Lot 1072

Description

Republic, M. Junius Brutus, (c.43-42 B.C.), silver denarius, mint moving with Brutus by Lucius Sestus in Macedonia, (3.73 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, Junia 37). Slightly off centred on the obverse, light toning, otherwise good very fine, rare.

Ex.Italo Vecchi Ltd, London Sale 7 (lot 656). The career of Marcus Junius Brutus generally parallels that of his fellow conspirator Cassius. He was initially a moneyer in 54 B.C. and struck this coinage with its strong Republican values which he held, that led him, to take part in the assassination a decade later of Julius Caesar. He was shown special favour by Caesar, who appointed him governor of Cisalpine Gaul in 46 B.C. and urban praetor two later. He was the 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 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, which resulted in defeat. He took his own life.