Marc Antony, as Triumvir and Imperator (44-30 BC), with Octavia. AV aureus (20mm, 7.86 gm, 3h). NGC Choice Fine 5/5 - 2/5, edge bend. Military mint traveling with Antony and Octavia in Athens, ca. 38 BC. M•ANTONIVS•M•F•M•N•AVGVR•IMP•TII RT•, bare head of Marc Antony right / COS•DIISIG•ITIIR•IIT•TIIRT•III•VIR•R•P•C•, head of Octavia right, hair tied in knot at back of head, one long plait arranged as a loop on top. Calicó 116. Crawford 533/3b. Sydenham 1201. Very rare with this legend variant, only three examples in sales archives. The unusual legends on this coin come from a single pair of dies and is an artistic form of the standard type of Crawford 533/3a: M•ANTONIVS•M•F•M•N•AVGVR•IMP•TER• / COS•DESIGN•ITER•ET•TER•III•VIR•R•P•C• As part of a pact at Brundisium in 42 BC, shortly after the Battle of Philippi, Marc Antony agreed to Octavian's arrangement to marry his widowed sister, Octavia. This shimmering example commemorates the marriage and the peace agreement brokered between Marc Antony and Octavian during a highly tumultuous time. She traveled with Antony for several years and assisted in negotiating the renewal of the triumvirate in 37 BC, which would last until 33 BC. This coin boasts a realistic and jovial portrait of Marc Antony and the first visage of a living Roman woman, Octavia, on a lustrous, amber-toned flan. HID09801242017 © 2023 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Price realized | 24'000 USD |
Starting price | 15'000 USD |
Estimate | 30'000 USD |