Auction gem: Roman coin

In Auction Gem of the Week, MASTERS seeks out unique objects that will go under the hammer each week. This week presents a special case: an auction gem that proved not to be a gem after all. One of the world's most expensive coins ever auctioned is most likely a fake.

In 'Auction Gem of the Week' every week, MASTERS looks for unique objects that will go under the hammer. This week we have a special case: an auction gem that turned out not to be such a gem after all... One of the world's most expensive coins ever auctioned is most likely a fake. 

The Ides of March coin, also known as the EID MAR, is a rare version of the denarius coin issued by Marcus Junius Brutus from 43 to 42 BC. The inscription on the coin refers to the date of Julius Caesar's assassination. According to the Roman calendar that is March 15 of the year 44. Almost 

Only three of these coins are known to still exist. There are 100 of the silver variant. In 2020, an auction house in London set a world record, because the coin measuring barely two centimeters went under the hammer for almost € 3 million. But now the validity of that record is being questioned. According to a report, it appears that the artifact and other items were sold with forged certificates. The owner of the auction house was arrested in New York in January.