Rare Roman coin sells for US$2.09 million at Geneva auction
Historic item was minted in 43-42 BC and features a portrait of Brutus, the assassin of Julius Caesar. It was originally priced at US$843,000
A rare Roman coin featuring the portrait of Brutus, the assassin of statesman Julius Caesar, sold Monday at a Geneva auction for €1.98 million (US$2.09 million), according to organiser Numismatica Genevensis.
The historic item was bought by a “European collector following intense bidding among eight online bidders” for more than 1.83 million Swiss francs, the dealer said in a statement.
The coin was originally priced at more than €800,000 (US$843,000).
Weighing eight grams and similar in size to a euro, it is “a piece of history” marking the last chapters of the Roman Republic, Frank Baldacci, director of Numismatica Genevensis told Agence France-Presse ahead of the sale.
The coin was minted in 43-42 BC by Brutus and his supporters who murdered Julius Caesar in March 44 BC, Baldacci explained.
