Q. Servilius Caepio (M. Junius) Brutus AR Denarius. Rome, 54 BC. Bare head of L. Junius Brutus right; BRVTVS downwards to left / Bare head of C. Servilius Ahala right; AHALA downwards to left. Crawford 433/2; RSC Junia 30. 3.71g, 18mm, 8h.

Near Mint State; edge nick. Lightly toned with hints of golden iridescence.

Ex Jesus Vico S.A., Auction 150, 1 March 2018, lot 498;
Ex private Spanish collection.

Caius Servilius Ahala served as magister equitum in 439 BC, when Cincinnatus was appointed dictator on the supposition that Spurius Maelius was styling himself a king and plotting against the state. During the night on which the dictator was appointed, the capitol and all the strong posts were garrisoned by the partisans of the patricians. In the morning, when the people assembled in the forum, with Spurius Maelius among them, Ahala summoned the latter to appear before the dictator; and upon Maelius disobeying and taking refuge in the crowd, Ahala rushed into the throng and killed him. Though considered an act of murder at the time, Ahala was regarded by later writers as a hero.