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Denarius - Mark Antony LEG XXI
| Issuer | Roman Republic (509 BC - 27 BC) |
|---|---|
| Year | 32 BC - 31 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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| Obverse description | A Roman war galley (praetorian trireme) shown in profile facing right, rendered in fine detail with oars, rowing benches, and a decorated hull visible. Atop the prow, a sceptre tied with a fillet (vittae) is prominently displayed, symbolising Mark Antony's imperium. The legend ANT·AVG is inscribed above in the upper field, while III·VIR·R·P·C arcs along the lower periphery, reading 'Triumvir of the Roman Republic.' The entire design is enclosed within a border of dots. |
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| Edge | Plain |
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| Additional information |
Mark Antony struck this legionary series — encompassing at least 23 numbered legions plus specialist units — in mobile mint operations while assembling his forces for the confrontation with Octavian that would end at Actium in 31 BC. The sheer volume produced was extraordinary; these coins funded one of the largest private armies the Roman world had seen, and Antony debased the silver significantly to stretch his bullion supply, leaving the entire series notoriously below standard fineness.
LEG XXI is among the less frequently encountered legion numbers in the series. The low silver content meant these coins remained in circulation long after Actium — Octavian's treasury had little incentive to retire them quickly — which explains why worn examples vastly outnumber crisp ones.