Ancient Roman Imperatorial - 45 BCE Marc Antony & Octavian AV Aureus NGC Choice XF - M. Barbatius Pollio

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. The younger man could stand his ground against his senior. 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.

It was during times of mutual cooperation that Antony and Octavian struck coins for each other, including this Aureus. It is believed to have been produced in 41 B.C., shortly after their combined forces defeated the Republican leaders, Brutus and Cassius. This coin portrays both men, however the advantage is Antony's, who issued the coin, probably at Ephesus with the traveling mint. Antony's image is upon the obverse and is engraved on a larger scale than that of Octavian on the reverse. Plus more effort was devoted to creating Antony's profile, with its individualized features. Octavian is presented as a typical young man. The depiction of Octavian as a juvenile was a calculated endeavor by Antony to present the difference in ages and experience between the two men. In essence, Antony created propaganda upon this coin.