M. Junius Brutus. 54 BC. AR Denarius (20mm, 3.59 g, 6h).

Keystone Auction 6 – Session Three – The Ken Bressett Collection, Part II – Roman Coinage
Lot: 3093. Estimated: $ 500

Roman Republican, Silver

Sold For $ 1 000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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M. Junius Brutus. 54 BC. AR Denarius (20mm, 3.59 g, 6h). Rome mint. Head of Libertas right / The consul L. Junius Brutus walking left between two lictors and preceded by an accensus; BRVTVS in exergue. Crawford 433/1; Sydenham 906; Junia 31. Near VF, toned, bankers’ marks.

From the Ken Bressett Collection. Purchased from R. S. Yeoman in 1977 for @ $20.

Marcus Junius Brutus was the son of Marcus Junius Brutus and Julius Caesar's former mistress, Servilia. By 59 BC he acquired the alternative name Quintus Caepio Brutus through adoption by his uncle, Quintus Servilius Caepio. Brought up by Porcius Cato, he was educated in philosophy and oratory and long retained a fierce hatred of his natural father's murderer, Pompey. He began his political career in 58 BC by accompanying Cato to Cyprus. As triumvir monetalis in about 54 BC he issued coins illustrating his strong republican views with Libertas and portraits of his ancestor L. Junius Brutus - who overthrew Tarquinius Superbus (the last Etruscan king of Rome. In 53 BC he served in Cilicia as quaestor to Appius Claudius Pulcher, whose successor, Cicero, found that 'the honourable Brutus' was extracting 48 per cent interest on a loan to the city of Salamis in Cyprus, contrary to the Lex Gabinia.

The final winners of all Keystone 6 lots will be determined at the online sale that will be held on 11 March 2022. Session Three, presenting part 1 of the Ken Bressett Collection, featuring Roman coinage, will be held Friday evening, 11 March 2022 beginning at 7:00 PM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 22.50% for all others.