Marc Antony, as Triumvir and Imperator, AR Denarius, Legionary type, mint traveling with Antony in Greece (Aegae or Patrae), 32-31 BC

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Description

Roman Republic, Marc Antony, as Triumvir and Imperator, AR Denarius (silver, 3.48g, 17.4mm), Legionary type, mint traveling with Antony in Greece (Aegae or Patrae), bankers mark, 32-31 BC
Obv: ANT•AVG• / III•VIR•R•P•C, war galley under oar right with triple ram prow and scepter tied with fillet
Rev: Aquila between two signa; LEG VIII across lower field
Ref: Crawford 544/21; RSC 35 Rarity/Choice: Common, aEF (minor area of weakness on the reverse, otherwise, nicely struck on broad flan)
Note: Marc Antony was a Roman politician and general who played a critical role during the final years of the Roman Republic. As a member of the Second Triumvirate alongside Octavian and Lepidus, he held significant power from 43 to 30 BC. Antony was known for his military prowess and his famous alliance with Cleopatra VII of Egypt. His rule included various provinces, and he was instrumental in the transformation of the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire. The  Denarius was a silver coin that served as a standard denomination in the Roman economy. This particular issue, minted by Marc Antony while he was in Greece during 32-31 BC, reflects the military and political circumstances of the time. The coin was likely used to pay Antony’s legions and support his military campaigns. Obverse inscription:  “ANT•AVG• / III•VIR•R•P•C” is title emphasizes Marc Antony’s roles as an augur (a priest who interprets the will of the gods) and as a triumvir, underscoring his authority and religious significance. The depiction features a war galley under oar to the right, with a triple ram prow and a scepter tied with a fillet. The war galley symbolizes Antony’s naval power and his preparation for the Battle of Actium, a decisive confrontation against Octavian. The scepter and fillet denote authority and command. Reverse inscription: “LEG-VIII”,  honors the eighth legion, one of Antony’s legions, highlighting the importance of his military forces. The depiction shows an aquila (eagle) between two signa (standards). The aquila, a symbol of the legion, represents Roman military strength and unity. The signa were used to identify and lead legions in battle, reinforcing the military theme. During the late Republic, Marc Antony was engaged in a power struggle with Octavian. This period was marked by significant military campaigns and political maneuvering. The minting of this coin in Greece reflects Antony’s efforts to secure his position and support his legions during the lead-up to the Battle of Actium in 31 BC. The imagery and inscriptions on the coin emphasize his naval preparations and the loyalty of his legions. This coin not only served as a means of economic exchange but also as a tool to reinforce Antony’s military and political stature during his struggle against Octavian.

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