My Numismatic Journey with Mark Antony’s Wives, Brother, and Daughter

Roman history has always pulled me in, and lately I’ve been chasing coins tied to Mark Antony’s inner circle—not just his famous wives, but his overlooked brother and daughter too. These finds have become real treasures in my collection, each one whispering stories from that wild era when politics and personal drama literally shaped the coinage.

Fulvia: The Trailblazing First Lady on Coins

Antony’s wife Fulvia was a powerhouse during the Second Triumvirate. When his fling with Cleopatra boiled over, she teamed up with his brother Lucius to fight Octavian—and wound up the first living Roman woman on coins! My Fulvia quinarius is a prized piece. Heads-up: these pop up more in specialist auctions than big sales, so keep your eyes peeled.

Cleopatra and Antony: Romance and Rivalry in Numismatics

Their legendary affair plays out on coins, though tracking down Cleopatra’s portrait feels like hunting unicorns. That famous tetradrachm pairing them? Honestly, the engraver didn’t capture her famed charm. If you spot one at a decent price, grab it—they leap like rare Morgans. And check inscriptions carefully; wear can erase those delicate features fast.

Octavia and the Family Legacy

After Fulvia, Antony married Octavian’s sister Octavia for political peace—her coins feel like frozen diplomacy. Their daughter Antonia Minor? I scored her tetradrachm with Claudius for less than you’d think. It’s a steal considering she’s grandma to Caligula! These early imperial issues are perfect for building a dynastic set without emptying your wallet.

Lucius Antony: The Overlooked Brother

Don’t skip Antony’s brother Lucius! He backed Fulvia against Octavian, and their rebellion coins show him shockingly youthful—almost like an athlete. His legionary denarii turn up often, but hunt for crisp reverses with minimal corrosion. The details reveal so much about soldiers’ lives back then.

Collecting Insights and Market Wisdom

From my hunt, here’s what helps:

• Start with Marc Antony’s legionary denarii—affordable, iconic, and everywhere.
• Watch for Cleopatra Selene coins (Antony and Cleopatra’s daughter with Juba II)—I’m obsessed since learning her story.
• Hit shows like FUN; I nabbed a tetradrachm there last month when online listings fell flat.
• Even worn coins matter if they’re historically juicy, but prioritize readable legends.
• Antony’s early lean-portrait issues? They’re climbing faster than common types, so mix your buys.

My Personal Highlights and Encouragement

That Claudius/Antonia Minor coin thrills me most—it ties straight to emperors. And my 41 BC denarius? Pure Antony in his prime. If you collect this era too, shoot me your stories! Let’s keep swapping finds from history’s most dramatic coinage.