Large, well-centred and superbly detailed, this rare Silver Tetradrachm is a genuine artefact of one of the greatest power struggles in history – between Marc Antony and Octavian to rule the Roman world.

Although rivals, Antony and Octavian were also uneasy allies at times. Their alliance was confirmed in 40AD with the Pact of Brundisium, which saw Octavian take the western half of the Roman world and Antony the east. To seal the deal, Antony wed Octavian’s sister, Octavia, in 39BC, and this coin was struck to celebrate the marriage. The entirely political nature of the marriage was borne out by Antony’s subsequent desertion of Octavia for Cleopatra.

Struck in what is now Turkey, this coin bears the portraits of Antony and Octavia on the obverse. The reverse depicts Dionysus upon a cista mystica – a basket used to house sacred snakes for initiation ceremonies. Defined by excellent detail, this rare 2,000+ year-old coin is as beautiful as it is historic.

A permanent reminder of a political union that was anything but permanent, this great Roman rarity will take your collection to a new level – click add to cart now!