The New York Sale
Auction 40 11 January 2017
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ANCIENT COINS, ROMAN EMPIRE, Augustus. Silver Denarius (3.78 g), 27 BC-AD 14. Rome, 19 BC. P. Petronius Turpilianus, moneyer. AVGVSTVS CAESAR, bare head of Augustus right. Rev. III VIR TVRPILIANVS, Tarpeia standing facing with both arms extended, buried to waist under shields; below, broken spear. (RIC 299; BN 157-60; BMC 29-31; RSC 494). Rare. Attractive iridescent cabinet tone. Extremely fine.
According to Roman tradition, early in the Republican history of Rome, the city faced a siege by the Sabine king Titus Tatius. Tarpeia, the daughter of Spurius Tarpeius, the commander of Rome's defenses betrayed the city in return for "what the Sabines carried on their left arms," meaning their golden bracelets. However, once she opened the gates, the Sabines, disgusted by her dishonorable behavior proceeded to heap their shields rather than their bracelets upon her and thereby crushed her to death. The hapless Tarpeia appears here in reference to the conspiracy of M. Egnatius Rufus, who was rebuffed for the consulship and whose supporters began to cause riots. He was accused of plotting against Augustus and executed. Rome could brook no traitors.
Estimate: $ 5,000
According to Roman tradition, early in the Republican history of Rome, the city faced a siege by the Sabine king Titus Tatius. Tarpeia, the daughter of Spurius Tarpeius, the commander of Rome's defenses betrayed the city in return for "what the Sabines carried on their left arms," meaning their golden bracelets. However, once she opened the gates, the Sabines, disgusted by her dishonorable behavior proceeded to heap their shields rather than their bracelets upon her and thereby crushed her to death. The hapless Tarpeia appears here in reference to the conspiracy of M. Egnatius Rufus, who was rebuffed for the consulship and whose supporters began to cause riots. He was accused of plotting against Augustus and executed. Rome could brook no traitors.
Estimate: $ 5,000