A rare Roman gold coin, struck with the image of Brutus, one of Julius Caesar’s assassins, was sold for 1.98 million euros at an auction in Geneva, according to Numismatica Genevensis. This precious aureus, dated 43-42 BC, attracted eight bidders in a fierce battle, starting from an initial price of 800,000 euros. Weighing 8 grams and the size of a one euro coin, this unique example bears witness to the last days of the Roman Republic.
A piece with strong symbolic and historical value
The aureus features the profile of Brutus crowned with laurels, while its reverse celebrates his military victories through warrior symbols. Clandestinely minted in a traveling workshop accompanying Brutus’ troops, this coin served as much currency as an instrument of propaganda. It was created shortly before Brutus’ defeat at the Battle of Philippi against Mark Antony and Octavian, which led to his suicide. According to Frank Baldacci, director of Numismatica Genevensis, the coin reflects the imperial ambitions of Brutus during a tumultuous period in Roman history.
A long journey through the centuries
After centuries of discreet circulation, the piece reappeared in the 1950s in the catalog of a private collector. Resold in 2006 in Zurich for 360,000 Swiss francs, it is one of 17 similar pieces known to date. It is now kept in an airtight box to prevent any alteration and guarantee its authenticity. If this price is impressive, a comparable aureus reached 3.6 million euros during a sale in London in 2020, establishing a precedent in the history of numismatic auctions.
