44
3067
Albinus Bruti f. Silver Denarius (3.94 g), 48 BC.
Rome. PIETAS behind, bare head
of Pietas right.
Reverse:
ALBINVS BRVTI F, clasped hands holding winged cadu-
ceus. Crawford 450/2; HCRI 26; Sydenham 942; Postumia 10. Well struck and per-
fectly centered. The surfaces are lustrous with beautiful multicolor iridescense on
the reverse.
Superb Extremely Fine.
The moneyer, Decimus Junius Brutus, is better known to us than are most money-
ers as he saw extensive service under Caesar during the Gallic Wars and was
later made governor of Transalpine Gaul. Additionally, he was made Caesar’s
heir should Octavius reject the inheritance. Despite the favor Caesar showed
him, he was amongst the conspirators in his assassination (he should not be
confused with M. Junius Brutus, however, who was one of the principals of the
conspiracy). The types chosen for this coin advertise Caesar’s leniency in deal-
ing with those Romans who had opposed him, Pietas personifying devotion and
love of country, and the clasped hands an obvious symbol of reconciliation.
The winged caduceus is most associated as the attribute of the personification
of Felicitas, and here represents the beneficial outcome of Caesar’s clemency.
Estimated Value........................................................................................... $800 - 900
Ex Gemini V (6 January 2009), 246.
3068
Mn. Cordius Rufus. Silver Denarius (3.92 g),
46 BC.
Rome. RVFVS S C, diademed head of
Venus right.
Reverse:
MN CORDIVS below,
Cupid riding dolphin right. Crawford 463/3;
HCRI 65; Sydenham 977; Cordia 3. Lovely iri-
descent tone.
Superb Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value.............................. $800 - 900
Ex NAC 73 (18 November 2013), 196; MMAG
66 (22 October 1984), 436.
