DR-878 | Crawford: 544/11
Marcus Antonius
Marcus Antonius

Gens: Antonia
Moneyer: Marcus Antonius
Date and mint: 32 BC/31 BC - ?


Obverse: Galley to the right. Dotted border.
Legend: ANT AVG III VIR R P C

Reverse: Eagle between two banners. dotted border
Legend: LEGXVIII LYBICAE

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 Roma 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 LEGXVIII LYBICAE. 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:
<a href="https://www.denariuss.org/articulos/los-denariuss-de-las-legiones-de-marco-antonio/" target="_self" >https://www.denariuss.org/articulos/los-denariuss-de-las-legiones-de-marco-antonio/</a>

Provenance: Leu Numismatik AG (2023)
Price: 8,750 €