Rare Brutus-era Roman coin sells for CHF1.89 million in Geneva, marking significant cultural heritage transaction in Swiss auction market.
"It represents a piece of history marking the last chapters of the Roman Republic"
In a remarkable demonstration of numismatic excellence, a rare Roman coin featuring the portrait of Julius Caesar's assassin, Brutus, has achieved a historic sale price of CHF1.89 million ($2.15 million) at a prestigious Geneva auction. The sale, conducted by Numismatica Genevensis, drew intense international attention with eight online bidders competing for this exceptional piece of Roman history. The final price significantly exceeded the initial valuation of CHF740,000, highlighting the coin's extraordinary value in the current market.
This exceptional coin represents a crucial moment in Roman history, minted between 43-42 BC in the tumultuous period following Julius Caesar's assassination. The coin's design carries profound political symbolism, featuring Brutus's profile adorned with a laurel wreath - a bold statement of imperial ambition. The reverse side displays military symbols celebrating Brutus's victories, serving as a powerful propaganda tool during the last days of the Roman Republic. Its historical significance is amplified by its extreme rarity, being one of only 17 known specimens worldwide.
The coin, weighing 8 grams and comparable in size to a modern euro, represents the pinnacle of Roman minting craftsmanship. Its provenance has been well documented since its rediscovery in the 1950s. After appearing in a private collector's catalogue, it made its market debut at a 2006 Zurich auction, where it sold for CHF360,000. The dramatic increase in value from its 2006 sale to the current CHF1.89 million demonstrates the growing appreciation for exceptional historical artifacts.
This record-breaking sale reinforces Geneva's position as a global hub for high-value numismatic transactions. The success of this auction, managed by Numismatica Genevensis, demonstrates Switzerland's continued excellence in handling significant cultural heritage sales. The transaction not only sets a new benchmark in the rare coin market but also highlights the Swiss auction houses' ability to attract premium historical artifacts and discerning international collectors.