COIN (ROMAN)
A worn Roman silver denarius of Mark Antony (42-30 BC), dating to 32-31 BC (Reece period 1). LEG II(I)[...] reverse type, depicting a legionary eagle between two standards. Travelling mint. As RRC 544. The coin has been countermarked with a small letter C or a circle on the obverse.
Ruler: Republic
Moneyer: Antonius, M.
Denomination: Denarius (Roman Republic)
Material: Silver
Mint: Moving with Republican issuer
Obverse: Galley right.
Obverse legend: [...]VIR[...]
Reverse: Aquila between standards.
Reverse legend: LEG II(I)[...]
Dated: -32.0 to -31.0
Weight (g): 3.22
Diameter (mm): 15.9
Thickness (mm): 1.8
Completeness: Complete
Parish: Grafton
District: Wiltshire
County: Wiltshire
Region: South West
Discovery method: Metal detector
Notes: The 'legionary' coinage of Mark Antony honoured twenty three legions and were struck for the use of his fleet and legions when he was preparing for the struggle with Octavian, which culminated in the Battle of Actium on the 2nd of September, 31 BC. These coins were slightly debased and survived the various monetary reforms from the reign of Nero onwards, remaining in circulation until the 3rd century AD (hence the typical heavy wear for this issue).