Mark Antony, 44-30 BC. Denarius (Silver, 18 mm, 3.54 g, 10 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•XVII CLASSICAE Aquila between two signa. Babelon (Antonia) 128. Crawford 544/10. RBW 1835. Sydenham 1238. Rare. Banker's marks, otherwise, good fine.


Of the twenty-two legions named on Mark Antony's legionary denarii, only three carried special names along with their numerals, namely the Legio XII Antiquae, the Legio XVII Classicae, and the Legio XVIII Lybicae. They are not to be confused with Octavian's similarly numbered legions and were likely raised on short notice by Antony prior to the clash with his opponent.