Lot 4783

Description

Mark Antony, (32-31 B.C.), silver denarius, mint moving with Mark Antony, (3.26 g), obv. praetorian galley to right with rowers etc., around ANT AVG III VIR. R.P.C., rev. legionary eagle between two standards, LEG II below, (cf.S.1479, Sear Imperators 349, Cr.544/14, Syd.1216, RSC Mark Antony 27). Attractively toned, with several surface scratches, otherwise very fine and scarce in this condition.

Ex Dr. Adrian Carr Collection and purchased from Clark Smith in 2001.
This legion was an Antonian legion which was disbanded or lost its separate identity after Actium. Twenty-two or twenty-three individual legions were named on these coins, as well as two special cohorts. This issue, the largest single issue of the Republic and Imperatorial periods, was of base silver. Pliny notes, "Antonius as Triumvir mixed iron into his denarii," where iron is an error for copper, the actual alloy used. In addition, the weight standard was slightly lower than that of prior denarii. However, they were valued at the full denarii in their time, despite their silver content. The issue was produced quickly, with variable die-axis. Striking while hot gave the coins a more silvery look, as the more fluid silver rose to the surfaces. Over time, coins with better silver content were withdrawn for hoards, or for melting. Gresham's Law kept the legionary denarii in circulation for many generations. In addition, many were silver plated, (fouree). Today, many are found in very worn condition, with banker's marks as these legionary denarii circulated alongside other Roman denarii into Severan times.