56, Lot: 111. Estimate $75. Sold for $53. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

MARK ANTONY. 32-31 BC. AR Legionary Denarius (3.62 gm). Galley right / LEG VII, legionary eagle between two standards. Crawford 544/20; Sydenham 1224; RSC 34. Toned Fine, very minor, and shallow, obverse test mark. ($75)

Mark Antony minted these coins from silver he received in Cleopatra's dowry, but there wasn't enough to pay his troops! So these coins were minted at a slightly lower standard than other Roman issues of the time. This sent Greek bankers into a frenzy, and for a time they tested all Roman silver. Antony's denarii nearly always have a shallow "banker's mark", while Octavian's and other issues of Antony that were tested often show a deeper punch. The reason? Pure silver is softer. And why are these legionary denarii so hard to find in high grade? Bad money replaces good; these legionary denarii circulated into the reign of Gallienus! Thank you, Harvey Hofer, for this (true) story. (Remembered from circa 1961 AD).