44-30BC Mark Antony Silver Legionary Denarius, Leg II – gVF
Heres a chance to obtain a fantastic high grade example of a Roman Imperatorial Mark Antony Silver Legionary Denarius
Struck with military mint moving with Mark Antony, possibly in Patrae.
The reverse LEG – II Aquila between two signa.
Graded good Very Fine, few marks to obverse, cleaned sometime ago, however toning back nicely, nice eye appeal.
The Legio II, Sabina was a Roman military unit of the late Republican era, which may have been formed by Julius Caesar in the year of the consulate of 48 BC and coincide, in this case, with the Legio II. Enlisted to fight against Pompey, they took part in the subsequent Battle of Munda of 45 BC. Alternatively, it may have been Legio II, established by the consul Gaius Vibius Pansa in 43 BC and recruited in the Sabine region—hence its nickname. If this theory holds, the legion likely took part in the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC, fighting alongside the triumvirs Octavian and Mark Antony.
Description
Origin:Roman Imperitorial
Region:Patrae ?. Military mint moving with Mark Antony
Denomination:Legionary Denarius, Leg.II
Composition:Silver
Date:31-32. B.C.
Obverse:ANT AVG – III VIR R P C Galley right, with scepter tied with fillet on prow
Reverse:LEG – V Aquila between two signa
Diameter & Weight:19 mm, 3.62 g, 6 h
Grades:good Very Fine, few marks to obverse, cleaned sometime ago, however toning back nicely, nice eye appeal
Provenance:Ex Leu Numismatik; Previously from a European collection, formed before 2005.
References:Crawford 544/14. Sydenham 1216
Legio II Sabina: A Legion Lost in Time
Caesar’s Legion? Possibly.
Legio II Sabina may have stepped onto the Roman stage in 48 BC, under none other than Julius Caesar. During this turbulent year of civil war, Caesar rallied legions to challenge Pompey’s power. If this theory holds, then Legio II Sabina likely fought as part of Caesar’s seasoned Legio II and played a role in his final victory at the Battle of Munda in 45 BC.
Or Pansa’s Creation? Just As Likely.
On the other hand, some scholars credit its formation to Gaius Vibius Pansa, consul in 43 BC. According to this version, he raised the legion in the region of Sabina—hence the name. If correct, Legio II Sabina marched into battle the following year at Philippi, where it supported Octavian and Marc Antony in defeating the last Republican forces.
From Republic to Empire: Changing Allegiances
Following the fall of the Republican resistance, Legio II shifted its loyalty to Octavian. Not only did the legion serve him faithfully, but it also remained active until his defining victory at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC. This pivotal event solidified Octavian’s path to becoming Augustus, Rome’s first emperor.
Fade to Obscurity—But Not Entirely
Shortly after Actium, the legion vanished from direct records. Between 30 and 14 BC, Rome discharged over 100,000 veterans, and Legio II Sabina likely numbered among the units dissolved during this transitional period. Nevertheless, traces of its legacy may live on. Some historians believe former Sabina legionaries joined the newly formed Legio II Augusta—a fresh unit destined for imperial glory.
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