Denarius - Mark Antony M•ANTONIVS•M•F•M•N•AVGVR•IMP•TERT / III•VIR•R•P•C•COS•DESIG•ITER•ET•TERT

Struck in 38 BC when Antony held the consulship designate for a second and third term, this issue was produced during his eastern campaigns and likely minted in Athens or a moving military mint. The titulature crammed into the legends is almost aggressive in its completeness — augur, imperator for the third time, triumvir, consul designate twice over — a public assertion of legitimacy at a moment when his relationship with Octavian was fraying badly. The Treaty of Brundisium in 40 BC had bought temporary peace between them, but by 38 BC the alliance was increasingly fictional.

RRC 533/2 is the commoner of the two types in the series, distinguished from 533/1 by the legend arrangement. Silver quality on these issues is generally good, reflecting Antony's access to eastern silver supplies before the Parthian disaster of 36 BC drained his resources.