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                         P. Servilius Casca Longus

P. Servilius Casca Longus was one of the leading conspirators against
Caesar and was actually the first to plunge his dagger into the
dictator on the Ides of March, 44 BC. He later joined Brutus in the
East and was entrusted with the command of a fleet. He fought bravely at
Philippi, but when it became clear that all was lost he emulated his
commander by committing suicide. This remarkable type, issued in the months
preceding Philippi, graphically symbolizes the anticipated defeat of the
forces of tyranny which, in the view of the 'liberators', were aiming at
the destruction of Rome's republican constitution and its replacement by an
autocratic form of government. It is ironic that while Casca's denarius
depicts Victory breaking the diadem of royal power, his aureus shows
Brutus' portrait surrounded by a similar symbol of regal or even divine
status. The appearance of Neptune, god of the sea, is probably in
celebration of Cassius' naval exploits against the Rhodians, though it
could equally well be in recognition of Casca's own command.

M. Junius Brutus and P. Servilius Casca Longus. 42 BC. AR Denarius (3.82
gm). Miltary mint travelling with Brutus and Cassius in Western Asia Minor.
CASCA LONGVS, laureate head of Neptune right, trident below / BRVTVS IMP,
Victory walking right on broken sceptre and holding broken diadem. Crawford
507/2; Sear 212; Sydenham 1298; BMCRR 63; RSC 3. Toned EF.

From Triton II (CNG/Freeman & Sear/NAC, 1-2 December 1998), lot 732,
realized $2530 with buyer's fee.

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