A rare and historically significant Roman coin depicting Marcus Junius Brutus, one of Julius Caesar’s assassins, has sold at a Geneva auction for nearly €2 million. The coin, known as the “Eid Mar” denarius, was minted in 42 BCE to commemorate Brutus’ role in Caesar’s assassination and features an iconic design: Brutus’ portrait on one side and a pair of daggers flanking a liberty cap on the reverse, symbolizing the liberation of Rome from tyranny.
The auction house described the coin as “an unparalleled piece of history,” given its connection to one of the most pivotal moments in Roman history. The price achieved reflects its rarity and the enduring fascination with the events surrounding Caesar’s assassination and the downfall of the Roman Republic.
Experts say fewer than 100 of these coins are known to exist, and only a small fraction remain in such exceptional condition. The buyer, who has chosen to remain anonymous, is said to be an avid collector of ancient artifacts.
The sale has reignited interest in ancient coinage, with historians and numismatists hailing the piece as a tangible link to the turbulent days of the late Roman Republic.