Obverse: ANT AVG III VIR R P C, Galley right, mast with banners at prow.

Reverse: LEG IV, Legionary eagle between two standards.

RRC: 544/18. Sear: 1479. RSC: 32. [Patrae, 32-31 BC].

Diameter: 18 mm. Weight: 3.7 g.

A stunning silver denarius of Mark Antony struck circa 32-31 BC during the build up to the Battle of Actium. Probably minted at Antony's winter headquarters in Patrae (Greece), this extensive series individually names all of Antony’s legions and cohorts. This coinage was minted from baser silver than the standard republican issue, at 85% fine compared to 96%, these debased coins tended not to be hoarded but were in constant circulation and so are most often found in very worn condition or with bankers' assay marks. Amazingly, this vast coinage did not disappear from circulation until the mid-third century AD. This beautifully toned E.F example names Legio IV on the reverse.