Beware The Eids of MarcH!!!!

rareCanadian · March 15, 2004 8:00AM

Our favorite coin in our collection!!! Enjoy
Sid and Alicia Belzberg

MrEureka · March 15, 2004 10:07AM

What type of Canadian coin is that?

Syracusian · March 15, 2004 4:08PM

Where is Civitas when you need him?

Philip · March 15, 2004 4:10PM

<< <i>Where is Civitas when you need him? >>

Busy with VAM varieties

JohnZ · March 15, 2004 4:37PM

What type of Canadian coin is that?

Hardee har har.

Little do you know MrEureka that this was a coin minted in Atlantis, whose brave souls ventured forth to conquer a distant land of noble savages, now known as French Beach on Vancouver Island.

CIVITAS · March 17, 2004 1:28AM

That type is one of the most famous coins of the Roman world. A denarius issued by Brutus, one of the assassins of Caesar. It was most likely struck sometime during 42 B.C. at a military mint travelling with Brutus and Cassius in Asia Minor or Northern Greece, shortly before the battle of Philippi.

The obverse depicts the portrait of Brutus himself. A rather "imperial" move for someone who supposedly committed tyrannicide in the name of preserving the Republic. The reverse depicts two daggers (the assassination weapons) flanking a Pileus (the cap of Liberty). An abbreviation for Eidibus Martiis appears on the reverse referring to the Ides of March, Caesar's assassination date. They were already on the run from the triumviral leaders Octavian and Mark Antony, but this was certainly a final slap in the face. Not long after, Antony and Octavian caught up with Brutus and Cassius at Philippi and defeated them. Both Brutus and Cassius committed suicide.

theboz11 · March 17, 2004 1:53AM

Thank You,,, That is truly a beautiful coin, and a wonderful Piece of History.

Syracusian · March 17, 2004 2:00AM

Thank you Josh.

How about its rarity?

CIVITAS · March 17, 2004 2:40AM

It's pretty rare and very popular. Probably less than 100 known examples. Crawford cites there are less than 30 known obverse dies and less than 33 known reverse dies.

A choice example sells for $100,000 plus.
I think the last example I saw for sale was one on eBay offered by David Hendin (Amphora Coins). It was kind of an off center VF with a shovel mark in it. I believe the bid made it to $60,000 but did not meet the reserve. My memory is a little fuzzy on that one. I know it was more than $10,000, because that's what we bid and we didn't buy it.

MacCrimmon · March 17, 2004 3:18AM

Et tu, Brute?

Nice coinage history on that one Josh, and, thanks for sharing that treasure, Mr. and Mrs. B.

1jester · March 17, 2004 3:48AM

Thank you very much for sharing that fascinating piece of history, Sid and Alicia! Glad to have you posting here.

ColinCMR · March 17, 2004 2:59PM

There was a great show about Caesar's death on the Discovery Channel today.
Looks amazing Sid!

Beware The Eids of MarcH!!!!

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