Curator

  • Art Institute Chicago
  • Harvard art museum
  • My Exhibition
A work made of silver.

Denarius (Coin) Depicting a Galley

32-31 BCE, issued by Marc Antony

Roman

Roman Empire

The front (obverse) of this coin depicts a type of Praetorian ship, called a galley, with rowers. On the back (reverse), an eagle flies between two staffs. The Roman number "VI" (six) refers to one of the twenty-three legions that served under Mark Antony. Coins such as this denarius were used to pay his fleet.

Silver

Arts of Greece, Rome, and Byzantium