Lot 2106

Description

Republic, Mark Antony, triumvir, committed suicide (30 B.C.), silver denarius, mint moving with Antony, issued 33 B.C., issued by moneyer M. Silanus. obv. bare head of Antony to right, [ANTON AV]G IMP III COS DES III III V R P C, around, (artist's signature P concealed in the hair behind the ear), rev. M SILANVS AVG Q PRO COS in two lines across central field, dotted border, (S.410, Cr. 542/1, Syd. 1208). A forceful portrait, with banker countermark T incuse in field on the reverse, slightly off centred on the obverse, otherwise nearly very fine and scarce.

M. Junius Silanus, one of Antony's principal lieutenants in the East, produced this coinage in his capacity as quaestor pro consule. This is the sole instance of an engraver's signature appearing on the die of a Roman Republican coin. Although not clearly visible it was engraved to blend into the hair after a period of some circulation and wear.