A rare Roman gold coin, minted with the image of Brutus, one of Julius Caesar's assassins, has sold for €1,98 million at an auction in Geneva, according to Numismatica Genevensis. The precious aureus, dated to 43-42 BC, attracted eight bidders in a fierce battle, starting with an initial price of €800. Weighing 000 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. Minted clandestinely in a traveling mint accompanying Brutus' troops, this coin served as both currency and propaganda. It was created shortly before Brutus' defeat at the Battle of Philippi by Mark Antony and Octavian, which led to his suicide. According to Frank Baldacci, director of Numismatica Genevensis, the coin reflects Brutus' imperial ambitions during a tumultuous period in Roman history.
A long journey through the centuries
After centuries of discreet circulation, the coin reappeared in the 1950s in the catalogue of a private collector. Resold in 2006 in Zurich for 360 Swiss francs, it is one of 000 similar coins known to date. It is now kept in an airtight box to prevent any alteration and guarantee its authenticity. While this price is impressive, a comparable aureus had reached 17 million euros at a sale in London in 3,6, setting a precedent in the history of numismatic auctions.
