Description
Denomination: Silver denarius
Period: Period between the Roman republic and the empire
Date: c32-31BC
Origin: Antony’s travelling military mint
Condition: Almost VF for type. both sides are double struck (i.e. have both images on both sides) on an oval flan
Obverse: Galley right. mast with banners at prow. ANT AVG III R P C (or similar)
Reverse: Legionary eagle between two standards. LEG XIX
Size and Weight: 20mm x 16mm. 3.24g
References: Sear 1479 var
Features and Provenance: It is claimed that Marcus Antonius was a strong willed alcoholic and womaniser. Despite these possible failings he was one of Rome’s most successful generals whilst under the leadership of his friend. Julius Caesar. He was a key player in the transformation of Rome from a republic to an empire. He ruled over the eastern provinces himself from 43-30 BC. becoming the lover of Cleopatra VII. His fall from grace began with his defeat by Octavian (later to become Emperor Augustus). Believing that Cleopatra had killed herself. he took his own life by eviscerating himself with his own gladius. It transpired that Cleopatra was still alive however she was captured by Octavian and then took her own life.
Numismatic note – This coin is of interest in three ways: it was issued by Antony’s mobile mint as a means to pay his armies; the galley and standard motifs are shown on both sides and this is a striking error; and the legion mentioned on the coin is the famous legio XIX (nineteenth legion). This legion was ambushed and entirely slaughtered at the battle of Teutoburg Forest by the Germanic tribe the Bructei. The legion was disbanded in their honour and XIX was retired never to be used again!
Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades between
Uncirculated (U). As struck with no traces of wear
Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear. all parts of legend etc present. visible and clear
Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief. all parts of legend etc present. but maybe worn
Fine (F). Wear on the coin and parts of legend etc may be missing or not visible
Historical Irrelevance. This was fully 2000 years before West Ham retired Bobby Moore’s shirt as everyone loved him with the exception of a Columbian jeweller.
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