COIN (ROMAN)







A silver Roman Republican denarius of Mark Antony, dating to 32-31 BC (Reece Period 1) and struck by a travelling mint. The reverse depicts a legionary eagle between two standards and the legend LEG XI, for Legio 11. To the obverse is a galley with the legend ANT [AVG] above and III.VIR.R.P[C] below. There is a circular indentation, similar to a counter-stamp, on the obverse below the galley. It is unclear what this is for or when it was done.



These coins were struck by Mark Antony for the use of his fleet and legions when he was preparing for the struggle with Octavius, which culminated in the Battle of Actium on the 2nd of September, 31 BC (Grueber, 1970, 526). Some legionary denarii remained in circulation until the 3rd century AD.







Ruler: Republic
Denomination: Denarius (Roman Republic)
Material: Silver
Mint: Moving with Republican issuer
Obverse: Galley going right
Obverse legend: ANT [AVG] III.VIR.[R.P.C]
Reverse: Legionary eagle between two standards
Reverse legend: LEG [XI]
Dated: -32.0 to -31.0
Weight (g): 3.5
Diameter (mm): 17.6
Thickness (mm): 1.7
Completeness: Complete
Preservation: Fair
Parish: Winslade
District: Basingstoke and Deane
County: Hampshire
Region: South East
Discovery method: Metal detector