News

Ancient Roman Coin Smashes Price Records

15
May

COIN MARKET INSIDER • VOLUME 33 • ISSUE 10

Ancient Roman Coin Smashes Price Records

Brutus Silver Denarius Sets New Record

History was made last week when a Brutus Silver Denarius minted in 42 BC smashed previous known price records. The “Eid Mar” has long been considered among the most historically significant coins in all numismatics.

Finest Known was the underbidder to the collector who ultimately took the prize. Prior to the auction, it was estimated that this numismatic masterpiece would attract a winning bid of between $450,000 to $550,000. We were prepared to pay $700,000.

However, the coin sold for an astonishing $720,000 to a dealer who was representing the collector who added this landmark rarity to their collection. It is estimated that the final price to the collector was $750,000, making this the most valuable ancient Roman silver coin to date.

This Brutus Silver Denarius EID MAR is widely regarded as one of the most important ancient coins in the world today. It has appeared in important auctions since as long ago as 1930 and most recently in 2011. The $720,000 auction price was a new record for the coin and is a vivid indication that the ancient coin market remains very strong.

This specimen is graded and certified by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) in Extra Fine, 5/5 Strike, and 4/5 Surface with Fine Style designation, an amazing level of preservation considering that the coin is well over 2,000 years old.

The coin’s iconic design depicts the bust of Brutus on the obverse and a liberty cap flanked by daggers on the reverse. The coin was struck as a commemoration of the assassination by the senate of Julius Caesar on the Ides of March (March 15), 44 BC.

This event has shaped the history of the Western world to this day.

It is quite likely that this auction result will be an event that will shape the near future of the rare coin market.

Additional Ancient Auction Results of the Past Month

Lydian Kingdom Croesus Heavy Stater
(561-546 BC)

AV stater NGC MS★ 5/5 – 5/5

Price Realized $192,000.00

Sicily Syracuse, by Kimon AR Decadrachm
(405-400 BC)

NGC Choice XF★ 4/5 – 5/5, Fine Style

Price Realized $180,000.00

Ionia Uncertain Mint EL stater
(650-600 BC)

NGC Choice AU 5/5 – 5/5

Price Realized $120,000.00

‘The King’s Good Gold’
Pharaonic Egypt, Nectanebo II AV Stater
359-340 BC


Price Realized $267,062.00

Beautiful Gold Coin of Antiquity 
Scythia Panticapaion AV Stater
380-370 BC


Price Realized $121,083.00

Cyzicus, Son of Apollo
Mysia Cyzicus, Electrum Stater ND
550-500 BC


Price Realized $79,051.00

One of the Finest Greek Gold Coins 
Sicily Syracuse ‘Denys the Elder’ Decadrachm
406-367 BC


Price Realized $105,402.00

Proclaimed King of Cyrene
Lagid Kingdom, Ptolemy I
305-285 BC


Price Realized $105,402.00