Sale: CNG 82, Lot: 961. Estimate $500.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 16 September 2009.  Sold For $2600. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Mark Antony. Autumn 32-spring 31 BC. AR Denarius (3.97 g, 5h). Legionary type. Patrae(?) mint. Galley right / CHORTIVM • PRAETORIARVM, aquila between two signa. Crawford 544/8; CRI 385; Sydenham 1213; RSC 7. Good VF, bright surfaces, slightly off-center obverse. Excellent metal quality. Rare.

The praetorian cohorts take their name from the praetorium, or tent, of the commander. These elite troops went on campaign as the personal accompaniment of their generals. Mark Antony likely had four or more praetorian cohorts with him at Actium.