L. Titurius L.f. Sabinus. 89 BC. AR Denarius (18.5mm, 3.85 g, 11h). Rome mint. Good VF.

Electronic Auction 606
Lot: 458. Estimated: $ 100

Roman Republican, Silver

Sold For $ 180. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Go to Live

L. Titurius L.f. Sabinus. 89 BC. AR Denarius (18.5mm, 3.85 g, 11h). Rome mint. Bearded head right of the Sabine king, Tatius; palm frond below chin; A•PV downward to right / Tarpeia facing, buried to her waist in shields, with raised hands she tries to thrust off two soldiers who are about to cast their shields at her; star in crescent above. Crawford 344/2c; Sydenham 699a; Tituria 5; RBW 1302. Lighly toned, areas of slightly flat strike. Good VF.

From the Bem Jamin Collection.

In the story of the abduction of the Sabine women, Tarpeia was a Vestal Virgin who betrayed the city of Rome to the Sabines when they were attempting to rescue their wives and daughters. Her price for betraying Rome was what the Sabine soldiers wore on their left arms, meaning their gold bracelets, but the Sabines were so offended by Tarpeia's reprehensible greed and treason that they took her request literally. She met her death under the crushing weight of the soldiers’ shields.

Closing Date and Time: 18 March 2026 at 12:32:20 ET.

All winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer’s fee.