Description
Denomination: Silver quinarius
Period: Period between the Roman republic and the empire
Date: 42BC
Origin: Lugdunum (Lyon) mint
Condition: Near very fine. nicely toned. rare
Obverse: Winged bust of Victory with the likeness of Fulvia; M.VIR.R.P.C
Reverse: Lion walking to right. [A-XLI] across the field (Antony’s age. 41 at the time). ANTO[NI] above IMP in exergue
Size and Weight: 14mm. 1.55g
References: RSC 3 Fulvia
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.
It is considered that the obverse image is that of Anthony’s third wife Fulvia. She. until recently. was thought to have been his first wife but two more have been discovered. although very little is known about them. Fulvia married Marcus in 47BC and was a to become a strong political figure. However. her forthright manner was to make her many enemies and the people disliked her less than ladylike ways. so much so that sling-shots were made with obscene abuse about her to be thrown at her own troops. It is thought that her jealousy fanned the flames between Octavian and Anthony when she found out about his affair with Cleopatra.
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
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