The Death of Tarpeia

237, Lot: 301. Estimate $100. Sold for $160. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

L. Titurius L.f. Sabinus. 89 BC. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.74 g, 6h). Rome mint. Bare head of King Tatius right; palm frond below chin / Tarpeia seated facing, being buried in shields and raising both hands in protestation; to left and right, soldier preparing to cast shield upon her; above, star within crescent. Crawford 344/2b; Sydenham 699; Tituria 4. VF, toned.

From the Collection of Professor L. Fontana.

As 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 what the Sabine soldiers wore on their left arms, meaning their gold bracelets. The Sabines were offended by Tarpeia's reprehensible greed and treason, and took her price literally. She met her death under the crushing weight of the soldiers’ shields