Roman Silver & Bronze Coins - Republic

Lot 3756    Session 11 (9.30am Thursday)    Roman Silver & Bronze Coins - Republic

Estimate $1,000
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $1,450

MARK ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA, denarius, issued 32 B.C., mint travelling with Antony, (3.07 g), obv. bare head of Antony to right, Armenian tiara behind, around, [ANTONI ARM]ENIA DEVICTA rev. diademed and draped bust of Cleopatra VII to right, around [CLEOPATRAE REGIN]AE REGVM FILIOR[VM REGVM], (S.1515, Cr.543/1, Syd.1210). Surface marks from minor corrosion, struck on small flan, otherwise fine and extremely rare.

Ex D.J.Foster Collection and previously from Spink Noble Sale 46 (lot 1982) and previously from Spink Auctions, London, March 14, 1984 (lot 400).
Historically one of the most interesting of ancient coins. Cleopatra played a leading role in the political intrigues of the 40's and 30's of the first century B.C., being the lover of Julius Caesar, who restored her to the throne and then the wife of Mark Antony, whose downfall she was destined to share. The year 34 B.C. saw the city of Alexandria witness the ceremony of "Donations" whereby all the lands ruled by Alexander the Great were apportioned between Cleopatra and her children. The resultant extravagant honours are recorded on this coin. These antics helped Octavian to inflame Roman public opinion against his adversary.