Crawford 500/3

Moneyer: C. Cassius and Lentulus Spint. 

Denarius

Mint moving with Brutus and Cassius, probably Smyrna, early 42 BC

Diameter: 17 mm,

WeightL 3.89 g. 

Obverse: C·CASSI·IMP – LEIBERTAS Diademed head of Libertas right 

Reverse: Jug and lituus; below, LENTVLVS / SPINT. 

Reference: Crawford 500/3.

Provenance: Ex Leu Winterthur e-sale 27, 2023, 1546

Note: Following the formation of the second triumvirate of Octavian, Lepidus and Mark Antony, Cassius met Brutus at Smyrna, the occasion for which this coinage was struck by Cassius's legate P. Cornelius Lentulus Spinther with its emphasis on Libertas. The jug and lituus refer to Spinther's membership of the college of augurs.

One of the main ringleaders in the plot to assassinate Julius Caesar, Gaius Cassius Longinus had been a survivor and hero of the Parthian War of Crassus (53-51 BC). Initially a backer of Pompey, he accepted a pardon from Caesar in 48 BC and loyally served him for the next four years. It soon became apparent the dictator had no intention of stepping down, and thus Cassius was one of the first to plunge his dagger into Caesar on the Ides of March, 44 BC. After fleeing Rome, Cassius returned to Syria and commandeered several crack legions and a fleet. He joined forces with Brutus in 42 BC and the two marched into Thrace to meet the pro-Caesarian legions led by Marc Antony and Octavian. At the first clash at Philippi in early October 42 BC, Cassius suffered a reverse and rashly fell on his sword before he could be told that Brutus had counterattacked and saved the day. Demoralized by his friend's death, Brutus was easily defeated three weeks later and took his own life.

Collection : 16 Roman Republic