Denomination: AR Denarius                                                             

Mint: Patrae

Date: 32-31 BCE                                                                                 

Weight: 3.34 gm (16mm)

Mount: 14K  Gold

Description: Marc Antony. The Triumvirs. Legionary issue. Obverse: Aquila (Eagle of Zeus) between two signa. Reverse: Praetorian galley right.\; LEG VII across lower field.

History: The Second Triumvirate was formed between Antony, Octavian, and Lapidus in 43 BCE to avenge Julius Caesar’s death and secure their power. They officially divided the Roman world: Octavian took control of the western territories (including Italy), Antony took the eastern provinces, and Lepidus took Africa. The alliance was a temporary political convenience, and mutual distrust soon led to its dissolution in 33 BCE. Antony's alliance with Cleopatra VII of Egypt and his actions in the east fueled Octavian's propaganda campaign, leading to a civil war between the two. Octavian's forces defeated Antony at the Battle of Actium in 31 BCE and again in Alexandria the following year. Antony committed suicide, followed shortly by Cleopatra, leaving Octavian to become the sole ruler of Rome as the first emperor, Augustus.