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Ancient Coins were the News Papers of Their Day
Paper wasn't invented until the 1700s and lamb skin
vellum and papyrus were expense materials. Thus, there was no
cheap method to disseminate current news. However, since the time
of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great (circa 360 to 340 BC),
ancient coins were used as a medium to disseminate propaganda.
Philip II minted coins commemorating the Olympic victory of his horse
(and jockey) and he advertised that on his large silver coins (silver
tetradrachms) illustrated below.
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Above is an authentic coin minted by Philip II circa 350
BC.
When Philip II was young he won two Olympic equestrian
victories. His coins often commemorate those victories. This coin
shows Philip II's jockey on horseback running his "Victory Lap." It
was tradition to run a victory lap holding a palm branch (signifying
the victor). The coin
reverse shows Philip II's jockey holding the palm branch (See picture).
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The Romans also used coins as a propaganda medium.
During the Roman Republic era, coins were minted by Moneyers, which were
typically families of high status, including the families of Brutus
and Julius Caesar. Brutus' family were well regarded in the
Roman Republic era because their ancestor was responsible for driving
the last Etruscan King from power. Brutus' family were regarded as
the "Defenders of Liberty." Thus, Brutus minted coins
featuring the Roman personification of Liberty (see below).
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Authentic Roman Republic Denarius minted by Brutus (Circa 50 BC)
Obverse: Liberty (legend "LIBERTAS")
Reverse: Lectors proceeding (Legend "BRVTVS")
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After Julius Caesar's victories in Gaul, he rose to
supreme power in Rome. During the Roman Republic era, the Senate
could designate a dictator. Control of Roman armies were typically
shared between two generals. However, during times of crisis, a
dictator was appointed by the Senate for a period of 6 months that would have singular authority. Julius
Caesar appointed himself "Dictator for Life" and minted coins
announcing that. The denarius below, minted by Julius Caesar has
the legend "DICT PERPETVO CAESAR," meaning "Caesar,
Dictator for perpetuity."
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Authentic Roman Republic Denarius minted by Julius Caesar (Circa
Jan 44 BC)
Obverse: Julius Caesar in Veil (legend "DICT
PERPETVO CAESAR")
Reverse: Venus holding Victory (Legend "MACER R SEPVLLIVS"
The other Moneyer)
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Thus, Julius Caesar set the stage for the
conflict. Brutus' family were seen as the defenders of Roman
liberty and Brutus lead the plot against Julius Caesar. After
the assassination of Julius Caesar, Brutus minted coins to commemorate
the assassination (See below).
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Authentic Roman Republic Denarius minted by Brutus (Circa April 44
BC)
Obverse: Brutus (legend "BRVT" etc.)
Reverse: Liberty Cap with daggers on each side (Legend "EID
MAR")
This coin announces to the Roman People that Brutus lead
the assassination Julius Caesar for the their liberty (Ref Liberty Cap).
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