Lot 5254

Description

Q. Caepio Brutus better known as M. Junius Brutus (c. 54 B.C.), silver denarius, (3.92 grams), obv. head of Liberty to right, with LIBERTAS behind, rev. The consul L. Junius Brutus walking to l., between two lictors preceded by an accensus, BRVTVS in exergue, (S.397, Cr.433/1, Syd.906). Weak in places, well centred, otherwise nearly very fine,

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 years later. He was ringleader in Caesar’s assassination and fled Rome. He spurned the province legally granted him and instead occupied Greece, where he proceeded to assemble troops and raise money. 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 separately 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, where he took his own life. This denarius employs his adoptive name Q. Caepio Brutus and notes he is the pro consul.