Republic Denarius – EID MAR (Brutus with Beard) – Replica (42 BCE)

This replica coin reproduces the legendary EID MAR denarius, struck by Marcus Junius Brutus in 42 BCE after the assassination of Julius Caesar. Considered one of the most famous coins of antiquity, it boldly commemorates Caesar’s murder and the “liberation” of the Republic.

This variant features Brutus with a beard, symbolizing his role as a mourner of lost liberty and a defiant liberator.

Historical Background:
On the Ides of March (44 BCE), Brutus and Cassius led the conspiracy to assassinate Julius Caesar, claiming to restore the Roman Republic. Two years later, while raising armies in the East, Brutus issued the EID MAR denarius — a rare coin openly celebrating tyrannicide.

Only a few dozen originals survive today, making it one of the most valuable coins in the world.

Design & Symbolism:

• Obverse (Front):
  Portrait of Marcus Junius Brutus with a short beard, a sign of mourning and political defiance. The legend identifies him as the issuer.
• Reverse (Back):
  Two daggers flanking a pileus (freedman’s cap), with the legend EID MAR (“Ides of March”). Daggers symbolizes the assassins of Caesar (Brutus and Cassius), Pileus cap - liberty restored to the Roman people, and EID MAR - direct reference to Caesar’s assassination date.