Watch List notes:

Mark Antony and Cleopatra, 34 BC. Denarius (Silver, 17 mm, 3.52 g, 2 h), Alexandria. CLEOPATRAE REGINAE REGVM FILIORVM REGVM Draped and diademed bust of Cleopatra to right; at point of bust, prow to right. Rev. ANTONI ARMENIA DEVICTA Bare head of Mark Antony to right; behind neck, Armenian tiara. Babelon (Antonia) 95. Crawford 543/1. Sydenham 1210. Very rare, a coin of great historical and 'romantic' interest. Good very fine.


It is quite likely that Antony and Cleopatra are, today, the most famous couple from ancient times. Fact is, they were also famous, or infamous, in Roman times as well, and their story has been told and retold ever since. One thing that has always been consistent in their portrayal has been Cleopatra's beauty (combined with brains and a ruthless personality) and Antony's craggy good looks. Well, this coin shows us the truth! Cleopatra's attractiveness lay partially in her intelligence and personality, just like that of Queens Elizabeth I and Christina, but she certainly was no Elizabeth Taylor! And Antony was no Richard Burton (though their personalities had their similarities). Perhaps, in the future they could be portrayed by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle!