Prepare to journey back in time as a legendary ancient coin takes center stage at the much-awaited August 2023 Global Showcase Auction by Stack’s Bowers Galleries. The spotlight shines brightly on the EID MAR Denarius, an extraordinary piece minted by none other than the infamous assassin of Julius Caesar, M. Junius Brutus.
Ancient history comes alive with the unveiling of the EID MAR Denarius, a coin that emerged around 42 B.C., just two-and-a-half years after the shocking assassination of Julius Caesar. Experts predict that this remarkable coin will fetch a jaw-dropping price at the auction, given the recent surge in popularity of ancient coins. With previous examples reaching astonishing figures of up to $720,000, the enthusiasm surrounding the Stack’s Bowers auction promises to be electric.
Behind the EID MAR Denarius lies a gripping story that intertwines with the fate of Julius Caesar. Having declared himself “dictator in perpetuity,” Caesar’s ambitions for power stirred unrest among politicians, fearing his ascent to kingship. The result was a plot masterminded by Roman senators, led by Marcus Junius Brutus and Cassius, which culminated in Caesar’s assassination on that fateful Ides of March in 44 B.C.
Amid the tumultuous aftermath of the assassination, public reactions to Caesar’s death varied greatly. While some of Caesar’s allies, including Mark Antony and Octavian, waged a civil war to avenge him, Brutus and Cassius fled Italy, taking control of the eastern provinces. This set the stage for the Battle of Philippi in 42 B.C., ultimately leading to the defeat and demise of Brutus and Cassius.
The EID MAR Denarius was minted during the Battle of Philippi as Brutus sought to pay his soldiers. Featuring Brutus’ bust and the inscription “BRUT IMP” on the obverse, the coin proudly proclaimed him as Commander Brutus. On the reverse side, the abbreviation “EID MAR” and the imagery of two daggers and a freedman’s cap symbolize the quest for freeing Rome from Caesar’s perceived tyranny.
The forthcoming auction at Stack’s Bowers Galleries marks the third presentation of the illustrious Dr. Michael Rogers Collection, renowned for setting impressive records. The silver EID MAR Denarius, estimated at up to $300,000, is scarce among ancient coins, with only around 100 surviving specimens. Unearthed primarily in Greece, these coins testify to their wide circulation, leaving an enduring mark on history until at least 4 B.C.
As anticipation builds, the world of numismatic enthusiasts eagerly awaits the grand spectacle. The EID MAR Denarius stands poised to create history once more, beckoning collectors from around the globe to vie passionately for this invaluable piece of ancient heritage, forever preserving its legacy for generations to come.
