Rare Mark Antony Silver Denarius, Temple Reverse, 42BC

Description

Denomination: Silver denarius

Period: Period between the Roman republic and the empire

Date: c42 BC

Origin: Antony’s travelling military mint to pay his armies

Condition: AVF. struck slightly off-centre. but a rare coin

Obverse: Bare headed bust. right (although not very clear in our example. he wears a beard. a mark of respect and mourning after the death of Julius Caesar). M ANTONI IMP

Reverse: Facing face of Sol on a disc within a distyle temple. III VIR R P C

Size and Weight: 17.5mm. 3.75g

References: Sear 1467. RRC 496/1. RSC12a 

Features and Provenance: Mark Antony rose to the upper echelons of Roman society having started out from a political plebian background and known asociate of Publius Pulcher and his street gang. early mafiosi. Despite this he became 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 very likely that this coin was struck after the battle of Philippi late in 42 BC. the title IMP would indicate this. 

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