Octavian and Mark Antony Denarius (40-39 BC) - A Symbol of Political Power and Alliance

In the chaotic and turbulent years following the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BC, the Roman world was plunged into a period of civil war. At the heart of this struggle were two of Caesar’s most prominent supporters: Octavian (the future Augustus) and Mark Antony. Though their political alliance would eventually fracture, their collaboration during the years 40-39 BC marked a significant moment in Roman history. One of the most interesting and historically valuable artifacts from this period is the denarius coin minted in 40-39 BC, which bears the portraits and symbols of both Octavian and Antony. This coin provides a fascinating glimpse into the political landscape of Rome during the rise of the Roman Empire.

Obverse: The Bare Head of Octavian

On the obverse of the coin, we find a bare head of Octavian, facing right. The image is simple, yet powerful. The bare head (as opposed to a head crowned with laurel) was a typical feature of Octavian's early coins and symbolized his image as a military leader and a man of action, with an emphasis on the military rather than aristocratic ideals.

The inscription "CAESAR IMP" direct reference to Octavian’s association with Julius Caesar, who had adopted him as his son. The "CAESAR" is a title that Octavian would come to use to cement his political identity as the heir to Julius Caesar's legacy. Meanwhile, "IMP" is an abbreviation for Imperator, a title used to signify military victory, and is a nod to Octavian’s military successes. This inscription served as both a statement of his political claim to power and his military prowess.

Reverse: The Winged Caduceus

The reverse of the coin features a striking vertical winged caduceus, a symbol traditionally associated with Mercury, the Roman god of communication and commerce. The caduceus is often depicted with two snakes wrapped around a staff, and in this case, it is shown with wings, further emphasizing its association with divine authority and the power to unite disparate forces.

Below the caduceus, the inscription "ANTONIVS IMP" appears. This references Mark Antony, the other half of the political alliance. "ANTONIVS" refers to Mark Antony's family name, and "IMP" again signifies his military achievements and his role as a key military leader. The caduceus, as a symbol of peace and diplomacy, suggests the collaborative nature of Octavian and Antony’s relationship during this period, which was primarily focused on consolidating power after the defeat of the forces loyal to Caesar's assassins.

The Political Context: A Temporary Alliance

This coin, issued during the years 40-39 BC, was minted at a time when Octavian and Mark Antony had reached a temporary political alliance following the earlier, brutal civil wars. At the time, Octavian had secured control over the western provinces of the Roman Empire, while Mark Antony had control over the eastern provinces, including the powerful territories of the east and Egypt, where he would later famously form an alliance with Queen Cleopatra.

The caduceus on the reverse of the coin represents the diplomatic efforts made between the two leaders to solidify their alliance, which was formalized through Antony’s marriage to Octavian’s sister, Octavia Minor. In this period, both men worked together to consolidate their power and deal with threats such as the remnants of the forces loyal to Caesar’s assassins, including Brutus and Cassius.

The coin itself was likely issued as part of their shared propaganda efforts to solidify their rule and communicate to the people of Rome and the wider empire that the two men were united in their efforts. By displaying their images and their military titles together, Octavian and Mark Antony sought to project an image of strength and unity.

A Symbol of Division to Come

Despite the temporary political alliance symbolized by this coin, the cooperation between Octavian and Antony was fragile. Just a few years after the coin was minted, the relationship between the two leaders would deteriorate, leading to the famous Battle of Actium in 31 BC. Following Antony's defeat and subsequent suicide, Octavian would become the uncontested ruler of Rome, ultimately taking the title of Augustus and marking the beginning of the Roman Empire.

In hindsight, the Octavian and Mark Antony denarius serves as an intriguing relic of a political moment that was at once crucial and ephemeral. The coin illustrates not only the political realities of the time but also the early steps in the shaping of the imperial system that would define Rome for centuries.

The Power of Propaganda in Roman Coinage

The denarius minted in 40-39 BC stands as an example of how rulers used coins not only as currency but also as a powerful tool for political messaging. Through the careful selection of images and inscriptions, Octavian and Mark Antony sought to shape public perception and solidify their grip on power. The image of the winged caduceus, along with the inscriptions of their military titles, reinforced the idea of a united front between the two men, even as history shows us that this unity was short-lived.

Today, this coin is more than just a piece of ancient currency; it is a historical artifact that offers valuable insight into the strategic thinking of two of Rome's most iconic figures. Through coins like these, we are reminded of the complex nature of Roman politics and the art of statecraft - where alliances could shift quickly, and propaganda could play as important a role as military victories in the pursuit of power.