Q. Servilius Caepio (M. Junius) Brutus, as Moneyer (ca. 54 BC). AR denarius (19mm, 4.27 gm, 8h). NGC Choice XF 5/5 - 3/5. Rome. LIBERTAS, head of Libertas right, wearing pendant earring, with hair waved and rolled into chignon at back of head, some loose curls behind and at forehead / BRVTVS, the consul Lucius Junius Brutus walking left between two lictors, carrying axes over their left shoulders, and preceded by an accensus. Crawford 433/1. Sydenham 906. Junia 30. The scene on the reverse refers to the foundation of the Roman Republic, honoring the great Lucius Junius Brutus, the ancestor of the Moneyer, Servilius Caepio. He was a prominent figure in early Roman history, renowned for his role in the overthrow of the Roman monarchy around 509 BC. Alongside his compatriots, including Lucius Tarquinius Collatinus, Brutus led a successful revolt against the despotic rule of King Tarquin the Proud, setting the stage for the establishment of the Roman Republic. His election as one of the first consuls of the republic marked a pivotal moment in Roman political evolution. Brutus introduced significant reforms, such as the establishment of the Roman Senate as an advisory body and the symbolic use of the Fasces to represent state authority. However, Brutus's legacy is further complicated by a tragic personal episode. According to legend, he was compelled to order the execution of his own sons due to their involvement in a conspiracy to restore the monarchy, a decision that showcased his unwavering commitment to the fledgling republic. While elements of Brutus's life may be obscured by myth, he endures as a symbol of the pivotal transition from monarchy to republic in Roman history, embodying principles of civic duty and devotion to the rule of law that continue to intrigue scholars and enthusiasts alike. HID09801242017 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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