Brutus 42 BC Ancient Roman Silver Denarius . NGC

This ancient Roman silver denarius was issued for Marcus Junius Brutus, the infamous murderer of Julius Caesar in the Roman Senate house on the Ides of March in 44BC.  Brutus thought of himself as a defender of the Roman Republic, so he killed Caesar to prevent the dictator from toppling the Roman system of government that had allowed Rome to prosper for centuries.  Brutus in fact was descended from a famous family of Roman patriots that had defended the Republic from potential dictators several times.

This coin was made soon following Caesar's death after Brutus and Cassius fled to the eastern empire.  Rome was plunged into a bitter civil war after Caesar's assassination as several factions fought for control of the empire.  Brutus was in Greece to raise a huge army of 17 legions to fight the combined armies of Marc Antony and Octavian (later known as Caesar Augustus). Antony and Octavian crushed Brutus and his ally Cassius at the battle of Phillipi in Greece in 42BC.  Brutus decided to commit suicide a few days later.  Despite Brutus's murder of Caesar, the Republic quickly came to an end when the Roman Senate ushered in the Imperial era by declaring Octavian as Emperor Augustus.

This coin was unearthed in a hoard that is believed to have been among the treasury chests Brutus used to pay his legions.  Roman generals carried massive amounts of coins because the legionaries expected to be paid immediately after a battle.  The treasury chests full of gold and silver were buried before a battle to prevent the enemy from capturing it in the event of a defeat. After the battle the chests would be dug up and the soldiers would be paid, but since  Brutus's army was destroyed the chest containing this coin was left undisturbed underground for 2000 years.  That is why this specimen was able to survive in such immaculate condition for two millennia!

It is believed this coin was struck from silver donated by Polemocratia, the famous widow of the Thracian Prince Sadala. She came to Brutus after her husband the king was assassinated. She wanted Brutus to help ensure the kingdom passed to her son, and Brutus made sure it did. In return she gave him a massive treasure of gold and silver.

This historic Roman silver coin is obviously extremely rare – especially in such great condition.  Most coins of this stature are exhibited in museums of Roman antiquities.

The obverse of the coin features the legend COSTA LEG and the laureate head of Apollo. Pedanius Costa was a legatus in the army of Brutus during the civil war and was the moneyer responsible for minting this coin on behalf of Brutus. A legatus was a top commander with a military rank like a general in modern armies. The reverse features the legend BRUTUS IMP and a trophy of arms. The legend refers to Brutus' status as an Imperator, which is a title awarded to victorious Roman generals. The trophy was a display of the arms and armor of a fallen enemy soldier that was carried in front of the troops during a Triumphal parade through the streets of Rome while the adoring throngs of citizens roared their approval.

The coin has been graded as Choice Extra Fine by NGC. The coin has been preserved through the centuries in
extraordinary condition. It is very unusual to find a 2000 year old silver coin with such great properties. The strike is strong and clear. The centering is very good. The design details are as crisp and clean as the day it was minted in an ancient workshop. Truly a magnificent example. Act now to add this museum-quality historical artifact to your collection before somebody else beats you to it.