Roma Numismatics Ltd
E-Sale 78 17 Dec 2020
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L. Valerius Acisculus AR Denarius. Rome, 45 BC. Head of Apollo right; star above, acisculus and ACISCVLVS behind / Europa seated on bull right, holding billowing veil above with both hands; L•VALERIV[S] in exergue. Crawford 474/1a; RSC Valeria 17; RBW 1656. 3.93g, 19mm, 10h.
Good Very Fine; attractive golden iridescence around devices.
From a private European collection.
This coin's reverse depicts the myth of Jupiter and Europa. Transforming into a white bull to join the herd of Europa's father, the king of the gods abducted the maiden and carried her across the sea to Crete, where according to legend she was made the first queen of the island.
As commonly depicted in ancient art, Europa is seen here seated on the bull's back with her drapery billowing in the wind. The myth is featured in Ovid's Metamorphoses (II.873-5) who describes Europa's emotions as she is carried away by the god:
Fear filled her heart as, gazing back, she saw
The fast receding sands. Her right hand grasped
A horn, the other lent upon his back
Her fluttering tunic floated in the breeze.
Good Very Fine; attractive golden iridescence around devices.
From a private European collection.
This coin's reverse depicts the myth of Jupiter and Europa. Transforming into a white bull to join the herd of Europa's father, the king of the gods abducted the maiden and carried her across the sea to Crete, where according to legend she was made the first queen of the island.
As commonly depicted in ancient art, Europa is seen here seated on the bull's back with her drapery billowing in the wind. The myth is featured in Ovid's Metamorphoses (II.873-5) who describes Europa's emotions as she is carried away by the god:
Fear filled her heart as, gazing back, she saw
The fast receding sands. Her right hand grasped
A horn, the other lent upon his back
Her fluttering tunic floated in the breeze.