CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY

Emperor:
Marcus Antonius (Mark Antony) and Octavia
Denomination:
AR Cistophoric Tetradrachm
Composition:
Silver
Date:
39 BC, in summer
Obverse:
M·ANTONIVS·IMP ·COS· DESIG·ITER ET·TERT, Heads of Antony and Octavia conjoined right; he wears wreath of ivy; all within border of dots
Reverse:
III·VIR / R·P·C·, The cista mystica surmounted by draped figure of Bacchus, standing left, holding two-handled cup in right hand and leaning with left on thyrsus; the cista mystica is placed between two interlaced serpents with heads erect
Reference:
BMCRR II East 135-137; Babelon (Antonia) 61; Cohen I 3; Sydenham 1198; Sear Imperators 263; RPC I 2202; RSC I 3
Size:
26.13mm, 12.2g, 12h
Province:
Ephesus mint
Grade:
aEF, lightly toned
Rarity:
rare
Provenance:
ex Numismatica Ars Classica Auction 114, Part II (7 May 2019), Lot 1376
Information:
Commemorative coin celebrating the marriage of Mark Antony and Octavia
These cistophoric tetradrachms (or medallions) commemorate the recent marriage of Antony and Octavia which took place after the treaty of Brundusium in 40 BC. The reverse features the cista mystica, whcih was a basket used for housing sacred snakes in connection with the initiation ceremony into the cult of Bacchus (Dionysus).

I, Peter A. Piliouras of Ancient Coin Traders irrevocably guarantee for life to the Purchaser that this ancient coin is authentic. If this coin is deemed not to be authentic by a professional certification service, then I will refund to the Purchaser the full cost of acquiring the coin (including shipping) together with the certification fees.




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Signed: Peter Anthony Piliouras


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Date