March 15, 44 B.C. - Coins from the Ides of March

Over two thousand years ago, on the Ides of March - March 15, 44 BC - Julius Caesar was struck down by a group of senators who believed they were saving the Roman Republic. That single act set off a chain of civil wars, shifting alliances, and propaganda campaigns that would ultimately give rise to the Roman Empire. The coins struck during this era are among the most historically significant in all of numismatics - minted not just as currency, but as political statements by the men who shaped Western civilization.

This week, as the Ides of March returns to the calendar, we're proud to present a curated selection of silver denarii spanning this turbulent period - from Caesar's early military campaigns and his unprecedented lifetime portraits, to coins struck by his assassins Brutus and Cassius as they rallied support for their cause. Each of these coins was held in the hands of Romans living through one of history's most dramatic turning points, and the detail and preservation on these examples is remarkable.

Coins like these don't come around often, and when they do, they tend to find new homes quickly. If you see something that catches your eye, we invite you to call us directly at (800) 928-6468 to discuss availability and recommendations. Our specialists can walk you through each piece and help you find the right fit for your collection.

49-48 BC Elephant Obverse Julius Caesar Silver Denarius NGC Choice Extremely Fine - When Caesar crossed the Rubicon in 49 BC, he set in motion the chain of events that would end with his assassination five years later. This silver denarius from that pivotal campaign features an elephant trampling a serpent - Caesar's bold declaration of victory over his enemies - while the reverse carries pontifex maximus implements reflecting his sacred authority. Graded NGC Choice Extremely Fine with attractive patina and strong relief, this coin marks the opening act of the Republic's final chapter. One Available for $3,495.

48-46 BC Julius Caesar Silver Denarius NGC About Uncirculated 5x4 - Struck during the civil wars that would reshape Rome, this silver denarius proclaims Caesar's claimed divine ancestry. The obverse features a diademed head of Venus - the goddess Caesar's family traced their lineage to - while the reverse depicts the Trojan hero Aeneas carrying his father Anchises from the burning city, with "CAESAR" inscribed alongside. It's powerful political messaging in silver: a general asserting not just military authority, but a bloodline stretching back to the gods. Graded AU by NGC with a Strike of 5/5 and Surface of 4/5, this exceptional example offers superior preservation of one of the most sought-after coins in ancient numismatics. One Available for $3,750.

46 BC Julius Caesar Silver Denarius Ceres Obverse NGC Choice Extremely Fine - By 46 BC, Caesar had crushed his rivals and returned to Rome in triumph. This silver denarius from that year features Ceres, goddess of abundance, wreathed in wheat on the obverse, with sacred priestly implements on the reverse symbolizing Caesar's role as Pontifex Maximus - Rome's highest religious authority. Bold detail, attractive gray patina, and even toning give this coin strong visual appeal. NGC certified Choice Extremely Fine, a superb example of one of antiquity's most collectible coins. One Available for $3,295.

44 BC Julius Caesar Silver Denarius L. Aemilius Buca NGC Choice Extremely Fine - This incredibly rare, seldom seen denarius was struck in the final months of Caesar's life - after he declared himself dictator perpetuo and before the daggers fell on March 15, 44 BC. The obverse features Caesar's laureate portrait facing right, a living reminder of the power that made his enemies act. Victory stands on the reverse holding a wreath and palm of triumph. NGC graded Choice Extremely Fine with bold relief, clear legends, and attractive gray-silver patina. A defining artifact from the twilight of the Roman Republic. One Available for $8,350.

42 BC Marcus Junius Brutus Libertas Silver Denarius NGC Choice Very Fine - Struck just two years after the Ides of March, this silver denarius was issued by Marcus Junius Brutus as he and his fellow conspirators waged their final campaigns against Caesar's heirs. The obverse features Libertas - the very ideal Brutus claimed to defend when he drove his blade into Caesar - while the reverse displays a lyre between fillets with Brutus's proconsular title, a reminder that he still wielded legitimate Roman authority. NGC graded Choice Very Fine with a perfect 5/5 strike. Few coins carry the historical weight of one struck by Caesar's most famous assassin. One Available for $3,650.

42 BC Cassius Silver Denarius NGC Choice Extremely Fine

Gaius Cassius Longinus struck this denarius in 42 BC as the assassins gathered their forces for a final showdown with Caesar's avengers at the Battle of Philippi. The obverse features Libertas - the personification of Roman freedom the conspirators claimed to defend - with crisp detail and well-preserved facial features. The reverse displays priestly instruments reinforcing their claim of divine sanction. NGC graded Choice Extremely Fine with excellent surface preservation. A powerful artifact from the last stand of the Roman Republic. One Available for $4,490.

42 BC Cassius Silver Denarius NGC Mint State 5x4

This remarkable Mint State example was also struck by Cassius in 42 BC to fund the conspirators' campaigns against Mark Antony and Octavian. The obverse features Apollo's sacred Delphic tripod, while the reverse carries a ritual jug and augur's lituus - symbols declaring divine approval for their cause. Certified NGC MS with a Strike of 5/5 and Surface of 4/5, with attractive silver-gray patina and well-defined details throughout. An exceptional grade for a coin struck in the field during wartime. One Available for $5,150.

42 BC Brutus "Dagger" Silver Denarius NGC Mint State 4x2

Often called the dramatic "little brother" of the famous EID MAR denarius, this 42 BC silver denarius of Brutus features priestly implements on both sides - including a sacrificial blade that evokes the very weapon used against Caesar. Struck by legate L. Spinther as Brutus prepared for the Battle of Philippi, this NGC-certified Mint State example is tied for finest certified. With only 24 auction appearances recorded in the last 10 years, this is an exceptionally rare piece from the final days of Caesar's assassins. One Available for $8,950.

The fall of the Roman Republic remains one of history's great turning points - a story of ambition, betrayal, and the struggle for power that still resonates more than two thousand years later. The coins struck during this era weren't just money. They were messages, weapons of propaganda, and declarations of authority by men who knew the world was watching. To hold one today is to hold a piece of that story in your hand.

Collections like this come together rarely. If any of these pieces speak to you, don't hesitate to reach out - call us at (800) 928-6468 or visit us online. Our numismatic specialists are always happy to help you find the right coin, whether you're a seasoned collector or just beginning to explore the world of ancient coinage.


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