Moneta
Registered: August 2005
Location: Arizona USA
Posts: 2,365
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Brutus AR Denarius. 43-42 B.C. Obverse: LEG COSTA. Head of Apollo right. Reverse: IMP BRVTVS. Trophy of Arms. Crawford 506/2
Brutus. Denarius (Silver, 3.83 g 12), struck by Pedanius Costa in a mint moving with Brutus and Cassius in either western Asia Minor or Northern Greece, late summer-autumn 42 BC. LEG COSTA Laureate head of Apollo to right; border of ray-like dots. Rev. BRVTVS IMP Trophy including a helmet, shield, cuirass and two spears. Babelon (Iunia) 42 and (Pedania) 1. Crawford 506/2. CRI 209. Sydenham 1296.
Nothing is known about Pedanius Costa, who was the legate of Brutus who signed this coin. What is interesting iconographically about the head of Apollo on the obverse is the way the standard border of dots has been changed to tear-drop shaped rays, thus emphasizing his connection with the sun.
Please compare this to poster Michael Buras copy of the same coin, complete with corrosion. With the scarcity and desirability of this iconic coin, and the looks, I've always assumed it was a FAKE. It's interesting to compare it to another copy here in the Museum. But, NO, the copies are not exact copies of each other. Comments are welcome, register and submit.
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