Enchanting Tarpeia
Lotto 459:
Augustus (27 BC - 14 A.D.). AR Denarius, c. 19 BC. P. Petronius Turpilianus, moneyer. Obv. CAESAR AVGVSTVS. Bare head right. Rev. TVRPILIANVS III VIR. Tarpeia standing facing, raising both hands, half-buried by shields. RIC I (2nd ed.) 299; C. 494. AR. 3.73 g. 21.00 mm. RR. A handsome example of this very rare and fascinating issue, from masterly engraved and detailed dies. Lovely brilliant light toning, with golden hues. Minor areas of weakness, otherwise. EF. In a subplot of the myth of the rape 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. The price for her betrayal was to be what the Sabine soldiers wore on their arms, namely their gold bracelets. The Sabines were offended by Tarpeia's greed and treason and took her price literally, crushing her under the weight of their shields. (TRITON VI, 2003, 801 note).
Base d'asta € 750
Prezzo attuale € 1050
Offerte: 7
Lotto non in vendita