ROMAN. Mark Antony and Octavia. Summer to autumn 39 BC. Silver Cistophorus (11.44g). Ephesus mint. Conjoined heads right of Antony, wearing ivy wreath, and Octavia / Dionysus standing left on cista mystica, holding cantharus and thyrsus, flanked by intertwined serpents. CRI 263; Sydenham 1198; RSC 3; RPC I 2202. aVF. Struck at Ephesus in 39 BC, this cistophorus reflects the short moment when Antony's marriage to Octavia was used to project unity in the Roman world. Dionysus, Antony's favoured divine patron, appears with the cista mystica and serpents, a strong eastern badge of authority and personal identity. Acquired from Classical Numismatic Group, Inc., 17 July 2019. (P)

Estimate: AUD 750