Roman Republic: Marc Antony (43-30 BC). AR denarius (17mm, 3.63 gm, 7h). NGC Choice AU 5/5 - 4/5....

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Marc Antony (43-30 BC). AR denarius (17mm, 3.63 gm, 7h). NGC Choice AU 5/5 - 4/5. Legionary issue, mint moving with Antony in Greece (Aegae or Patrae), 32-31 BC. ANT•AVG / III•VIR•R•P•C, war galley under oar right with triple ram prow and scepter tied with fillet / LEG-II, aquila flanked by standard on either side. Crawford 544/14. Sydenham 1216.

Marc Antony, or Marcus Antonius, was a political and military figure who played a key role in the transformation of Rome from a republic to an empire. He began his career in 57 BC as a calvary commander under Aulus Gabinius while in Egypt and Judea but quickly caught the eye of Julius Caesar. He would join Caesar's staff during his conquest of Gaul and would be promoted to quaestor in 52 BC, securing him a place in the senate. Soon after, in 49 BC, a civil war between Caesar and Pompey would spark the beginning of the end of the republic. Antony would remain loyal to Caesar even after this civil war led to Caesar's assassination in 44 BC, which marked an in-between period for Rome. Antony would eventually control the eastern portion of Rome's territories while Octavian (Augustus) controlled the west. However, threatened by Octavian, Antony would find an ally in Cleopatra to cling to power, although both would perish in the Battle of Actium in 31 BC, in which Octavian would successfully seize Egypt under Roman control - ensuring his position as emperor by 29 BC.
The legion possibly represented on this coin was Legio II Augusta. It was founded around 43 BC, and swore allegiance to Octavian after the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC, and remained in his service through the Battle of Actium. Afterward, it was apparently dissolved between 30-14 BC, and soon after reformed as the new Legio II Augusta.

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