Description
Mint moving with Marc Antony in Gallia Cis- or Trans-Alpina, late 43 BC. AR denarius, 3.46 gr., 17 mm.
Obv.: M ANTON IMP; bare head of Marc Antony to the right; [behind: lituus].
Rev.: CAESAR DIC; bare head of Julius Caesar to the right; behind: capis.
Ref.: Crawford 488/1; Sydenham 1165; Babelon, Antonia 4 and Julia 54.
Rare and in exceptional condition for this difficult issue. Nearly Extremely Fine.
Two superb portraits and a wonderful old cabinet tone.
An interesting type because of the bizarre long faces of both Marc Antony and Julius Caesar – typical for this issue. The title imperator was assumed by Antony at Mutina, and is given as his authority to mint this coin.This appearance of Antony was needed at this time to assert himself as successor to Caesar since Octavian was becoming a rival for the loyalties of the Caesarian legions – in fact, two of the legions from Macedonia who had been allocated to Antony defected to Octavian in preference to serving under Antony. After his defeat at Mutina on 21st April 43 B.C. Antony eluded further confrontation by leading his troops over the Alps into Southern Gaul, where his association with Caesar assisted his uniting not only with with the forces of M. Aemilius Lepidus who was Governor of Gallia Narbonensis and Nearer Spain (Lepidus owed Antony a favour, since Antony had secured Lepidus’ election as Pontifex Maximus in succession to Caesar in 44 B.C.) but also with Asinius Pollio of Further Spain and L. Munatius Plancus, proconsul of Gallia Comata.
