Brutus 44 - 42 BC Roman Gold AV Starter Koson 8.6 Gr (07/03/2009)...

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Brutus 44 - 42 BC Roman Gold AV Starter Koson 8.6 Grams

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Brutus 44 - 42 BC Roman Gold AV Starter Koson 8.6 Grams

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Sold Date: 07/03/2009
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Coins & Currency

Brutus 44 - 42 BC ancient Roman Gold Starter Koson.One of the more controversial coins of the ancient world is the gold starter of Koson or what is often called the gold starter of Brutus.This coin was struck around 42 BC and embodies a story involving murder,war and suicide.It is a favorite among collectors. This ancient Roman gold starter was issued for Marcus Junius Brutus, the infamous murderer of Julius Caesar in the Roman Senate on the ides of March in 44 BC. Brutus thought of himself as a defender of the Roman Republic,so he killed Caesar to prevent the dictator from toppling the Roman system of government that had allowed Rome to prosper for centuries.This coin was made soon after Caesars death after Brutus and Cassius fled to the eastern empire.Rome was plunged into a civil war after Caesars assassination as several factions fought for control of the empire.Brutus was in Greece to raise a army of 17 legions to fight the combined armies of Marc Antony and Octavian.It is believed that the Thracian King named Koson provided the gold that Brutus used to mint this coin. Antony and Octavain defeated Brutus and his ally Cassius at the battle of Philipi in Greece in 42 BC.Brutus decided to commit suicide a few days later.This coin was unearthed in a hoard that is believed to have been used to pay the legions of Brutus.Roman generals carried massive amounts of silver and gold coins because the legions expected to be paid immediately after a battle.These treasure chests were burried and undisturbed for 2000 years.The design of this coin reflects Brutus propaganda of the historic fight against tyranny.The obverse features one of Brutus heroic ancesters Lucius Junius Brutus who overthrew the last kings of Rome in 509 BC and established a Republic flanked by two bodyguards carrying fasces which are symbolic axes showing the wielder has the authority to punish people. Below the three figures is the word " koswn " in exergue.The reverse features an eagle standing on a scepter and holding a wreath of victory.This is very similar to the type of motif found on many Roman Republic silver and gold coins. Even though these coins look very Roman and made to look like Roman coins, they were made in Greece. It is believed that all known examples of these coins in existance today originated directly from the war chest of Brutus army and was the payroll from which the army was compensated.Prior to the battle the war chest would have been buried to prevent its capture by the opposing armies.After the battle the chest would be dug up and the soldiers paid.The coin is well struck on a round planchet and is in pristine mint state condition. Housed in a plastic holder and weighs 8.60 grams (19.6 mm ) and is pure gold unlike most later Roman gold coins. This is your opportunity to own a genuine ancient Roman gold starter with historical significance at a very attractive price.