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Cassius Denarius
Lot # 491
C. Cassius and Lentulus Spinther. AR Denarius, 43-42 BC, mint moving with Brutus and Cassius. Obv. C. CASSI IMP. Tripod with Cortina, decorated with two laurel branches and fillets. Rev. Jug and lituus, below, LENTVLVS SPINT. Cr. 500/1; B. (Cassia) 14; RRSC D 279.1. AR. 3.70 g. 17.50 mm. R. Rare. Superb example of this fascinating issue. Well centred, with underlying luster. Metal deposits. About FDC. C. Cassius Longinus was one of the principal conspirators against Julius Caesar. Following the assassination, he moved to the east, where he sought to amass an army. His prior reputation of military success against the Parthians while governing the province of Syria proved invaluable, and by 43 BC his army boasted nearly twelve legions. He was able to stave off Antony's general Dolabella, secured his base in Syria, and begin preparations for an invasion of Egypt. At the same time, Antony, Octavian, and Lepidus formed the triumvirate, and this posed too great a threat to ignore. Cassius halted his impending invasion of Egypt and moved west to meet up with Brutus' forces at Smyrna. The two regicides agreed to take joint action against the triumvirs, and began by attacking their allies in Asia. The following year the pair moved into Thrace, and chose a position outside Philippi to meet the approaching army of Antony and Octavian. Brutus moved against Octavian with great success, capturing the young Caesarian's camp, but Cassius' army was routed by Antony. Unaware of his partner's success, Cassius thought the entire cause was lost, and had his freedman Pindarus slay him. (CNG 225, 2010, lot 318 note).