Luscious Lucius

I bought this coin at one of the NYINC auctions. Before the auction, I found a 1971 Stack's provenance for the coin, which made me optimistic that I could take the pedigree further back. I was not disappointed with what I soon found.



Rome, The Imperators.
Marc Antony and M. Nerva, 41 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.69g; 20mm).
Ephesus mint.

Obverse: M·ANT·IMP·AVG·III·VIR· R·P·CM·NERVA PROQ·P; bare head of Marc Antony, facing right.

Reverse: L·ANTONIVS – COS; bare head of Lucius Antony, facing right.

References: Crawford 517/5a; HCRI 246; Sydenham 1185; BMCRR (East) 107; Antonia 48; Banti & Simonetti 3 (this coin illustrated).

Provenance: Ex Private Japanese Collection [Heritage 3081 (12 Jan 2020) Lot 30157]; Heritage 3030 (5 Jan 2014) Lot 23911; Stack's (14 Jun 1971) Lot 332; V.J.E. Ryan (d. 1947) Collection [Glendining (2 Apr 1952) Lot 1932].

This coin was struck in Ephesus by Marc Antony and the pro quaestor M. Cocceius Nerva (ancestor of the Emperor Nerva) during the year of Lucius Antony’s consulship. Lucius Antony was Marc Antony’s younger brother and supporter. During Lucius’ time as consul, Octavian was in the process of allotting confiscated land throughout Italy to army veterans. In response to the unpopular policy, Lucius Antony conspired with Marc Antony’s wife, Fulvia, to defend cities and landowners against Octavian’s confiscations. Lucius and Fulvia expected Marc Antony’s Gallic colleagues to support their efforts, but such support never materialized. As a result, Octavian besieged them at Perusia, where they were hunkering-down, and they eventually capitulated. Octavian pardoned them, rather than risk incurring Marc Antony’s wrath. Lucius was made governor of Spain where he eventually died.

The portraiture of the brothers Antony on this coin are quite distinct and likely veristic; Lucius being depicted with a bald pate and a more aquiline nose compared to his elder brother.

 

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Wow, that's a stunning and fairly uncommon denarius. So pretty!

I have the Antony and Octavian variety...

 

Carausius, That's a great example of a rare coin ! I've got an example of the more common variety with Octavian on the reverse. 4.03 gm, 21 mm. Sear 1504.

 

Yet another fantastic coin with a great provenance. Well done! This is a great addition to your collection.

 

great two brother coin, it is easy to see who was the alpha dog in the Antionus litter

 

Thanks for the kind comments everyone.

 

Yes, if neck size and hair retention are competent criteria...

 

Somewhat better than mine! (also with Lucius, but different variety - Cr. 517/5c, HCRI 247):

 

Yes, your's different variety with jug behind Marcus' head.

 

WOW! Tougher one to get, and a great quality! Well done, congrats!