Superb Antony / Octavian, with a superb provenance!

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by Michael Stolt, Jan 22, 2021.

  1. Michael Stolt

    Michael Stolt Well-Known Member

    Thanks to CNG for being excellent and flexible, my collection will soon have a superb addition. This is a coin I've had my sights on for a while. As this type is pretty common I wanted something special, and special it is. It has everything I want, fine style, high grade, great toning and a superb provenance. Very very very happy!

    3594663.jpg

    The Triumvirs. Mark Antony and Octavian. Spring-early summer 41 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.98 g, 12h). Ephesus mint; M. Barbatius Pollio, quaestor pro praetore.

    Obverse: Bare head of Mark Antony right; M • ANT • I(MP) • (AV)G • III • VIR • R • P • C • M • BARBAT • Q • P around.

    Reverse: Bare head of Octavian right, wearing slight beard; CAESAR • IMP • PONT • III • VIR • R • P • C • around.

    References: Crawford 517/2; CRI 243; Sydenham 1181; RSC 8a; RBW 1798; de Sartiges 25 (this coin).

    Provenance: Ex Dr. Patrick H. C. Tan Collection (Triton XX, 10 January 2017), lot 584; Münzen und Medaillen 43 (12 November 1970), lot 250; Vicomte de Sartiges Collection (Ars Classica XVIII, 10 October 1938), lot 34; Consul Eduard Friedrich Weber Collection (J. Hirsch XXIV, 10 May 1909), lot 771.

    "The fraught relationship of Mark Antony and Octavian underwent numerous permutations during their 13-year joint domination of the Roman state. This denarius, struck in mid-41 BC in the eastern half of the Empire ruled by Antony, puts the political situation in stark terms, with Antony and Octavian, still sporting youthful long sideburns, on opposite sides. While Antony occupies the dominant obverse, Octavian calls himself by the potent name Caesar, soon to become a title for future Roman emperors."
     
    Last edited: Jan 23, 2021
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  3. Roman Collector

    Roman Collector Well-Known Member

    Stunning, @Michael Stolt! A real museum piece. A historical coin with a historic provenance!
     
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  4. Michael Stolt

    Michael Stolt Well-Known Member

    I'm quite ecstatic, coins like these used to be a distant dream, now those dreams become reality. :)
     
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  5. Romancollector

    Romancollector Well-Known Member

    What a spectacular addition @Michael Stolt ! :wideyed: It is superior to any of the examples offered in Triton, not only in terms of its eye appeal, but also its impressive provenance. Congrats!
     
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  6. Michael Stolt

    Michael Stolt Well-Known Member

    Thank you! I was close to bid on the Merani one at Triton, but I had a few targets in session 3 I prioritized higher, session 3 proved to be a disappointment, my phone and the app weren't friends for the early Republican lots, plus two paddles more or less split the RR section between them.
     
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  7. Bing

    Bing Illegitimi non carborundum Supporter

  8. panzerman

    panzerman Well-Known Member

    That is a stunner Michael! Congratulations! Proves "dreams" can come true:)!
    John
     
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  9. AncientJoe

    AncientJoe Well-Known Member

    That's a superb coin - congrats!
     
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  10. Cucumbor

    Cucumbor Well-Known Member

    What a superb example with an as prestigious a provenance can be.
    I have always found my own example to be excellent, now you find me a bit doubtful :)

    [​IMG]
    Denarius minted in Asia minor c.41 BC
    M ANT IMP AVG III RPCM BARBAT QP, Bare head of Mark Antony right
    CAESAR IMP PONT III VIR RPC, Bare head of Octavian right
    3.62 gr
    Ref : HCRI # 243, RCV #1504, Cohen #8
    Ex Coll Alain M.

    Q
     
  11. AnYangMan

    AnYangMan Well-Known Member

    Absolutely fantastic denarius with indeed a superb provenance!
     
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  12. Michael Stolt

    Michael Stolt Well-Known Member

    Indeed :) Thank you!
     
  13. Michael Stolt

    Michael Stolt Well-Known Member

    Thanks Joe! :)
     
  14. Michael Stolt

    Michael Stolt Well-Known Member

    Never doubt a large flan, beautiful coin! :)
     
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  15. Michael Stolt

    Michael Stolt Well-Known Member

    Thank you! :)
     
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  16. AuldFartte

    AuldFartte Well-Known Member

    That coin is stunning! :jawdrop:
     
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  17. Volodya

    Volodya Junior Member

    Ex Archer M. Huntington. Ironically, one lot later than Michael's OP coin in Triton XX:

    [​IMG]

    Phil Davis
     
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  18. Michael Stolt

    Michael Stolt Well-Known Member

    That's a beauty you got there Phil!
     
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  19. savitale

    savitale Well-Known Member

    An amazing example. Congratulations!
     
  20. Carthago

    Carthago Does this look infected to you?

    Congratulations, Michael. Nice coin and great set of provenances.

    I was sitting next to Volodya when he bought his fabulous example. I remember it well because I tangled in bloodied bidding against the Russians for my coins that day.

    I'll share my only Weber example as well as my Antony 517/2:

    Q Pomponius Rufus 398-1 NGSA 2010.jpg
    Q. Pomponius Rufus. 73 BC. AR Denarius (3.77g, 18.4mm, 8h). RVFVS S C Laureate head of Jupiter to right Rev. Q.POMPONI Eagle, with spread wings, standing left, head turned back to right; his left on scepter and his right holding a wreath; below right foot, VII; to right, scorpion. Babelon Pomponia 23. Crawford 398/1. Sydenham 793

    Jacob Hirsch Auction XXIV Consul Eduard Friedrich Weber Collection, May 10, 1909 Lot 568

    Marc Antony & Octavian 517-2 Lanz 2008.jpg

    Santamaria, Collection Count Luigi Brunacci, Feb 24, 1958 Lot 800;

    Pues Auction 256 Frankfurt June 14, 1957 Lot 116.
     
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  21. Andrew McCabe

    Andrew McCabe Well-Known Member

    I have a reasonable 517/1, same basic type as Michael Stolt's new coin. It cost me £12,000 but I'm happy with it. Wee bit heavier, 8.03 grams but less sharp. Ex Vinchon & Ciani (6 May 1955) lot 262 (est. 45,000 FF) PSX_20210123_195731.jpg
     
    Last edited: Jan 23, 2021
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