Crawford 544/25, Roman Republic, Marc Antony, for Legio XI, Denarius

Roman Republic (mint moving with Marcus Antonius (Patrae ?), 32-31 BC.), Marc Antony, for Legio XI,
AR Denarius (3,55 g, 18-19 mm).
Obv.: ANT AVG - III VIR R P C, Galley right, scepter tied with fillet on prow.
Rev.: LEG XI, legionary eagle (aquila) between two standards.
Crawford 544/25 ; Syd 1229 ; C 39 .

The massive issue of legionary denarii minted under Mark Antony was struck for the use of his fleet and legions when he was preparing for the coming war with Octavian at the battle at Actium. They tend to be of baser metal than regular issue denarii, leading some modern numismatists to classify them as "money of necessity," and they provide a record of the number of legion's in Antony's army. Because of their low silver content they remained in circulation long after Antony's time, even turning up in hoards buried in the third century.

Legio XI Claudia Pia Fidelis: The eleventh and twelfth legions were recruited by Julius Caesar for the campaign against the Helvetians in 58 BCE. This Antonian legion was either disbanded or incorporated into another legion after Actium.