Numismatica Genevensis SA sold a rare gold coin featuring Marcus Junius Brutus for $2.2 million during a two-day auction series at the Beau-Rivage Hotel in Geneva, Switzerland, on December 9 and 10, 2024.
The Brutus aureus was the highlight of the “Masterpieces” sale, one of three auctions organized by Numismatica Genevensis during the event. Bids began at 750,000 Swiss Francs (~$850,000) and quickly surpassed its original auction estimate of $800,00 Swiss Francs (~$900,000). Other notable lots included rare British five guinea coins, a unique Islamic dinar from the Umayyad Period, and a collection of half-crowns.
This aureus of Brutus is one of the rarest and most significant of all ancient coinage and represents a moment that shaped the history of the Roman Empire. It will be the star of an auction that features masterpieces from across the globe and throughout numismatic history.
Dr. Alain Baron, founder of Numismatica Genevensis SA
This gold coin was minted following Caesar’s murder on the Ides of March in 44 B.C.E. and is regarded as one of the most iconic and historically significant coins in Roman history. It showcases a detailed portrait of Brutus surrounded by a laurel wreath on the front. The backside features military symbols—a breastplate, spears, a helmet, and a shield.
While this coin does not include the famous “EID MAR” inscription found on other Brutus coins, its historical value remains immense. Experts estimate that only 17 examples of gold coins bearing Brutus’s likeness exist. According to the auction house, a European collector won the intense bidding war, which included participation from eight online bidders.
The sale demonstrates the strong demand for rare and historically significant coins, even though it did not surpass any records. For context, it did not come close to hitting the $4.2 million record set by another Brutus aureus in 2020 that was later repatriated back to Greece.
