Imperatorial Issues
Marcus Antonius. Denarius, mint moving with M. Antony in the East 36, AR 3.76 g. [A]NTONIVS· AVGVR·COS·DES·ITER·ET·TERT Bare head of M. Antony r. Rev. IMP· – TERTIO – ·III·– VIR·R·P·C Armenian tiara; behind, bow and arrow in saltire. Babelon 94. C 19. Sydenham 1205. Sear Imperators 297. RBW 1828. Crawford 539/1.
Very rare and in unusually fine condition for this difficult issue.
Lovely old cabinet tone and about extremely fine Ex UBS sale 78, 2008, 1204 (sold as ex Herzfelder).

A difficult coin related to Armenia. Nicely toned and a very attractive piece. MSG.

Sear argues rather convincingly that this issue relates to a victory by Antony’s general Canidius Crassus in the fall of 37 BC against Artavasdes in Armenia. This battle was critical if Antony’s planned invasion of Parthia was to have any chance at success. Unfortunately the heralded victory here would come back to haunt Antony as Armenia turned on him and caused a major loss to his supply line during the failed Parthian campaign. Sear also argues that this issue was minted by Antony’s eastern mint rather than a moving mint under Crassus. The execution of the engraving is too finely detailed for it to have the indication of a moving mint, where less skilled engravers often struggled with the artistry of their work. Eventually Antony would exact revenge on the fickle Armenia in 34 BC. The allegiance of the territory does not seem to be complete however as Tiberius and Augustus established a peaceful agreement with Armenia in 20/19 BC whereby it would become a full province of the empire. MSG.