Mark Antony, 44-30 BC. Denarius (Silver, 19 mm, 3.60 g, 6 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 • XII • ANTIQVAE Aquila between two signa. Babelon (Antonia) 120. Crawford 544/9. CRI 363. RBW 1834. Sydenham 1231. An attractive example of this popular issue with a perfectly centered reverse. Some banker's marks and the obverse struck somewhat off center, otherwise, very fine.


Legio XII Fulminata was raised by Caesar in 58 BC for his campaign in Gaul, and was bestowed the special cognomen of Antiqua (veteran) by Antony after his campaign against the Parthians. It survived the downsizing of the Roman Army that followed Antony's defeat at Actium and indeed became one of the most veteran and longest serving units, since it was still guarding the crossing of the Euphrates river as late as the 5th century AD.