Here is the most recent addition to my small fleet of Mark Antony Legionary denarii. This denarius was struck for Legion II. Here is some information on this legion: Legion II: One of the four consular legions, recruited by Caesar when he was consul in 48. It was earmarked for Caesar's campaign against the Parthian empire, which was cancelled after the dictatator's death. In the summer of 44, it served under Marc Antony and was defeated at Modena, where it lost its standard (14 April 43). Denarius 32/31, military mint (Patrae?) with Marcus Antonius. Obv: ANT AVG III VIR R P C Galley to r. with sceptre tied with fillet on prow. Rev: Aquila between two standards, below, LEG II. 3,34 g. Cr. 544/14. Syd. 1216. C. 27. Sear 349. Nice dark tone. ex Peus auction 419. ex Spink Numismatic Circular 1988.
That is an exceptionally beautiful Leg II, I bought one years ago, and apologize as I have still not got around to taking decent pics of it, still using dealer pic.
NICE Legio II! A gorgeous survivor with a LOT of clear detail! Well done! And @Ancient Aussie ... I LOVE banker's marks, it really makes the Legio series so cool! Nice one! I just captured this one from the JA Auction... adding to my small, but beloved collection on the Legios... Roman Imperatorial Marc Antony Legio XVI AR Denarius 18mm 3.4g Military mint 32-31 BCE Praetorian Galley Aquila 2 Standards Crawford 544/31 RSC 48 I wish it had a cool banker's mark chopped in the field above the Galley! (Ummm, no, NOT soliciting volunteers!)
Funny this thread comes back to light as I just happen to have bought a second MA legionnary denarius to go with my LEG IV, but a LEG III this time Q
Beautiful addition to your collection, Cucumbor! Amazing how additive these legionary denarii are - pretty soon you will be wanting to add a third example for another legion. On the subject of the legions and their history, I would like to add this link with interesting information of the legions at the time of Caesar: http://www.livius.org/articles/person/caesar/legions/?
Sure, but I have first to complete my Trajan Decius Divi series : 21st is on its way from the last Gemini XIII auction (fingers crossed as it still has to sail across the big ocean) which will be the last but one. The 22nd might be tough though as it's the Marcus Aurelius/altar and the last one I saw for sale was at the same Gemini XIII and went for USD2000 + fees. Needless to say I was far off Q