Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction XIII 23 March 2017
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Marc Antony AR Denarius. Antioch or military mint travelling with Canidius Crassus in Armenia, 37 BC. ANTONIVS•AVGVR•COS•DES•ITER• ET•TERT, bare head right / IMP•TERTIO•III•VIR•R•P•C, Armenian crown, decorated with three stars over crossed bow and arrow. Crawford 539/1; CRI 297; RSC 195; Sydenham 1205; Kestner -; BMCRR East 172. 3.76g, 20mm, 5h.
Extremely Fine. Very Rare; in remarkably high state of preservation for the issue.
Sear suggests that this type marks the successful invasion of Armenia in 37 BC by Antony's general Canidius Crassus, which was undertaken as a prelude to the Triumvir's attack on Parthia in the following year. This issue has a celebratory nature that was ultimately to be dashed by Artavasdes' betrayal of the Romans at a most critical juncture, resulting in a disastrous defeat for Marc Antony. Sear also comments that the fine style of the engraving tends to suggest that this issue was struck by Antony at his headquarters in Antioch, rather than by a military mint travelling with Canidius Crassus in Armenia.
Extremely Fine. Very Rare; in remarkably high state of preservation for the issue.
Sear suggests that this type marks the successful invasion of Armenia in 37 BC by Antony's general Canidius Crassus, which was undertaken as a prelude to the Triumvir's attack on Parthia in the following year. This issue has a celebratory nature that was ultimately to be dashed by Artavasdes' betrayal of the Romans at a most critical juncture, resulting in a disastrous defeat for Marc Antony. Sear also comments that the fine style of the engraving tends to suggest that this issue was struck by Antony at his headquarters in Antioch, rather than by a military mint travelling with Canidius Crassus in Armenia.