Watch List notes:

The Roman Republic

Marcus Antonius. Cistophoric Tetradrachm, Ephesus (?) circa 39, AR 12.07 g. M·ANTONIVS·IMP ·COS·DESIG·ITER ET·TERT Ivy-wreathed head r.; below, lituus. The whole within ivy-wreath. Rev. III·VIR – R·P.C· Head of Octavia r. on cista mistica between two interlaced snakes with heads erect. Babelon Antonia 60. C 2. Sydenham 1197. RPC 2201.
In exceptional condition for the issue and with two portraits of superb style.
Well-struck and centred on a full flan and with a lovely light
iridescent tone. Good extremely fine

Ex Stack's sale 12 January 2009, the Golden Horn collection, 2216.
Illustrated on www.romancoins.info, section imagines imperatorum. This coin will be included in the upcoming book on portraits on Roman coins (see introduction to this auction catalogue).
Exceptionally expressive portrait of Marcus Antonius with the ivy wreath as Dionysos. The reverse depicts a portrait of his wife Octavia, sister of Octavian; these coins were issued after the reconciliation of Marcus Antonius with Octavian at Brundisium. Note the typical hairstyle of Octavia known from several marble sculptures; portraits of Octavia exist on very few Roman coin types. AMP.