Brutus and Publius Cornelius Lentulus Spinther. Aureus 43-42, mint moving in Asia Minor. Axe, culullus and knife. In exergue, BRVTVS / Jug and lituus. In exergue, LENTVLVS - SPINT. 7,67g. Bahrfeldt 61.3; Biaggi 36; Calicó 59a; Crawford 500/6; Sydenham 1309. Rare. Minor marks on edge. Extremely fine. Provenance: NAC 18 (29 March 2000), 343. Baron Lorne Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection. This aureus was struck shortly after the assassination of Caesar and Brutus escape to Asia Minor, where he assembled his army to confront the Caesarian forces commanded by Mark Antony and Octavian. On the obverse, the axe, culullus, and knife refer to the pontificate held by Brutus since around 51 BC. The reverse features a lituus and a jug, recalling the fact that Publius Cornelius Lentulus Spinther, Cassius’ loyal lieutenant who issued this coin, was a member of the college of augurs. The depiction of these religious symbols on this aureus served to emphasize that the Liberators possessed the religious legitimacy that the Caesarians lacked. In contrast to Brutus and his allies, the Caesarians could therefore be portrayed as usurpers, without institutional or religious legitimacy. Struck in the context of the civil wars, this aureus served to finance the Republican cause by paying the troops. A coin of such high value was likely intended for an officer or a veteran. The gold used to strike it probably came from forced contributions imposed on the cities of Asia Minor or from temple treasures melted down to finance the war, notably at Rhodes or Tarsus.