Denarius of Mark Antony (32–31 BC), struck at a mobile military mint accompanying his army during the final years of the Roman Republic, just before the decisive conflict with Augustus. Antony’s legionary issues are among the most distinctive and mass-produced coinages of the period.
The obverse depicts a praetorian galley, symbolizing Antony’s naval power and military strength, with the legend ANT AVG above and III VIR R P C below (Triumvir Rei Publicae Constituendae), referring to his official role as one of the triumvirs tasked with reorganizing the state.
The reverse shows a legionary eagle (aquila) between two military standards, with the inscription LEG identifying a specific legion. This imagery emphasizes the central role of the army in Antony’s power base and the loyalty of individual legions.
Legionary denarii were struck in vast quantities to pay the troops, explaining their relative abundance today, while also highlighting their immense historical importance as direct evidence of preparations for the civil war that culminated in the Battle of Actium.
Roman Republic
Mark Antony (32-31 BC), Denarius 32-31 BC, Military mint moving with Antony
Obverse: Praetorian galley, ANT·AVG at the top, III·VIR·R·P·C at the bottom
Reverse: Aquila between two legionary standards
Diameter 18 mm, weight 3.05 g
