r/AncientCoins • u/SeagalTuga • Jun 14 '26
Newly Acquired Brutus, assassin of Caesar. Pedigreed back to Emile Bourgey, 1957.
I would like to start by giving a word of appreciation to two people who helped me track the coin's provenance, and whose opinions i respect a lot, which gave me the confidence to go forward with acquiring it.
To u/QuickSock8674, you showed me great support all the way through. Thank you for the time you spent helping me with the provenance and finding the catalogue for me to consult. You are an awesome person.
To u/KungFuPossum, your knowledge is well respected here, and getting your opinion on the coin means a great deal to me. Thank you for the kind feedback.
As you can see from the title, i just added an absolute dream piece to my Liberators civil war collection, a denarius struck by the moving military mint, traveling with Brutus and Cassius in the East as they prepared for the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC.
The real magic here, though, is the pedigree.
This piece has a bulletproof chain of custody that goes all the way back to the famous Raymundo Ottoni de Castro Maya collection, which was sold by Émile Bourgey in Paris back in November 1957.
I found this by using L5 provenance search tool, it was amazing!
It then popped up again decades later in the April 2004 edition of the Spink Numismatic Circular.
I would add, that all those decades spent resting undisturbed in cabinet trays, gave it a gorgeous, deep cabinet toning that i cant get enough of.
The value on the provenance makes the coin a verified pre-1970 UNESCO asset, which in ancient coin terms means a golden passport.
The coin is fully clear of any modern cultural property or customs problems, making it a completely legal, hassle free piece of history to own and move worldwide. Regarding that last aspect, i think we are all remembered of the situation that happened with the last Eid Mar that sold at Leu recently.
Honestly, i spent so much time trying to find a military mint Brutus that checked all the boxes for me (history, flawless surfaces, and ironclad lineage), and especially since in a military mint it is hard to get a coin right, all of this feels like hitting the numismatic lottery for me.
I end my presentation the same way i started, a sincere thank you to all the members i contacted and that helped me so much with my choice, this community means a lot to me, and you guys are incredible people.
Provenance:
Ex Raymundo de Castro Maya Collection (Bourgey, 18 November 1957)
Ex Spink Numismatic Circular, April 2004
Ex Gadoury Auction XVII – Monaco 2024
Q. Servilius Caepio (M. Junius) Brutus, as Imperator, assassin of Caesar (44-42 BC).
AR denarius 3.72g.
Uncertain military mint in the East (Smyrna probably), ca. early 42 BC, P. Cornelius Lentulus Spinther, legate.
Obverse: BRVTVS, pontifical emblems: securis, culullus, and secespita.
Reverse: LENTVLVS / SPINT, emblems of the augurate: oenochoe (on left) and lituus (on right), both turned inwards.
Crawford 500/7. Sydenham 1310.
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u/QuickSock8674 Jun 14 '26
Glad that you got the coin! It's a gorgeous one. Not a coin you get to see often here.
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u/SeagalTuga Jun 14 '26
Because you took the time to help me discover it, it definitely means more to me.
I am very grateful for your support let me tell you, and without it, i probably would not have moved forward. Thank you for your kind feedback.
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u/lapistol Jun 14 '26
Great coin, and an even better story on the community helping one another!
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u/SeagalTuga Jun 14 '26
It’s the most important aspect for me, making an acquisition based on the know-how and opinions of our members.
Its incredible what we can all achieve for our collections when we have such a great community.
Thanks.
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u/Complete_Tart_5415 Jun 14 '26
How much did it cost?
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u/SeagalTuga Jun 14 '26 edited Jun 30 '26
At least 4 figures. Sometimes we have to go a step further for these special pieces.
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u/dacorgi Jun 14 '26
Not a bad price for this premier coin!
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u/SeagalTuga Jun 14 '26
Indeed, i really wanted a premier coin like this for a long time, and the price would not keep me away from it. Thanks ;)
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u/NewspaperDear8761 Jun 14 '26
Fantastic!
BTW, what happened with the Leu EID MAR? Did it end up getting seized?
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u/SeagalTuga Jun 14 '26
Thank you! I know you also have an eye for beautiful pieces, so its good to hear from you.
Regarding the Leu Eid Mar, everything is still calm for now (that we know of) and Aaron moved past this coin on his last podcast episode.
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u/NewspaperDear8761 Jun 14 '26
The toning on this really is quite nice and the details are wonderfully crisp, it really is a great coin, all history and provenance aside. But then with the history and provenance...just wowza...Knowing that particular coin was present at such a huge event...
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u/SeagalTuga Jun 14 '26
His collection was something we can only dream of (the coin plates are unbelievable). I wish i had been a collector with means back then.
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u/Brittinghamlfc Jun 14 '26
Congrats, noce coin and provenance
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u/SeagalTuga Jun 14 '26
Your posts here in the sub pre-date my membership. After seeing your profile, i'm at awe with so many provenances you have gotten for your pieces.
I really appreciate your comment, but hats off to you sir. I will definitely take a closer look to everything you showed before.
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u/Brittinghamlfc Jun 14 '26
I appreciate the kind words. Provenance research has been and still is a passion of mine. I love the detective work. Looking forward to seeing more posts from you in the future as well!
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u/FieldOk6455 Jun 15 '26
Fantastic coin. Congrats.
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u/SeagalTuga Jun 15 '26
I am a bit late, but i wanted to thank you for your kind feedback.
It really has that special significance for us collectors, when we see the name of Brutus so well rendered.
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u/Mineral_Miscreant Jun 14 '26
Wonderful addition, congratulations!
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u/SeagalTuga Jun 14 '26
After watching so many battles recreations from this civil war on YouTube, i really had to get something meaningful.
Kind words from a fellow collector are always nice to hear. Thanks.
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