Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction XII 29 September 2016
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Q. Servilius Caepio (M. Junius) Brutus and C. Flavius Hemicullus AR Denarius. Military mint moving with Brutus, 43-42 BC. Draped bust of Apollo right, lyre in front; C•FLAV•HEMIC•LEG•PRO•PR around / Victory standing left, crowning trophy with wreath; Q•CAEP below, BRVT to right, IMP to left. Crawford 504/1; Sydenham 1294; Sear 205. 3.70g, 19mm, 12h.
Very Fine. Very Rare.
The military imagery on this type is presumably related to Brutus' operations in Thrace and Lycia prior to the final engagement with Octavian and Antony at Philippi. The precise identity of the legate C. Flavius Hemicullus has not been established, and there are a number of accounts which paint an unclear image of his role. In his correspondence to Atticus, Cicero makes mention of a 'Flavius Noster', and Plutarch relates that 'Flavius, Brutus' chief of engineers' came to him in his last hours. This indicates some confusion since the obverse legend names Flavius as 'legatus pro praetore'. Appian recalls another Flavius, with the correct praenomen of Gaius, as an enemy of Octavian.
Whilst very little is known about Brutus' legate, it is of interest to note that the style of the engraving, particularly the obverse, is very different to that of Brutus' contemporary issues; the Apollo portrait present on Crawford 503/1 is of almost identical style to the local Lycian silver currency.
Very Fine. Very Rare.
The military imagery on this type is presumably related to Brutus' operations in Thrace and Lycia prior to the final engagement with Octavian and Antony at Philippi. The precise identity of the legate C. Flavius Hemicullus has not been established, and there are a number of accounts which paint an unclear image of his role. In his correspondence to Atticus, Cicero makes mention of a 'Flavius Noster', and Plutarch relates that 'Flavius, Brutus' chief of engineers' came to him in his last hours. This indicates some confusion since the obverse legend names Flavius as 'legatus pro praetore'. Appian recalls another Flavius, with the correct praenomen of Gaius, as an enemy of Octavian.
Whilst very little is known about Brutus' legate, it is of interest to note that the style of the engraving, particularly the obverse, is very different to that of Brutus' contemporary issues; the Apollo portrait present on Crawford 503/1 is of almost identical style to the local Lycian silver currency.