Ancient Roman Imperatorial - 41 BCE Marc Antony & Octavian AR Denarius NGC Choice XF★ - M. Barbatius Pollio moneyer

Bust of Marc Antony made during the Flavian dynasty (69-96 CE), left. Head of Octavian (later Augustus), right, date unknown.

Conflict was rife between Marc Anthony and Octavian from the moment they met. Ambitious men, both were close with Julius Caesar, however their experiences and personalities couldn't be more different. Antony was an experienced soldier in his thirties while Octavian was a callow youth of 18. Over the years, Octavian showed that he had the capability for good decision making as well as leadership skills. And despite his comparative youth he was able to stand his ground against Antony. They became fair-weather allies, forming the Second Triumveriate in late 43 B.C. with the Pontifex Maximus Lepidus. The two men often saw themselves on the brink of war. The year 31 B.C. saw Octavian declare war on Antony's wife and ally, Queen Cleopatra VII of Egypt.  Later that year Octavian defeated Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium, thereby ending resistance to Octavian's ascendancy.