Brutus (44-42 BC) Ancient Roman Gold Stater Koson . NGC

This ancient Roman gold stater 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).  It is believed a Thracian king named Koson (who was allied with the Republican legions led by Brutus) provided the gold that Brutus used to mint this coin.  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!

This historic Roman gold coin is obviously extremely rare – especially in Brilliant Uncirculated condition.  Most coins of this stature are exhibited in museums of Roman antiquities.

The design of the coin reflects Brutus' propaganda of the historic fight against tyranny. The obverse features one of Brutus' heroic ancestors (Lucius Junius Brutus who overthrew the last kings of Rome in 509BC and established the Republic) flanked by two lictors (bodyguards) carrying fasces, which are symbolic axes showing the wielder has the authority to punish people.  This coin is a rare variation that displays the BR monogram of Brutus to the left of the toga-clad figures.  The reverse features a Roman eagle standing on a scepter and holding a wreath of victory.

The coin is well struck on a nice round planchet.  The coin weighs 8.58 grams and is nearly pure gold, unlike most later Roman gold coins.

The coin has been graded as Brilliant Uncirculated by NGC. The coin has been preserved through the centuries in extraordinary condition. It is very unusual to find a 2000 year old gold 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. Now is your opportunity to own and enjoy a spectacular ancient Roman gold stater with tremendous historical significance. Act now to add this museum-quality historical artifact to your collection before somebody else beats you to it.