Lot 1982

Description

Mark Antony and Cleopatra, denarius, issued 32 B.C., mint travelling with Antony, obv. bare head of Antony to right, Armenian tiara behind, around, [ANTONI ARM]ENIA DEVICTA rev. diademed and draped bust of Cleopatra VII to right, around [CLEOPATRAE REGIN]AE REGVM FILIOR[VM REGVM], (Cr.543/1, Syd.1210, S.440). Surface marks from minor corrosion, struck on small flan, otherwise fine and extremely rare.

Ex Spink Auctions, London March 14, 1984 (lot 400). Historically one of the most interesting of ancient coins. Cleopatra played a leading role in the political intrigues of the 40's and 30's of the first century B.C., being the lover of Julius Caesar, who restored her to the throne and then the wife of Mark Antony, whose downfall she was destined to share. The year 34 B.C. saw the city of Alexandria witness the ceremony of 'Donations' whereby all the lands ruled by Alexander the Great were apportioned between Cleopatra and her children. The resultant extravagant honours are recorded on this coin. These antics provided Octavian the reason to inflame Roman public opinion against his adversary.