MACEDON. Philippi. Mark Antony, 44-30 BC. Assarion (Bronze, 19 mm, 6.89 g, 12 h), Q. Paquius Rufus, legatus coloniae deducendae, 42. A I C V P Bare head of Mark Antony to right; before, countermark: caduceus within square incuse. Rev. [Q P]AQVIVS / [RVF L]EG / [C D] Togate figure seated left, holding tablet; before, urn set on ground. RPC I 1647. Rare. Very fine.


The colony of Philippi was founded by Mark Antony in 42 BC following the victory of the Caesarians against Brutus and Longinus in the vicinity of the old Greek settlement. This rare issue was struck to commemorate the foundation of the new colony, and the obverse legend A I C V P is to be expanded to Antoni iussu colonia victrix Philippensis.