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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;Orfew, post: 2861717, member: 74968&quot;][ATTACH=full]681812[/ATTACH] </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Marcus Junius Brutus (54 BC). AR denarius</p><p>&nbsp;(20.36 mm 4.04 g.). Rome.</p><p>Obv:&nbsp; Head of Libertas right</p><p>Rev: The consul Lucius Junius Brutus walking left between two lictors, carrying axes over their shoulders, and preceded by an accensus; BRVTVS in exergue.</p><p>Crawford 433/1. Sydenham 906. RSC Junia 31.</p><p>Purchased March 23, 2017 from Munzenkontor Kornbum on MA-Shops</p><p><br /></p><p>I am a twelve Caesars collector, but that is not my only interest as you can tell from the coin I chose. I teach in a university, but not within a history department. History has always been an interest of mine and collecting coins is just an extension of that interest. I am fascinated by the 12 Caesars because of the momentous events that occurred during that time and which have shaped our modern world. I assembled the set of 12 last year, but I am always looking to upgrade the coins I have by adding interesting or rare examples to the collection.</p><p><br /></p><p>In the meantime I have 2 other collections that I focus on when there is a drought in interesting 12 Caesars coins. I collect coins of historical figures and the above coin is one of those. The Brutus of the above coin was one of the assassins of Julius Caesar. That was enough for me to get one of his coins. Note the use of Libertas on the obverse. Brutus was worried that Julius Caesar was a direct threat to Liberty and that he had to be removed (violently, as it turned out).</p><p><br /></p><p>I am also putting together a subset of historical figures, those who were dramatized by William Shakespeare in his plays. I have, from my youngest years, been a fan of these plays. What better way to continue my interest than to collect coins of some the historical figures mentioned by Shakespeare?</p><p><br /></p><p>I also have coins of important historical figures from the &quot;middle ages&quot;. This includes a coin of one of the most fascinating women to ever live, Eleanor of Aquitaine. I also have coins of many English and French kings from this period of history. The illiteracy of the times meant that messages had to be delivered in a visual way. Coins served this purpose. They were agents of propaganda and politics, and provide interesting insights into the hopes and aspirations of those that went before. As well they tell us the priorities of the ruling class.</p><p><br /></p><p>Holding an ancient or mediaeval coin provides a link to historical events and figures that have shaped the modern world. Who would not want to hold a coin struck in the name of Brutus, one of the most interesting and controversial historical figures who ever lived. These people actually lived, and they left us some connections to their lives and to the times in which they lived and died.</p><p><br /></p><p>To anyone new to this area of collecting I will say enjoy it. Do some reading, find out what interests you, and then dive in and buy a coin or 2.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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