =
Organized religions by population ranking
The Christian Science Monitor used a separate standard, examining only organized religions. The newspaper listed the following in 1998 as the "Top 10 Organized Religions in the World" based on descending level of population:

1. Christianity
2. Islam
3. Hinduism
4. Buddhism
5. Sikhism
6. Judaism
7. Bahá'í Faith
8. Confucianism
9. Jainism
10. Shintoism


For Vespasian coins - good luck

Answer 3

Speaking as a Christian I would never have included it in the canon; it almost wasn't. It is prophecy fulfilled,pertaining to the Neronian persecutions and subsequently of historical interest only; plus,there was at the time the canon was established a feeling that the absurdly lavish use of metaphorical imagery could easily engender weird beliefs and fanaticism,which has certainly been borne out. Lastly,it is one of an entire genre of Jewish "apocalyptic" literature circulating in the first century,and it's amazing strangeness is a lot less amazing if you've read other examples of the genre. Plus,it's Jewish in spirit - meaning extremely negative and threatening - and thus as much in conflict with the Gospel of Christ as the so-called OT.

Answer 4

It may be engraved on Roman coins. The Beast is one body of Christianity with seven heads because seven is represented as "many" in Biblical terms, Ten horns stands for power and Crowns stand for authority. One of the heads of the Beast was fatally wounded and wound was healed. It stands for the man who suffered so much and wounded severely to his death but he came to life again. The mark of the beast is the sign of the cross that is put on the forehead of every baptized. 666 is number 999 twisted that represent the almost perfect writings of the Old Testament and became the twisted teachings from the New Testament. Christianity is the greatest deception ever taught to mankind.

Answer 5

You may be looking for a medallion, rather than a coin. Paul had one, and used it to get out of jail, and onto a boat to Rome. It signified Roman citizenship, and exempted the bearer from local laws, and a guaranteed a hearing in Rome. I've heard that a companion of Paul also had one. This would be a relic, that the Vatican would value as priceless. But I doubt if they'd ever admit to it's existance.

Answer 6

Rome was often called the city on seven spires, and many other historical findings lead me to believe that the current state in rome was in fact the REVELATION of the Christian Bible. written in a future scenario to keep roman authorities from further persecuting the christian minority at the time.

in fact if you look at the christian state at that time it very closely resembles the appocylapyse of the bible. i feel that it was a pollitical tool used to show the people's rage against the government, and to give hope to a people that were on their last legs of existence.

Answer 7

Most senseable (non-dispensational) Bible schoolars all agree that Ceasar Nero was the Name John describes as the Mark of the Beast. I agree also. I am part of the minority of Christians that feel that way.

Answer 8

To answer your "original" question, even though I am faithful, I still believe Revelations to be written by a senile old man making his last attempts at "fame" for much of it is written as the ramblings of a "madman......"

Answer 9

Wow Dude I have never even heard of it but I am going to google image that tomorrow from work where I have hispeed connection

Answer 10

Can you take a picture of both sides of the coin and post a link to it perhaps?

check www.photobucket.com for somewhere to host the picture.

Answer 11

Sorry, I have no idea. But I'd love to get hold of one myself, just for the effect it would have when I showed it to people.