Mark Antony, 44-30 BC. Denarius (Silver, 17 mm, 3.88 g, 3 h), military mint moving with Mark Antony (Patrae?), 32-31. ANT AVG - [III•VIR]•R P•C Galley right, with scepter tied with fillet on prow. Rev. LEG VIII Aquila between two signa. Babelon (Antonia) 114. Crawford 544/21. CRI 358. RBW 1843. Sydenham 1225. Areas of weakness and struck slightly off center, otherwise, extremely fine.


This obscure Antonian legion, which no doubt was disbanded after Antony's defeat, should not be mistaken with the celebrated Legio VIII (Gallica/Mutinensis/Augusta), which was created by Pompey in 65 and which, in 59, was one of the original legions under Caesar's command in Gaul. It is known that the famous unit fought on Octavian's side at the Battle of Actium.