A priceless piece of history, a Roman gold aureus featuring the image of Brutus, the notorious assassin of Julius Caesar, is set to be auctioned in Geneva on Monday. This coin, regarded as a national treasure, is expected to fetch over a million Swiss francs, with bidding starting at 750,000 francs ($852,000).
Frank Baldacci, head of Numismatica Genevensis (NGSA), calls the coin “a piece of history” and “the Da Vinci of Roman coins,” adding that “a numismatist’s eyes light up when beholding a coin like this.”
The aureus, a gold currency used in ancient Rome, weighs 8 grams and is one of only 17 known examples. It features Brutus’s profile framed by laurel leaves on one side and celebrates his military victories on the other.
Struck shortly before the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC, the coin holds tremendous historical and artistic significance. Baldacci explains that the laurel wreath and inscription “IMP” (for emperor) suggest Brutus’s ambition to portray himself as emperor, despite not holding the title. The coin has traveled through centuries, passing through private collections, including those of princes and lords during the Renaissance. It resurfaced in the 1950s and was sold to a private collector in 2006 for 360,000 Swiss francs.
“This is a coin returning to market after a generation,” Baldacci said.
To ensure its authenticity, the coin is encased in an airtight box, with certification by specialists involving comparison with other ancient coins and gold analysis.
This exceptionally rare coin offers a unique chance to own a piece of history, making it a prized treasure for collectors and historians alike.
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