Summary

Denarius, issued by Mark Anthony, 32 BC
Imperatorial Period
Minted by Moving with Mark Anthony, perhaps at Antony's winter headquarters in Patrae (Greece)

Obverse Description

A ship being rowed to the right; above, ANT AVG (abbreviating: Antonius augurus); below, III VIR R P C (abbreviating: Triumvir rei publicae constituendae; translation: One of Three Men for the Restoration of the Republic)

Reverse Description

A Roman military eagle (aquila) between two standards; below (partly off flan), LEG XI

Edge Description

Plain

Significance

This coin was part of a very large issue by Mark Anthony before his final confrontation with Octavian at the Battle of Actium in 32 BC. The coins were produced at a mint travelling with the general perhaps at Antony's winter headquarters in Patrae (Greece). Mark Antony used these coins to pay his legions and fleet. However the number of coins needed strained the available amount of silver and forced a lower silver content be used in their production than was used in standard denarii of that time. These debased coins tended not to be hoarded but remained in circulation well into the period of the Roman Empire. Like the examples in the museum's collection these coins are often found in worn condition and with bankers' test marks (see NU 2198)

This coin celebrates the Eleventh Legion.

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