![]() The aureus had an estimate of £500,000 ($650,445 U.S.), which is not much more (relatively speaking) than recorded sales of the silver version (Heritage Auctions sold a silver example Sept. Berk Ltd., was the underbidder for the coin, and he shared a video of the bidding action on social media. The gold aureus bests a gold Pantikapaion stater that sold in 2012 from the Prospero Collection for $3.8 million, a sale that was notable for the unpaid bills of a big-time bidder.Īaron Berk, representing Harlan J. The fact that Brutus placed his own image on the obverse, however, is ironic, even in light of the fact that the triumvirs ruling Rome at the time had adopted the practice. Given that Roman coinage was generally a vehicle of propaganda, it is only natural that Brutus would boast of his involvement in overthrowing Caesar. ![]() In addition to the famous legend (noting when the republic was freed from Caesar’s tyranny), the reverse depicts the pileus, or cap of liberty traditionally given to slaves when they were freed, between the daggers representing the death of Caesar. ![]() The coins were issued to pay Brutus’ troops and other expenses. After being soundly defeated, he committed suicide. Hearing (incorrectly) that Brutus had been defeated and killed, Cassius committed suicide.īrutus led all the forces in the second battle but was overmatched. 3 and, 20 days later, with the final showdown.īrutus beat back the forces of Octavian in the first battle, but Cassius and his legions were routed by Antony. The conspirators faced off with the armies of Octavian and Mark Antony (who were among those leading the empire), first with the Battle of Philippi on Oct. Three months before he was assassinated, Caesar placed his own image on Roman coinage, upending tradition and decorum - never before had a living ruler’s portrait appeared on Roman coinage.Ĭivil war broke out in the months after the assassination, and the conspirators were sent fleeing from Rome, to join forces in early 42 B.C. Cassius Longinus led the charge in the Roman senate to topple the rule of Julius Caesar, who had been proclaimed dictator for life and ruled with absolute authority. The coin is famous for the act it commemorates, as well as the irony of the image on the obverse.Ĭontrary to popular belief, it wasn’t only Brutus who assassinated Julius Caesar, at least 30 Roman senators conspired to commit the murder.
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