Featured in My Collection: Mark Antony’s Wives, Brother, and Daughter Coins

I’ve been obsessed with Roman imperatorial coinage for years, and until recently, I had a glaring gap in my collection focused on Mark Antony and his tangled web of relationships. I made it a mission to hunt down coins featuring his wives—Fulvia, Cleopatra VII, and Octavia—along with his brother Lucius Antony and daughter Antonia Minor. Not only did I fill those holes, but I stumbled upon some unexpected gems that are now among my favorites. Let me share my journey and insights with you.

My Quest for Fulvia: The First Non-Deity Female on Coinage

I started with Fulvia, Antony’s wife during the Second Triumvirate. As the most powerful woman in Rome, she didn’t shy from politics, even waging war against Octavian after Antony’s affair with Cleopatra. Her coin, minted alongside Lucius Antony’s support, is a numismatic milestone—the first to depict a non-deity woman. I snagged an AR quinarius featuring her portrait, and it’s a rare find. Based on my experience, these are scarce but not impossible to track down; auctions like NAC often list them, and they’re worth the hunt for their historical weight. Aim for decent condition—even with wear, the historical story shines through.

Cleopatra VII: The Alluring Queen’s Coinage

Cleopatra VII’s coins are pure gold for collectors—both figuratively and in desirability. Antony’s very public affair with her led to coins that capture their alliance, like the Ionia silver cistophoric tetradrachm from 39 BC, showing Antony on the obverse and Octavia on the reverse. I was lucky to acquire one, but I’m still envious of pristine Cleopatra portraits—they often depict her in a stylized, less flattering way, which can affect value. Market-wise, expect prices to soar for high-grade examples; I’ve seen them jump like rare Morgans at heritage sales. If you’re on a budget, focus on common legionary denarii first, as they’re more accessible entry points to this era.

Octavia and the Extended Antony Family

Octavia, Antony’s wife after Fulvia and sister to Octavian, appears on coins like that cistophoric tetradrachm, which I find fascinating for its political symbolism. Her children with Antony, like Antonia Minor, also feature on later issues, such as a tetradrachm under Claudius. Antonia Minor’s coin connects to emperors like Caligula, making it a must-have for dynastic collectors. I picked one up affordably—earlier silver tetradrachms like this are often undervalued. Don’t overlook Lucius Antony’s coins either; his denarii from the Perusine War era are historically rich. When hunting, check references like Crawford or Sydenham numbers to verify authenticity, as fakes can creep into the market.

Collecting Insights and Practical Tips

Through my acquisitions, I’ve gathered some key advice for fellow collectors. Here’s a quick list of dos and don’ts:

• Start with common issues: Antony’s legionary denarii, like those with galley reverses from 32-31 BC, are plentiful and affordable. They often show strong portraits, even in lower grades, making them perfect for beginners.
• Watch for condition and grading: Coins like the 41 BC denarius with Antony’s more athletic portrait can vary in value based on wear. I recommend prioritizing eye appeal over minor flaws—look for clear legends and minimal corrosion.
• Attend coin shows for deals: I snagged a Marc Antony tetradrachm at the FUN show in Florida; events like these are goldmines for unexpected finds at fair prices.
• Consider rarity and references: Cleopatra Selene II (daughter of Antony and Cleopatra) appears on Mauritania denarii with Juba II—she’s on my radar now for rarity, but prices can escalate fast. Always cross-check with resources like RPC I or HCRI guides.

Overall, this period is a numismatic treasure trove, blending history with tangible artifacts. I’d love to see what you’ve got in your collection—share your Antony-era coins and stories!