Series: Imperatorial - Legionnaire
Reference: Crawford 544/34

Gens and monetary:Antonia - Mark Antony
Year and mint:From 32 BC to 31 BC - Military. Patrae?
Obverse:Galley to the right. Dotted border. ANT·AVG III·VIR·R·P·C
Reverse:Eagle between two banners. LEG XX dot border

Grade:EF- / EF- 3.73 g - 5h
Origin:From the Collection of a Texas Wine Doctor. Former CNG inventory 903520 (circa 1991-3). - CNG 2023

Comment:
The gens Antonia was an influential plebeian family. In addition to Mark Antony, the famous triumvir, his grandfather Mark Antony the Orator also stood out for his rhetorical skill and military leadership, occupying the consulship in 99 BC. The family maintained a prominent position in the public life of Rome during the 1st century BC, although its power collapsed after the defeat of Mark Antony at Actium.
Mark Antony had an outstanding military experience, fighting in the Gallic War under the command of Julius Caesar, where he established himself as a commander. During the civil war against Pompey, he played a key role in Caesar’s victories, such as at Pharsalia in 48 BC. In addition, he was tribune of the plebs in 49 BC, protecting Caesar’s interests before the Senate.
This denarius was minted between 32 and 31 BC, in preparation for the civil war against Octavian. It is likely that it was issued in Patrae, an important city for Mark Antony, used as a military base during the campaign. This type of coin is known as the “legionary denarius”, since it celebrated the legions that supported Antony, in this case the LEG XX. The denarius served both as military propaganda and to pay loyal troops in the midst of the conflict that would culminate in the Battle of Actium.
The obverse shows a galley, representing Mark Antony’s naval power, essential for his plans against Octavian. On the reverse, the legionary eagle between two banners symbolizes the strength and loyalty of each of the legions (from the I to the XXIII). This type of denarius not only served to pay his troops, but also as a propaganda statement of his military authority, seeking to inspire his soldiers and project power against his enemies.

More information in the article:
https://www.denarios.org/articulos/los-denarios-de-las-legiones-de-marco-antonio/