C. Cassius Longinus, Imperator and Assassin of Caesar (44-42 BC). AR denarius (19mm, 3.84 gm, 6h). NGC Choice XF 5/5 - 4/5. Military mint traveling with Brutus and Cassius, probably at Smyrna, early 42 BC. C•CASSI•IMP-LEIBERTAS, draped, veiled head of Libertas right, wearing stephane, pendant earring, and beaded necklace / LENTVLVS / SPINT, oenochoe right (on left), and lituus left (on right), both turned inward. Crawford 500/5. A well-centered piece that displays delightfully toned surfaces. Emerging from a prominent lineage, Cassius, a distinguished Roman senator, demonstrated his military prowess in the Parthian Wars under Crassus and later aligned with Pompey during the Roman Civil War against Caesar. Despite receiving clemency from Caesar following Pompey's defeat, Cassius remained a fervent defender of the Republic and, therefore, was deeply antagonistic towards Caesar's concentration of power. This animosity culminated in his leadership role in the conspiracy to assassinate Caesar, enlisting key figures such as his brother-in-law, Brutus, in the plot. The assassination, executed on the Ides of March in 44 BC, marked a pivotal moment in Roman history. In the fallout the public turned against the assasins, forcing Cassius to flee Rome, rallying an army alongside Brutus to restore the Republic. Their efforts culminated in the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC, where their forces were vanquished by those of Mark Antony and Octavian. Facing humiliating defeat, Cassius chose to end his life, and Brutus quickly followed, leaving a legacy intertwined with one of history's most infamous acts of political rebellion. HID09801242017 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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