Mark Antony, Legionary Silver Denarius LEG IV 32-31 BC

The Triumvirs. Mark Antony, Autumn 32-spring 31 BC, silver Denarius, Legionary type, Patrae(?) mint, praetorian galley right, rev. LEG IV aquila between two signa; across lower field, 3.99g (Crawford 544/17; Sydenham 122). Nice dark tone, extremely fine.

Legio IV Macedonica was a Roman legion with long history, originally raised by Mark Antony during the Roman civil wars in the 40s BC. The legion fought on Antony's side at the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC, where Antony and Octavian defeated the forces of Brutus and Cassius, the assassins of Julius Caesar. During the later conflict between Antony and Octavian, Antony issued a large series of legionary denarii, around 32-31 BC, to help pay his soldiers. Legio IV was among the legions represented in this coinage. After Antony's defeat at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC, the legion came under Octavian's control and continued serving in the Roman army. It was later involved in campaigns in Hispania, including the long Roman wars against the Cantabrians in northern Spain. The legion was eventually stationed in the Roman provinces and continued its military career under the early emperors. In 70 AD, during the reign of Emperor Vespasian, Legio IV Macedonica was disbanded following its involvement in the turmoil of the Roman Empire.

The Latin legend ANT·AVG III·VIR·R·P·C translates to Mark Antony, Augur, Triumvir for Restoring the Republic.