Roman Silver & Bronze Coins

Lot 3602    Session 11 (9.30am Thursday)    Roman Silver & Bronze Coins

Estimate $40,000
Bid at live.noble.com.au

MARCUS JUNIUS BRUTUS WITH L. Plaetorius Caestianus, (42 B.C.), silver denarius, mint moving with Brutus in Northern Greece, (3.12 gm), obv. bare head of Brutus right, around BRVT IMP L PLAET CEST, rev. pileus (cap of liberty) between two daggers, EID MAR below, (S.1439, Cr.508/3, RSC 15, CRI 216, BMC East 68). Lightly toned with a strong portrait of Brutus, areas of pitting and corrosion mainly on the reverse, otherwise good very fine, very rare and of the highest historical significance.

Ex a European collection and private purchase from Spink London per John Pett. Without doubt the Ides of March denarius holds the premier position in ancient Roman coinage for its historical association and symbolism. The bare head of Brutus conveys his deep Republican connections, reminding us that he held the weight of the anti-Caesarian faction on his shoulders. The reverse is a masterfully efficient composition depicting the cap of liberty between two daggers. One dagger represents Brutus himself, while the other alludes to his chief co-conspirator Cassius. The daggers also remind us of the brutal murder of Caesar, while the cap was used by the conspirators as a symbol of their deliverance from the dictator's tyranny. "Eid Mar" is clearly placed below to cement 15 March 44 B.C. in history. It is the first time that this coin has appeared for public auction and as such, it is an unpublished specimen.