Cassius, a leading conspirator in the assassination of Julius Caesar, played a crucial role in the plot to end what he saw as Caesar's growing tyranny. Alongside Brutus, he orchestrated the infamous attack on the Ides of March in 44 BC, believing it would restore the Roman Republic. However, instead of peace, their actions plunged Rome into civil war. After the assassination, Cassius fled east, raising an army to fight against the forces loyal to Caesar. But in 42 BC, after the decisive Battle of Philippi, Cassius, believing all hope was lost, took his own life. I had been looking for a relatively affordable coin of Cassius and finally got lucky last year. The obverse of this denarius, struck by C. Cassius and Lentulus Spinther around 43-42 BC, depicts Libertas, the embodiment of liberty, a fitting symbol for Cassius, who claimed to be defending the Republic’s freedom from Caesar's dictatorship. On the reverse, a jug and lituus—symbols of religious office—acknowledge Cassius' authority and role as an augur. C. Cassius and Lentulus Spint, AR Denarius, c. 43-42 BC, Babelon Cassia 16 and Cornelia 75, C 4, Sydenham 1307, Sear Imperators 221, RBW 1762, Crawford 500/3 (3.50 g, 20.10 mm) Obverse: C·CASSI·IMP – LEIBERTAS. Diademed head of Libertas right Reverse: Jug and lituus; below, LENTVLVS / SPINT And here is one of his more famous co-conspirator. Marcus Junius Brutus, AR Denarius, Rome mint, 54 BC, Sear 397, Syd 906, Cr433/1, Junia 31 (3.74 g, 18.80 mm) Obverse: Bust of Libertas right; LIBERTAS downward behind Reverse: Consul L. Junius Brutus, between two lictors, preceded by accensus, all walking left; BRVTVS in exergue
Cool coin, and it looks really nice. Out of curiosity, how many of the conspirators have coins? I knew about Brutus, but I didn't know Cassius had coins. That would be a really cool set... the Assassins Denarii
I know of one more: Decimus Brutus. Decimus, although a distant cousin of Marcus Brutus, played a far more pivotal role in Caesar's downfall than commonly depicted. Despite his importance, Shakespeare largely overlooks Decimus, relegating him to the status of the forgotten assassin. Yet, historical records underscore his indispensability to the plot. Decimus Brutus, a Roman general and politician, shared a close relationship with Julius Caesar. He was not only a trusted ally but also a close friend, having fought alongside Caesar in various military campaigns. Despite this camaraderie, Decimus Brutus harbored personal grievances and political ambitions that ultimately swayed him toward a path of betrayal. Historians suggest that Caesar's decision to appoint Decimus Brutus as the governor of Cisalpine Gaul, a post that Decimus coveted, never materialized, leading to resentment and a sense of being overlooked. On the infamous Ides of March in 44 BCE, Decimus Brutus played a pivotal role in the conspiracy to assassinate Julius Caesar. It was Decimus who persuaded Caesar to attend the ill-fated Senate meeting, escorted him to the Senate house, and evaded Mark Antony, who wished to warn Caesar of the assassination plot. After Caesar was attacked by the first assassin, Servilius Casca, Decimus and the rest of the conspirators attacked and killed him. According to Nicolaus of Damascus, Decimus Brutus was the last to strike Caesar, stabbing him in the side. After rhe assassination, Decimus departed Rome to command an army in northern Italy. Initially displaying strength and resolve, he found himself ensnared by the cunning maneuvers of Octavius. Octavius, designated as Caesar's heir and adopted son in the dictator's will, initially forged an alliance with Decimus, only to later betray him. Approximately eighteen months following the infamous Ides of March, Decimus faced a stark reversal of fortune. Abandoned by his own troops, he fell into the hands of his adversaries, ultimately meeting his demise through execution. Albinus Bruti f (Decimus Junius Brutus Albinus), AR Denarius, Rome mint, 48 BC, Babelon (Postumia) 14 and (Junia) 29, Crawford 450/3b, Sydenham 943a (4.0 g, 19 mm) Obverse: A•POSTVMIVS•COS. Bare head of A. Postumius to right. Reverse: ALBINV / • / BRVTI F within wreath of grain ears.
