Brutus, with L. Cornelius Lentulus Spinther. 43–42 BC.

Brutus, 43–42 BC, with L. Cornelius Lentulus Spinther. Silver Denarius (18 mm, 3.64 g, 12 h). Military mint moving with the forces of Brutus and Cassius, probably at Smyrna, early 42 BC. Obv. BRVTVS, sacrificial axe, simpulum, and knife. Rev. LENTVLVS / SPINT, jug and lituus. Babelon (Junia) 41; (Cornelia) 71; Crawford 500/7; Sydenham 1310; RBW 1766. Very well centered with attractive tone. Bankers’ marks on both sides.

Struck in the months leading up to the final confrontation with Mark Antony and Octavian, this denarius is part of the last great series issued by the Liberators, whose coinage consciously evoked the traditional religious and constitutional forms of the Roman Republic. The obverse displays sacrificial implements associated with public rites, including the simpulum, sacrificial axe, and knife, alluding to Brutus’ piety and his claim to have acted in defence of Rome’s ancestral laws. The reverse names L. Cornelius Lentulus Spinther, one of Brutus’ key supporters, and depicts the jug and lituus, symbols of priestly office and augury. These instruments represent the sacred legitimacy of the senatorial cause, asserting that the Liberators acted under the guidance of Rome’s gods and the authority of its ancient priesthoods. Issued by a travelling military mint while the Republican armies gathered strength in Asia Minor, the type belongs to the final phase of Republican independent coinage. Within only a few months of its production, the hopes of Brutus and Cassius would collapse at Philippi. A historically significant and evocative issue, combining fine late Republican style with some of the most resonant symbolism of the Liberators’ propaganda.