Mark Antony & Cleopatra 34 BC Silver Denarius Alexandria *Portraits*

Roman Imperatorial

Mark Antony and Cleopatra Silver Denarius, struck during 34BC, Alexandria

This coin shows the portrait of Cleopatra, ruler of Egypt, and represents her joint coinage with Mark Antony.

Obv: Head of Mark Antony facing right

Rev: Diademed and draped bust of Cleopatra facing right, at point of bust.

RCV1515; 18mm, 3.44g

The joint coinage of Antony and Cleopatra has been sought after since at least the Renaissance, since its historical and dramatic resonance has caught the imagination of generations of scholars and collectors. The portraits, while not flattering, must be true ones and they allow us to see one of history’s most famous and ill starred couples, shown as they wished to be portrayed.

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Mark Antony was born around 83BC. After a somewhat dissolute childhood he joined the army where he distinguished himself as a cavalry commander in the East. He returned and joined Julius Caesar in Gaul where he became a trusted lieutenant. Appointed a tribune he defended Caesar in a hostile Senate. After Caesar’s invasion of Italy Antony was appointed supreme commander in Italy whilst Caesar campaigned and defeated Pompey in Spain. The following year he commanded Caesar’s left wing at the battle of Pharsalus which resulted in Pompey’s final defeat.
Problems in Italy over the next few years resulted in a rift with Caesar although following Caesar’s assassination on the Ides of March AD44 Antony became leader of Caesar’s supporters. Mark Antony’s initial aim was to exact revenge on the Republican conspirators which were led by Brutus and Cassius. After defeating the Republicans at the Battle of Philippi in AD 42 Antony, and his supporters Octavian and Lepidus, formed the Second Triumvirate and exercised supreme power. Over the next decade the more astute Octavian eliminated Lepidus whilst Antony undermined his support by repudiating his wife Octavia, sister of Octavian and also by his increasingly close relationship with Cleopatra Queen of Egypt.
The final trial of strength came at the naval Battle of Actium in 31BC where Octavian was victorious. Fleeing back to Egypt Antony and Cleopatra committed suicide when Octavian invaded Egypt the following year.