Lot 2998

Description

Republic, M. Junius Brutus, (c.43-42 B.C.), silver denarius, mint moving with Brutus by Lucius sestus in Macedonia, (3.85 grams), obv. head of Libertas to right, draped and wearing veil, around L SESTI PRO Q, rev. tripod to left axe, to right simpulum around Q CAEPIO BRVTVS PRO COS, (S.381, Cr.502/2, Syd.1290). Nice toning, attractive style, nearly extremely fine and rare.

The career of Marcus Junius Brutus generally parallels that of his fellow conspirator Cassius. He was a pardoned Pompeian and was shown special favour by Caesar, who appointed him governor of Cisalpine Gaul in 46 B.C. and urban praetor two later. He was ringleader in Caesar's assassination and fled Rome. He spurned the province legally granted him an instead occupied Greece, where he proceeded to assemble troops and raise money until the Senate legalised his actions in February of 43 B.C. by voting him the command of Illyria, Macedonia and Achaea. Though allied with Cassius, he campaigned seperately in order to maximize the revenues available to the Republican cause. Eventually the two joined forces in Summer of 42 B.C. for the fatal confrontation with the triumvirs Antony and Octavian at Philippi, which resulted in defeat. He took his own life. This denarius employs his adoptive name Q. Caepio Brutus and notes he is the pro consul.