The two silver coins, minted by notable moneyers in the Roman Republic, are carefully set in polished yellow gold and frosted yellow gold on the half-spheres, creating a beautiful contrast. The Roma Denarius was minted by Lucius Saufeius in 152 BC, while the she-wolf Denarius was minted in 77 BC by Publius Satrienus.
The earrings are a testament to the historical significance of the goddess Roma and the she-wolf in Roman culture. Roma, personifying the city of Rome and the Roman State, was often depicted as a symbol of strength and power, wearing a winged helmet that represents victory. The she-wolf, on the other hand, was a symbol of Rome’s legendary origins and nurturing care, as depicted in the myth of Romulus and Remus. The combination of these symbols in the earrings is meaningful and reflects the importance of these figures in Roman history.
The use of silver coins from the Roman Republic further adds to the historical significance of the earrings. A Denarius was the standard silver coin used in Rome during that period, and moneyers like Lucius Saufeius and Publius Satrienus were entrusted with the responsibility of controlling the coin production process, including designing the coins themselves. Owning these coins in the form of earrings carries a sense of connection to the rich history of Rome.
The backside of the Roma coin depicts the goddess Victory riding a biga (a two-horse chariot) to the right, with the inscription in exergue of the moneyer’s signature and ROMA, very fine (VF) condition. The backside of the she-wolf coin featuring the helmeted goddess Roma is equally considered very fine (VF), reinforcing the connection between the goddess Roma and the founding myth of Rome in the form of the she-wolf.
“The pieces are both captivating in their beauty and endlessly fascinating in their history.”
