C. Cassius Longinus, 43-42 BC. Aureus (Gold, 21 mm, 7.94 g, 6 h), with P. Cornelius Lentulus Spinther, legatus. Military mint moving with the army of Brutus and Cassius (Smyrna?), spring 42. C•CASSI•IMP / LEIBERTAS Diademed head of Libertas to right, wearing pendant earring and pearl necklace. Rev. LENTVLVS / SPINT Capis and lituus. Babelon (Cassia) 15. Bahrfeldt 58. Calicó 65. Crawford 500/2. CRI 220. RBW -. Sydenham 1306. Very rare and in exceptional condition for the issue. Beautifully struck on a broad and medallic flan. Very minor weakness near the edge on the reverse, otherwise, about extremely fine.


Gaius Cassius Longinus was one of the principal architects of the conspiracy that culminated in the assassination of Julius Caesar on the Ides of March 44 BC. Following Caesar’s death and the collapse of the Republican cause in Italy, Cassius established himself in the East, where he secured Syria, raised substantial forces and funds, and eventually joined Brutus in Asia Minor.

Struck in the spring of 42 BC, shortly before the final confrontation with the Caesarians, this aureus presents Cassius not merely as a military commander but as a defender of Republican liberty, proclaimed by the head of Libertas and the title imperator. The reverse names his legate P. Cornelius Lentulus Spinther and displays the capis and lituus, symbols of his priestly office. Only months later, Cassius and Brutus faced Mark Antony and Octavian at Philippi, where Cassius, believing the battle lost, took his own life; according to later tradition, he was killed with the same dagger he had used against Caesar two years earlier.