Imperatorial Issues
Caius Antonius. Denarius, mint moving with Caius Antonius January-March 43, AR 3.70 g. [C A]NTONIVS·M·F·PRO·COS Draped bust of genius of Macedonia r., wearing causia . Rev. Priestly implements; below, PONTIFEX. Babelon Antonia 148. C 1. Sydenham 1286. Sear Imperators 141. Kent- Hirmer pl. 30, 104. RBW 1699. Crawford 484/1.
Extremely rare and in unusually fine condition for the issue. Light iridescent tone,
minor banker’s marks, on obverse, otherwise extremely fine Ex UBS sale 78, 2008, 1122 and previously privately purchased from Münzhandlung Basel (1933-1942).

One of the most difficult coins to obtain in the imperatorial series and the only appearance of Caius Antony. A really rare coin worthy of the finest collection. MSG.

Caius Antonius had long been active in Caesarean politics, and he became deeply entrenched in the years 44 to 42 B.C. In 44 he was elected to the priestly college of the pontifices through the efforts of Julius Caesar, and after the dictator’s murder he worked tirelessly to secure his brother Marc Antony’s authority in Rome. Though he comes across as an unfortunate soul, Caius must have been ambitious, for he did not reject his brother’s effort to get him appointed governor of Macedon late in November, 44 B.C. – an act that amounted to a direct challenge to Brutus, who already occupied the region. Brutus defended Macedon by blockading Caius at the port of Apollonia in March, 43. He was able to convince Caius’ armies at Dyrrhachium and Apollonia to desert to his side, and through vigorous action he was able to keep Caius at bay until he surrendered. However, the worst was yet to come. As tensions continued to rise between the two factions, the Caesareans executed the orator Cicero. This silenced one of the great outspoken voices against the Caesareans, but it also seemed to result in the execution of Caius Antonius, who was still in captivity at that time. Caius’ death not only sent a message to the supporters of Antony and Octavian, but it must have assuaged Marcus Tullius Cicero, the son of the orator, who had fought valiantly for Brutus during the siege of Caius’ armies in Apollonia. Beyond these historical accounts, little remains to testify to the life of Caius, except this small issue of denarii, presumably struck in 43 B.C. at a mint traveling with him in Illyricum.