418, Lot: 432. Estimate $300. Sold for $900. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

The Triumvirs. Mark Antony. Autumn 32-spring 31 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.63 g, 6h). Legionary issue. Patrae(?) mint. Praetorian galley right / CHORTIS•SPECVLATORVM, three signa, each decorated with two wreaths and a prow. Crawford 544/12; CRI 386; Sydenham 1214; RSC 6. VF, toned, retrograde “Q” banker’s mark above quinquereme, tiny crescent banker’s mark on reverse. Rare.

Ex Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 183 (5 March 2008), lot175.

Serving as scouts and messengers, the cohortes speculatorum filled the role of spies within each legion. Normally ten in number per legion, Mark Antony created a special group of cohortes who specifically served around him, carrying out personal instructions and protecting his well-being, essentially acting as an early secret service–a concept which was further developed during the empire under Augustus.