![ROMAN REPUBLIC. C. Cassius Longinus, Denarius, 42 BC [ARR-76] - Image 2](https://colonialcoins.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/ARR-76-1.jpg)
Description
Roman Republic, the Imperatorial Period, the Republicans, Gāius Cassius Longinus of gens Cassī Longinī, Roman Statesman and leading Assassin of Gāius Iūlius Caesar, with Lūcius Cornēlius Lentulus Spinther (of gens Cornēlia), as Legate, Silver Denarius (3.71g, 17mm), Military Mint at Smyrna Spring 42 BC. Obverse: Draped and veiled head of Liberty facing to the right, “C· CASSI· IMP” upward to left, “LEIBERTAS” upward to right. Rev. Jug and lituus, “LENTVLVS SPINT” horizontal below. Crawford 500/3; Sydenham 1307. A few unobtrusive banker’s marks, otherwise a well centred example with some attractive toning around the central obverse devices, Very Fine.
Gens Cassia was one of the older great Roman families and saw prominent members as early as the late 6th century BC – the first member in recorded history was Spurius Cassius Vecellinus who served as Consul in 502 BC. Although producing many noteworthy statesmen throughout the entirety of Rome’s history, it would be towards the end of the Republic, the Imperatorial Period, where it would see its most famous member. Born a member of gens Cassia, more specifically the branch of gens Cassī Longinī, Gāius Cassius Longinus was a prominent statesman, serving as Tribune of the Plebs in 49 BC and Praetor in 44 BC, and would be a staunch opposer of Gāius Iūlius C.f. C.n. Caesar and his growing autocratic power. With the support of other senators, Cassius, with his brother-in-law Quīntus Servīlius Caepiō Brūtus (Brutus), lead the plot of ‘tyrannicide’, assassinating the Dictātor Perpetuō on the Ides of March, 15th of March, of 44 BC.
