RPC I 2202

Ruler:  Marc Antony and Octavia AR Cistophoric Tetradrachm of Ephesus, Ionia. 

Denomination: Cistophorus

Obverse: M(arcus) Antonius Imp(erator) Co(n)s(ul) Desig(natus) iter(um) et tert(ium); (Mark Antony, commander, consul designate for the second and third time;) head of Antony and bust of Octavia, jugate, right

Reverse:  III vir r(ei) p(ublicae) c(onstituendae); (triumvir for the restoration of the republic); Bacchus standing, left, on cista between twisting serpents

Reference: RPC I 2202

Mint:  Ephesus? struck circa 39 BC

Weight: 11,89 g

Provenance:  Ex Auktion Gerhard Hirsch Nachf auction no. 159, lot no. 593, 1988 

Note: Rare

An excellent jugate portrait of fine style. Lovely old cabinet tone. Great, old provenance! 

The marriage of Mark Antony and Octavia (Octavian’s beloved sister) occurred to seal the pact made by Antony and Octavian at Brundisium in 42 B.C. The year before, Antony had commenced a liaison with Cleopatra VII, the Ptolemaic queen of Egypt. During his dalliance, his wife Fulvia died. When Antony returned to Rome, he married the sister of Octavian who bore him two daughters. Later Antony abandoned Octavia and returned to Cleopatra, with whom he had three more children. Antony and Cleopatra committed suicide together in 30 B.C., and Octavia raised all 5 Antony’s children. 

Price: 5000 PLN

Collection : 14 Roman Cistophori