03-14-2002, 12:42 AM
Among the coins issued by Marcus Antonius to honor his army is one inscribed CHORTIS SPECVLATORVM (RSC.6):<br>
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members.tripod.com/~HAubu...nyprow.jpg<br>
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The reverse shows three apparently identical standards of unusual design. All are topped by a simple spear head. Each had a ship's prow as the bottom element (easilly identified when compared to the galley on the coin's obverse), above this is a wreath or garland, then a phalera. Next, below another wreath, is a crossbar from which 2 or 3 triangles (on this example they are V-shaped, on some they seem heart-shaped) appear to be suspended. Can anyone suggest what this crossbar and pendants would have been? Also, why ships' prows on the signa of a cohort of speculatores? Perhaps Antony had a special unit of ship-born "scouts" to keep an eye on the movements of Octavian's fleet? Any ideas?<br>
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Regards,<br>
Jno <p></p><i></i>
<br>
members.tripod.com/~HAubu...nyprow.jpg<br>
<br>
The reverse shows three apparently identical standards of unusual design. All are topped by a simple spear head. Each had a ship's prow as the bottom element (easilly identified when compared to the galley on the coin's obverse), above this is a wreath or garland, then a phalera. Next, below another wreath, is a crossbar from which 2 or 3 triangles (on this example they are V-shaped, on some they seem heart-shaped) appear to be suspended. Can anyone suggest what this crossbar and pendants would have been? Also, why ships' prows on the signa of a cohort of speculatores? Perhaps Antony had a special unit of ship-born "scouts" to keep an eye on the movements of Octavian's fleet? Any ideas?<br>
<br>
Regards,<br>
Jno <p></p><i></i>
