Coins of the "Three Kings" of the New Testament

The famous “Magi”, Three Wise Men, Kings from the East, follow the Star of Bethlehem to the manger where Mary lay with the baby Jesus, and present the newborn king with gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The story is a staple of Christian culture, and is renewed with every singing of “We Three Kings,” and with every Nativity play and display at Christmastime. So who were these ”wise men,” or “Three Kings”? “Magi” is a Latin word deriving from an Old Persian term for the Zoroastrian priestly caste; the English word “magic” derives from “Magi”. Given the significance of the star in the Gospel story, it is likely that the Magi were astrologers, highly regarded in that era, and that they hailed from somewhere within the boundary of the old Persian Empire. Many historians now believe the wise men were ambassadors sent by three-contemporary kings: Azes II of Bactria, Gondophares of Indo-Parthia, and Aretas IV from nearby Nabataea. This amazing collection contains silver and bronze coins issued by all three of these Holy Land kings… each one a genuine artifact from Biblical times.