Watch List notes:

Imperatorial Issues

Marcus Antonius. Denarius, mint moving with M. Antony in Gallia Cisalpina late 43, AR 3.84 g. M·ANTON IMP R P C Bare head of M. Antony r.; behind, lituus. Rev. CAESAR DIC Bare head of Julius Caesar r.; behind, capis. Babelon Antonia 5 and Julia 55. C 3. Sydenham 1166. Sear Imperators 123. Woytek Arma et Nummi p. 558. RBW –. Crawford 488/2.
Rare and in exceptional condition for this difficult issue. Two superb portraits
and a wonderful old cabinet tone. Extremely fine

Privately purchased from CNG.

An interesting type because of the bizarre long faces of both Marc Antony and Julius Caesar – typical for this issue. I also note that Antony and Caesar's faces have similar features and I think this was intentional. A nice example for the type. MSG.

This issue was probably minted in response to the perceived threat that Octavian posed now that he had raised legions of his own. This type may have come during the siege of Mutina but surely no later than shortly after the siege was lifted. Now that the "son of Julius Caesar" was opposed to Antony, he had a very real need to align himself with Caesar in the hope that his legions would remain loyal to him rather than switch sides and join the "upstart heir" selected by Caesar in his will. MSG.