Struck in a mobile military mint traveling with Antony's fleet in the months before Actium, these legionary denarii were produced in enormous volume to pay the troops — over 30 named legions received their own issue. The silver content was noticeably debased compared to contemporary Republican standards, a practical consequence of funding a war machine of this scale without access to Rome's treasury. LEG IV refers to Legio IV, one of Antony's veteran formations.
Because they circulated heavily for decades after Actium — Augustus made no immediate effort to withdraw them — most survivors show significant wear. High-grade examples are the exception.
Struck in a mobile military mint traveling with Antony's fleet in the months before Actium, these legionary denarii were produced in enormous volume to pay the troops — over 30 named legions received their own issue. The silver content was noticeably debased compared to contemporary Republican standards, a practical consequence of funding a war machine of this scale without access to Rome's treasury. LEG IV refers to Legio IV, one of Antony's veteran formations.
Because they circulated heavily for decades after Actium — Augustus made no immediate effort to withdraw them — most survivors show significant wear. High-grade examples are the exception.