Description: L. Titurius Sabinus | AR Denarius Reference: RRC 344/2 Date: 89 BCE Obverse: Bearded head of King Tatius, right. Border of dots. Reverse: Two Sabine soldiers with shields killing Tarpeia, between; above, star in crescent. Border of dots. Mint: Rome Size: 17.2 mm Weight: 3.41 grams Moneyers during the mid-late Roman Republic often used their authority over coinage design to promote the deeds/lineages of their families, to hearken back to legendary deeds from begone eras, or simply to make puns. Here, the Roman mint official L. Titurius Sabinus is referencing the Sabine roots of his cognomen while evoking the violent, cautionary tale of the traitorous Sabine sympathizer, Tarpeia. The legend of Tarpeia states that while Rome was besieged by the Sabine king Titus Tatius, Tarpeia, a Vestal Virgin and daughter of the commander of the citadel, Spurius Tarpeius, approached the Sabine camp and offered them entry to the city in exchange for "what they bore on their left arms". Greedy for gold, she had meant their bracelets, but instead the Sabines threw their shields—carried on the left arm—upon her, crushing her to death. The reverse of this coin depicts her death. As the story goes, the corpse of Tarpeia was then cast from the southern cliff of Rome's Capitoline Hill, thereafter called the Tarpeian Rock. During the Republic and the Imperial period, murderers, traitors, perjurors, and larcenous slaves, were executed by being flung from the Tarpeian Rock. The exact rationale behind L. Titurius Sabinus selecting this design could be twofold. This coin was struck during the bloody Social War between Rome and her Italian client states and thus could serve as a chilling reminder of what happens to traitors who dare to betray Rome. L. Titurius Sabinus survived the Social War and would go on to become a legate in Celtiberia where he is recorded bringing fifteen cohorts of Pompey's legionaries to their winter quarters in 75 BCE. Policies I apply the highest ethical standards in selling ancient coins. All coins are guaranteed to be genuine and any item found to be otherwise may be returned for a full refund. The most important thing is that you are happy with your new coin(s)! All coins are shipped in PVC-free, archival-grade coin flips and inserts made of acid-free paper Domestic (USA) shipping only, except for international shipments through eBay International Shipping program. If you purchase multiple items please message me before you pay and I will combine the shipping for you. I accept all returns within 30 calendar days upon receipt of the item. No explanation is required for the return, but it would be appreciated. Any item which has been altered from its original state may not be returned. Don't see what you're looking for? Just shoot me a message, I might have it but haven't gotten around to listing it!
Price: 89.99 USD
Location: Canton, Michigan
End Time: 2025-01-09T01:01:34.000Z
Shipping Cost: 6 USD
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Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Seller
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Denomination: Denarius
Historical Period: Roman: Republic (300 BC-27 BC)
Composition: Silver
Year: 89 BC
Era: Ancient
