Pendants remain a popular way to elegantly display Roman coins. This example can be identified as a silver denarius, Rome mint, struck under Domitian, AD 82/83. There has been some academic dispute as to the identity of the ‘Domitilla’ featured, as both Domitian’s mother and sister bore this name. For the most part Domitilla senior (who died in AD 69 before the family’s rise to power) is seen as the most suitable candidate. She was deified after her death and become a symbolic motif in propaganda for the Flavian dynasty. The legend on such examples reads ‘DIVA DOMITILLA AVGVSTA’ and ‘FORTVNA AVGVSTA’ on the reverse.
Silver Swivel Pendant with Roman Coin
$375.34
A silver pendant featuring a tapered section of hoop and a rectangular frame, holding a fragment of a Roman coin. The pendant was probably constructed sometime in the 20th century but the coin can be dated to the 1st century AD. The legend has been cut off but the portrait likely depicts Domitilla, the wife of Vespasian and mother of Titus and Domitian. The portrait’s features are clearly legible and showcase the empress with curled hair, a low braid, and a pearl or bead necklace. On the reverse is a depiction of Fortuna, who stands holding a cornucopia in her left hand and a rudder, set on the ground, in her right. The base of the pendant features a spherical silver droplet, flattened on one side. The top is finished with a ribbed loop for suspension.
Provenance: Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Ruislip gentleman, by inheritance.
Condition: Good condition. The pendant is in good conditon with some oxidation of the silver consistant with age. The relief of the coin remains legible, there is a small crack accross the face of the portrait.
In stock
| Weight | 7.63 g |
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| Dimensions | L 4.00 x W 2.50 cm |
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| Roman Mythology |
