Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction XXV 22-23 Sep 2022
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L. Valerius Acisculus AR Denarius. Rome, 45 BC. Head of Apollo to right; star above, acisculus and ACISCVLVS downwards behind / Europa seated on bull walking to right, holding billowing veil above with both hands; L•VALERIV[S] in exergue. Crawford 474/1a; CRI 90; BMCRR Rome 4099; RBW 1656; RSC Valeria 17. 3.68g, 20mm, 2h.
Mint State.
From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.
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.
Mint State.
From the Vogelberg Collection (Switzerland), formed c. 1960-1985.
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.