Lot 77
Imperatorial Rome. Marc Antony & Octavian. Gold Aureus (8.05 g), Ephesus(?) mint, struck 41 BC. M. Barbatius Pollio, moneyer. Bare head of Marc Antony right; M ANT. IMP AVG III VIR. R. PC. M. BARBAT Q P. Reverse: Head of lightly bearded Octavian right; CAESAR. IMP. PONT. III. VIR. R. P. C., Craw 517/1a; Calicó 109; CRI 242; C. 7; BMCRR East 99; Vagi 174. Reverse a trifle off center, but devices boldly struck and fully detailed, on broad but elongated flan. With slight toning. This coin with a remarkable "Greek-style" portrait of Antony, infusing his likeness with an almost pensive humanity, as opposed to the beetle-browed, lantern-jawed caricature seen on the bulk of his Roman issues. Among the finest of his numismatic effigies. NGC graded Extremely Fine.
Equal to 25 denarii, the aureus was the main Roman gold denomination for over 300 years, until it was replaced by the solidus. Lighter in weight, Constantine the Great's solidus lasted even longer as a denomination - through Byzantine times.
Estimated Value $25,000 - 30,000.
Illustrated in Money of the World, coin 31.
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| Realized $39,100 |
