Collecting Mark Antony’s Family: Wives, Brother, and Daughter on Ancient Coins

I’ve always been fascinated by Roman history, and recently decided to fill a gap in my collection with coins featuring Mark Antony’s wives and relatives. What began as a simple goal became an unexpectedly rewarding adventure—I not only completed that section but discovered some real treasures. Let me share what I learned along the way.

Fulvia: Breaking Tradition on Roman Coinage

Fulvia, Antony’s wife during the Second Triumvirate, holds a special spot in my collection. She made history as the first mortal woman on Roman coins, appearing on issues minted around 41 BC during the Perusine War. When I finally added a denarius with her portrait, I was struck by how these coins embody her defiance against Octavian. They’re scarce but findable—I’d suggest checking auctions and aiming for VF grades to see the details. Expect to pay between $500 to over $2000 depending on condition; setting alerts on numismatic sites saved me from missing opportunities.

Cleopatra VII: The Eternal Prize

Cleopatra’s coins became my white whale. After years of searching, I landed a cistophoric tetradrachm showing her with Antony. These pieces are genuinely scarce and highly sought after—prices climb quickly, with decent examples running $1000 to $5000. Grading matters immensely here since Cleopatra’s portraits often suffer from weak strikes. Major shows like FUN yielded results for me, but brace for bidding wars. Her denarii from Mauritania with Juba II remain elusive, but I’m still hoping to cross that off my list.

Octavia: Political Statements in Silver

Octavia, Antony’s wife after Fulvia, appears on coins reflecting political alliances. My Ephesus-minted cistophoric tetradrachm from 39 BC shows her bust—a quiet nod to the truce with her brother Octavian. These are surprisingly accessible, often under $500 for VF specimens, making them perfect for new collectors. I’ve regularly seen them through reputable online dealers at fair prices.

Lucius Antony and Antonia Minor: Underrated Finds

I was delighted to add denarii featuring Lucius Antony, Mark Antony’s brother, from the Perusine War. They’re undervalued in my book, typically $200-$600 for nice examples. Then there’s Antonia Minor, Antony’s daughter with Octavia, who appears with Claudius on coins. My tetradrachm featuring her was a pleasant surprise—often under $300. These lesser-known pieces add wonderful depth to dynastic collections, and auction houses occasionally offer real bargains if you’re patient.

Collecting Wisdom From the Trenches

Here’s what I’ve learned through trial and error:

• Begin with Legionary Denarii: Antony’s common issues with galley reverses are abundant and affordable ($50-$150). Perfect for starters—focus on legible legends and minimal wear when selecting.
• Auctions & Shows Pay Off: I found my best tetradrachm at the FUN show. Online platforms like Heritage Auctions work too, but set firm budgets beforehand.
• Condition Dictates Value: While worn coins like my early legionary denarius have charm, investment-grade pieces should be EF or better. Always cross-reference with Sear or RPC books.
• Market Movements: Cleopatra coins are skyrocketing (10-20% yearly increases), while Fulvia and Lucius pieces remain steady—now’s the time to grab them.

Expand Your Horizons

Don’t miss related issues like Pompey denarii or Antony’s tetradrachms from 32-31 BC. I added one with a crisp portrait recently—they’re often overlooked and can be had for reasonable prices if you hunt carefully.

Building this collection around Mark Antony’s circle has been incredibly satisfying, mixing historical discovery with the joy of the chase. Start small and let it grow organically—you won’t regret it. I’d be thrilled to compare notes if you’re working on something similar!