Sale: Nomos 2, Lot: 163. Estimate CHF5000.  Closing Date: Monday, 17 May 2010.  Sold For CHF10500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Mark Antony and Cleopatra. Denarius (Silver, 3.45 g 12), mint moving with Antony, 32 BC. CLEOPATRA[E REGINAE REGVM]FILIORVM REGVM Diademed and draped bust of Cleopatra to right Rev. ANTONI ARMENIA DEVICTA Head of M. Antony to right; behind, Armenian tiara. Babelon (Antonia) 95. Crawford 543/2. CRI 345. Sydenham 1210. Rare. Minor marks and traces of corrosion, otherwise, very fine.

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.