Brutus gold aureus goes for $800,000
Over $26 million was realized by Classical Numismatic Group’s annual Triton auction. It was held Jan. 5-6 in conjunction with the 44th Annual New York International Numismatic Convention (NYINC) on…
Over $26 million was realized by Classical Numismatic Group’s annual Triton auction.
It was held Jan. 5-6 in conjunction with the 44th Annual New York International Numismatic Convention (NYINC) on January 5-6, 2016.
The total prices realized figure does not include buyer’s fees.
Hammered down in this auction was what the cataloger called the finest portrait Brutus gold aureus.
It brought $800,000.
According to the catalog it was struck in late summer-autumn 42 B.C.E. by the military mint traveling with Brutus and Cassius in western Asia Minor or northern Greece. P. Servilius Casca Longus was the moneyer.
It shows a bare head of Brutus right, wearing short beard; BRVTVS behind, IMP before; all within laurel wreath / A combined army and naval trophy, consisting of a cuirass, a crested helmet on the top, a curved sword and two crossed spears on the left arm, and an oval shield with incurved sides on the right, set on a post made from a tree trunk; at base, two prows, two shields, and a rudder.
It was graded EF, peripheral marks in field on obverse.
There are just 17 examples known of which eight are in museums.
A bid of $300,000 carried the day for a Year 5 shekel from the Jewish revolt against Roman occupation 66-70 C.E.
From the David Hendin collection, the EF, lightly toned coin is described by the catalog as 22mm, 13.68 g, 12h. Jerusalem mint. Dated year 5 ([August] 70 C.E.). Omer cup; “Y[ear] 5” (date) in Hebrew above, “Shekel of Israel” in Hebrew around / Sprig of three pomegranates; “Jerusalem the holy” in Hebrew around. Meshorer 215; Kadman 45 (same obv. die as illustration); Hendin 1370 (same obv. die as illustration); Bromberg 389 (same obv. die); Shoshana I 20221 (same obv. die); Sofaer –; Spaer –.
For further details email CNG at cng@cngcoins.com.
This article was originally printed in World Coin News.
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• Come on down to the Chicago International Coin Fair in Rosemont, Ill. on April 14 to 17, 2016 to see impressive world coins, meet new collectors and participate in Heritage Auction’s fantastic coin auction.
• The Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 8th Edition is your guide to images, prices and information on the century's coins.
