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

Fulvia: The First Non-Deity on Roman Coinage

Fulvia broke new ground as the first living woman (not a goddess) to grace Roman coins during her 41 BC rebellion with Lucius Antony against Octavian. As Antony’s fiercely political wife, she channeled public anger into open warfare. Tracking down her quinarius taught me to watch auction houses like a hawk – they rarely appear elsewhere. When hunting these, prioritize readable “ANT AVG” inscriptions. Even worn examples pack serious historical punch.

Cleopatra VII: Beyond the Coin Portrait

We all dream of Cleopatra’s coins, but finding nice specimens? That’s the real challenge. I still remember coveting a fellow collector’s Ephesus tetradrachm with her portrait. Don’t expect Hollywood glamour though – many coins blend her features with Antony’s to stress their alliance. My advice? Start with cistophoric tetradrachms. They’re surprisingly affordable entry points to this era. Just brace yourself – prices leap when top-grade pieces surface at houses like Heritage.

Octavia and the Bonds of Diplomacy

That Ephesus tetradrachm I landed featuring Octavia? It’s a frozen moment of the shaky peace between Antony and Octavian. What surprises new collectors is how accessible these can be – take Antony/Octavian denarii from 31 BC. I’ve seen decent “LEG III” reverses go for under $100 at events like FUN. They’re perfect practice pieces for sharpening your grading eye without emptying your wallet.

Lucius Antony: The Brother’s Role in Conflict

My Perusia siege denarius of Lucius feels like holding history’s heartbeat. These rebellion coins connect directly to Fulvia’s story but are tougher finds. When you spot one, scrutinize its background like a detective. Provenance papers matter here. And don’t turn up your nose at worn legionary denarii – even battered examples whisper powerful tales at friendly prices.

Antonia Minor: A Legacy in Silver

Antonia Minor, daughter of Antony and Octavia, appears on later coins like my treasured tetradrachm linking her to Claudius. These sleepers offer huge value – I nabbed mine for a song. For early imperial tetradrachms, always check weight (aim for 11-12 grams) and strike sharpness. They’re smart additions to any Julio-Claudian collection.

Other Gems: Legionary Denarii and Tetradrachms

Beyond the family drama, Antony’s legionary denarii form the backbone of my Roman collection – I’ve got about forty now. Watch how his portraits evolve: the 41 BC “athletic” version versus later, heavier depictions. Tetradrachms? My FUN show pickup proved they’re ideal starter coins, often under $200. Three field-tested tips:

• Verify weight/size: legionary denarii should hit 3-4 grams at 18-20mm
• Dig into auction archives like NAC for backstories on rarities
• Set price alerts for Cleopatra coins – they move fast when bargains appear

Collecting Insights and Market Wisdom

This era balances approachability with thrilling challenges. Common Antony/Octavian denarii let you practice grading – seek sharp portraits to avoid overpaying for slick coins. True rarities like Cleopatra Selene II’s denarius? That’s my current white whale. Prices keep climbing, so I pounce at shows and online auctions. Remember: eye appeal beats perfection. That CAC-approved coin might tempt you, but characterful mid-grades build richer collections without bankruptcy.