Brutus EID MAR Denarius – Coin of Assassins & Liberty

Introduction

Few coins capture a single moment in history as vividly as the EID MAR denarius of Brutus. Struck in 44 BC after the assassination of Julius Caesar, it is more than silver. It is a statement — blunt, dangerous, and defiant. Two daggers flank a liberty cap on its reverse, telling the world that Caesar’s killers saw themselves not as traitors, but as liberators of Rome. Today, it stands as one of the most famous and valuable coins in existence.

The History Behind the Coin

On March 15th, 44 BC — the Ides of March — Julius Caesar was killed by a group of senators led by Marcus Junius Brutus and Gaius Cassius Longinus. In the bloody aftermath, Brutus struck this denarius to pay his troops and proclaim his cause.

• Obverse: Bust of Brutus, stern and uncompromising.

• Reverse: Two daggers with the inscription “EID MAR” (Ides of March) and a liberty cap.

Coins had always carried propaganda, but never before had a coin so directly celebrated political murder. Struck in military mints as Brutus campaigned against the supporters of Caesar, it became a portable manifesto — freedom from dictatorship struck in silver.

Why Collectors Revere It

• Historical Boldness: It openly commemorates assassination, making it one of the most shocking issues in Roman numismatics.

• Rarity: Only a handful survive. Some estimates suggest fewer than 100 silver examples and only 3 known in gold.

• Condition Matters: Because they were struck in the field, surviving examples are often worn or off-center. High-grade pieces are nearly impossible to find.

For collectors, the EID MAR isn’t just another Roman coin — it’s the crown jewel, a coin that marries history, rarity, and symbolism.

Auction Highlights

• 2020 (Roma Numismatics, London): An NGC-graded Mint State silver denarius sold for £3.24 million ($4.2 million) — a world record for a Roman coin.

• 2022 (Numismatica Ars Classica, Zurich): A gold aureus version of the EID MAR realized $3.5 million, cementing its legendary status.

Each appearance at auction sends shockwaves through the collecting world, reminding us that this coin is not just rare — it is nearly mythical.

Value Guide

Pricing the EID MAR is almost impossible because of its rarity, but here are ballpark ranges based on recent market activity:

• Silver Denarius, worn (Fine): $500,000 – $1 million

• Silver Denarius, high grade (VF–EF): $1.5 – $3 million

• Gold Aureus: $3 – $5 million+ (if one ever appears again)

These values are not fixed “catalog prices” but reflect the unique supply-and-demand reality of a coin where collectors may wait a lifetime to see one.

Here’s a more information about  “Historical Spotlights”

Conclusion

The EID MAR denarius is more than a coin. It is a political weapon, a historical document, and a numismatic legend. When Brutus struck it, he wanted to declare victory over tyranny. More than two thousand years later, it still carries that message — sharper than any dagger, heavier than any speech.

For collectors, the dream of holding an EID MAR may remain distant, but its story continues to inspire. It reminds us why coins matter: they are history in metal, struck to outlast even the empires that made them.