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The Triumvirs. Mark Antony. Autumn 32-spring 31 BC. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.91 g, 6h). Legionary type. Patrae(?) mint. Praetorian galley right; ANT • AVG above, III VIR • R • P • C below / Aquila between two signa; LEG VI across lower field. Crawford 544/19; CRI 356; Sydenham 1223; RSC 33; BMCRR East 197; Kestner 3848; RBW 1841. Light iridescent tone, small scrape on reverse. EF.
Most historians believe Mark Antony’s Legio VI was originally raised in 52 BC by Julius Caesar in Cisalpine Gaul and served with him during the Gallic Wars, in Spain, and at Pharsalus. An alternative history by author Stephen Dando-Collins proposes that the Sixth was raised by Pompey the Great before being taken over by Caesar. Legio VI accompanied Caesar to Egypt in 48 BC and, after enduring a grueling siege, helped him conquer Alexandria and install Cleopatra VII as sole ruler. Departing Egypt, the Sixth was Caesar’s main legion in his famous “veni, vidi, vici” victory at Zela. Mustered out in 47 BC, it was recalled to action by Caesar’s enemy, Metellus Scipio, but deserted en masse to Caesar and fought on his side at Munda in 45 BC. After Caesar’s assassination, it was transferred to Mark Antony in 44 BC, where it fought at Philippi and participated in the triumvir's Parthian campaign. Octavian also used veterans from Caesar’s Sixth to found his own Legio VI, later named Victrix, and the two Sixes were on opposite sides in the Actium campaign. The victorious Octavian retained both Sixes in service; Antony’s won the nickname Ferrata (”ironclad”) and went on to a long and distinguished imperial career in the Roman east, notably serving as the garrison army of Judaea for more than two centuries.
The final winners of all Triton XXVI lots will be determined at the live public sale that will be held on 10-11 January 2023.
Triton XXVI – Session Two – Lot 335-673 will be held Tuesday afternoon, 10 January 2023 beginning at 2:00 PM ET.
Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.
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