88, Lot: 159. Estimate $150. Sold for $136. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

L. Titurius L.f. Sabinus. 89 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.93 gm). Head of Tatius right; SABIN behind, palm below chin / Tarpeia buried to her waist in shields, fending off two soldiers about to throw their shields on her; star and crescent above. Crawford 344/2b; Sydenham 699; Tituria 4. Toned, good VF.

Ex Lakeview Collection.



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 (by which Tarpeia meant 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.