Marcus Antonius LEG IIII (Legio Scythica) Ar Denarius, mint moving with M. Antony 32-31 BC. 3.42 g. Obv: ANT AVG – III·VIR·R·P·C Galley r., with sceptre tied with fillet on prow. Rev. LEG – IIII Aquila between two standards. Sydenham 1220, Crawford 544/16. I was looking for a legionary denarius, and didn't mind about the legion number, as long as it's visible. Three factors led to my purchase: the legible number, a reasonable price, and notably, the legion number IIII, which is in contrast to the more prevalent IV. This particular variety is uncommon among hoard finds, for instance, the Delos Hoard of 1905 did not include any. The graph below shared by user TenthGen on ForumAncientCoins provides insight, though I'm uncertain about the availability of updates on recent hoard discoveries. While the coin is certainly not in the best shape, it's definitely an upgrade to my previous ones with barely legible number. Please share you legionary or any other issues of Mark Antony.
With LEG IIII you have to take what is available, and yours is a nice example. I would take it any day. That is an interesting graph I've not seen before. Gives you an idea. I don't have a LEGIO IIII in my collection, but do have a low grade LEG Classicae. Not as scarce but not common either. A few others from my collection.
If you are referring to Legios 17 and 18, here are a couple: MARCUS ANTONIUS AR Denarius OBVERSE: ANT AVG III VIR R P C, Praetorian galley, thyrsos behind prow REVERSE: Legion XVII Classicae, aquila right between two signa Patrae 32-31 BC 3.5g, 16 mm RSC 50 sear5 #1481 MARCUS ANTONIUS AR Denarius OBVERSE: ANT AVG III VIR R P C, Praetorian galley, thyrsos behind prow REVERSE: LEG XVII, legionary eagle between two standards Patrae 32-31 BC 3.3g, 17.5mm Cr 544/32; Sear, CRI 374; Sydenham 1237; RSC 49 ex. PNP MARCUS ANTONIUS AR Denarius OBVERSE: ANT AVG III VIR R P C, Praetorian galley, thyrsos behind prow REVERSE: LEG XVIII. Legionary eagle between two standards Patrae 32-31 BC 3.22g, 17mm Crawford 544/33; Syd 1239 ex. Albert DeCrescenzo; ex Harlan J. Berk MARCUS ANTONIUS AR Denarius OBVERSE: ANT AVG III VIR R P C, Praetorian galley, thyrsos behind prow REVERSE: LEG XVIII LYBICAE, legionary eagle between two standards Patrae 32-31 BC 3.5g, 18mm Cr544/11, Syd 1240 ex. Marti Classical Numismatics
