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Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 468  20 May 2020
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Lot 346

Estimate: 750 USD
Price realized: 1100 USD
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The Triumvirs. Mark Antony. Autumn 32-spring 31 BC. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.71 g, 12h). Legionary issue. Patrae(?) mint. Praetorian galley right / Three signa decorated with wreaths and rostra; CHORTIS • SPECVLATORVM around above. Crawford 544/12; CRI 386; RSC 6; Sydenham 1214; RBW 1837. Toned, slightly granular surfaces. Good VF. Rare.

From the Jonathan P. Rosen Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 100 (7 October 2015), lot 1827.

Serving as scouts and messengers, the cohortes speculatorum filled the role of spies within each legion. Normally ten in number per legion, Mark Antony created a special group of cohortes who specifically served around him, carrying out personal instructions and protecting his well-being, essentially acting as an early secret service–a concept which was further developed during the empire under Augustus.
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