Rare ‘Ides of March’ Coin Issued by Brutus After Caesar’s Assassination Set to Be Auctioned

Ides of March coin minted by Brutus after Caesar's deathPhoto byWikimedia

The big story

Costa Mesa-based Stack’s Bowers Galleries will feature a remarkable ancient coin in their August 2023 Global Showcase Auction. This rare "EID MAR" (Ides of March) denarius, the standard silver coin of Ancient Rome, was minted in 42 B.C. It marked the assassination of Julius Caesar by senator and friend Marcus Junius Brutus.

One side of the coin shows two daggers and a freedman's cap, symbolizing Brutus' role in freeing Rome from Caesar. The other side features a bust of Brutus with the inscription "BRUT IMP," signifying his authority as Commander Brutus.

For pre-bidding purposes, the complete August Auction has been posted on the firm's website at www.StacksBowers.com.

Why it matters?

The coin showing BrutusPhoto byStack's Bowers Galleries

Only about 100 of these coins exist today, mainly in Greece and some in Europe. The auction house, Stack's Bowers Galleries, expects the coin to sell for up to $300,000, possibly more due to its rarity and historical significance.

Previously, a gold EID MAR coin sold for $4.2 million in 2020 but was later returned to Greece due to a fraudulent sale linked to looting.

Julius Caesar declared himself "dictator in perpetuity" in 44 B.C. Roman senators, including Brutus and Cassius, fearing his ambition for kingship, plotted and assassinated him on 15th March 44 B.C. The event is popularly known as "The Ides of March."

The aftermath of Caesar's murder led to political turmoil and a civil war between Caesar's allies and the conspirators.

The EID MAR denarius, believed to be minted during the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC, reflects the complexity of the era. Julius Caesar was the first Roman to issue coins using his portrait. Historians say Brutus mirrored Caesar's image on the coin, despite claiming to have freed Rome from Caesar's tyranny.