Roman Secret Service

Well, it finally arrived today. I have been waiting on pins and needles afraid something might happen to it in shipment. I have been like a little kid waiting for his decoder ring, looking in the mailbox every afternoon only to be disappointed - until today.

This makes number 18 for my sub-collection of Marcus Antonius Legionary denarii (and my secret birthday present from my wife - secret from her that is). My birthday is not till next month, but hey, why wait, eh? Besides, I'm in negotiation for two more and will just add them to my birthday present if I get them.

Serving as scouts and messengers, the Chortjs Speculatorum filled the role of a spy within each legion. Normally ten in number per legion, Mark Antony created a special group of chortis who specifically served around him, carrying out personal instructions and protecting his well-being, essentially acting as an early secret service–a concept which was further developed during the empire under Augustus

MARCUS ANTONIUS
AR Denarius
OBVERSE: ANT AVG III VIR R P C, Praetorian galley, thyrsos behind prow
REVERSE: CHORTIS SPECVLATORVM, three legionary standards
Patrae 32-31 BC
3.52g, 18.mm
Cr544/12; Syd 1214
ex. Marti Classical Numismatics

 

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WOW, Bing. Supercool! Congrats on that big score

 

Most exceedingly.

 

What a terrific coin!! There is nothing quite as thrilling as waiting on a coveted piece arriving in the mail. Although the anticipation can be quite nerve-wracking! I'm glad it arrived safe and sound.

 

Congrats, bing! Great example, I'm very jealous!

 

Most don't pickup on the fact, that at those times, ya needed someone 'at your back'. Same holds true today.........I'm a little short on 'Chortes Speculatorum'.
Google is rather lacking and keeps pointing me back to this thread.

 

Awesome coin Bing! I could easily get caught up collecting these!

 

The Delos Hoard of 1905 had 9 Chortes Speculatorum, so it is considered scarce along with the other Cohort piece, all the coins with epithets, plus XIIII and XVIII. The ones considered really rare are PRI, IIII, IIX, and XVIIII. Man, I have my work cut out for me.

 

Beyond WOW! 'Nuff said!!!

 

Couldn't resist, Bingo...

 

Wow @Bing that is great. I am very happy you were able to add this to your collection. It is a very nice example. Congratulations.

 

Brilliant coin Bing, lucky to have such a great wife who knows the way to your heart.............COINS and more COINS

 

Chortle or Cohort?

 

Wow great coin very nice and happy early birthday!

 

A cohort unit is one that serves a full term together. Example would be for back in my day with the 7th Inf (light) we all went to basic and then stationed together for the minimum 3 years.
Chortle, I have absolutely no idea sounds French to me,

@Bing thats a sweeeet coin congrats.
I may just get one come Christmas time

 

Many people don't realize that "Mr. Postman" by the Marvelettes was Motown's first #1 hit. This is where the Motown magic was born.

 

Congratulations Bing. What a great addition to your collection. That's an interesting history that I knew nothing about too.

 

That is pretty dang awesome, I didn't know about these guys...very cool!