Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 396 26 April 2017
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The Triumvirs. Mark Antony. Autumn 32-spring 31 BC. AR Denarius (16mm, 3.39 g, 8h). Legionary issue. Patrae(?) mint. Praetorian galley right / Aquila between two signa; LEG XXIII across lower field. Crawford 544/39; CRI 383; Sydenham 1246; RSC 60. Fine, toned, a few bankers' marks and light scratches under tone. Rare.
The highest number given to a legion within Mark Antony's military, the group was most likely disbanded after their defeat at Actium. The twenty-third was never to be used again as a legionary numeration, as Augustus reorganized the Roman army and decreased the total number of legions. The only time a number greater than XXII was used for a legion was when Trajan raised the legio XXX Ulpia Victrix, most likely representing that it was the thirtieth in use by the military at that time.
The highest number given to a legion within Mark Antony's military, the group was most likely disbanded after their defeat at Actium. The twenty-third was never to be used again as a legionary numeration, as Augustus reorganized the Roman army and decreased the total number of legions. The only time a number greater than XXII was used for a legion was when Trajan raised the legio XXX Ulpia Victrix, most likely representing that it was the thirtieth in use by the military at that time.