Ancient Roman, Empire Bronze — Coin Pendant of the Capitoline She-Wolf & Romulus and Remus (No reserve price)

03
days
17
hours
13
minutes
28
seconds
Current bid
€ 9
No reserve price
Ruth Garrido Vila
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila

Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.

Estimate  € 200 - € 250
IE
€9
IT
€7
IT
€5

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Ancient Roman bronze coin pendant from circa the 4th–5th century AD, depicting the Capitoline Wolf suckling Romulus and Remus, with a laureate imperial portrait on the reverse and mounted as a wearable pendant in good condition with a dark patina.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

One of the most enduring and powerful symbols of the ancient world, this remarkable Roman bronze coin has been transformed into an elegant wearable pendant while preserving the complete historic imagery of the legendary she-wolf nursing the divine twins Romulus and Remus—the mythical founders of Rome.

According to Roman tradition, the infant brothers, descendants of the war god Mars, were abandoned beside the River Tiber before being miraculously discovered and suckled by the sacred she-wolf (Lupa Capitolina). Their survival led to the founding of Rome in 753 BC, making this image the very embodiment of Roman destiny, courage, resilience, and imperial greatness.

Above the scene appear the celestial stars, reinforcing the divine protection bestowed upon the twins and emphasizing the heavenly origins of Rome itself. The composition became one of the Empire's most celebrated symbols, expressing the eternal bond between the gods, the city, and its people.

The reverse portrays the emperor in military attire, presenting the imperial authority that claimed direct succession from Rome's legendary founders. Together, the two sides unite myth and history—the sacred birth of Rome and the power of the Empire that grew from that legendary beginning.

Expertly mounted as a wearable pendant, the coin has been fitted with a discreet suspension loop that allows it to be worn without obscuring its iconic imagery. The dark archaeological patina, well-preserved relief, and attractive silver-grey highlights beautifully emphasize both the mythological scene and imperial portrait.

For centuries, the Capitoline Wolf has symbolized:

Protection and guardianship
Strength through adversity
Courage and perseverance
The founding spirit of civilization
Divine destiny and leadership

Today, this extraordinary pendant serves not only as an authentic Roman artifact but also as a timeless talisman carrying one of antiquity's most profound stories—a reminder that even the greatest civilizations can arise from hardship, guided by courage, endurance, and destiny.

Material: Bronze
Period: Roman Empire, c. 4th century AD
Type: Ancient Roman bronze coin transformed into a wearable pendant
Obverse: The Capitoline She-Wolf suckling Romulus and Remus beneath celestial stars
Reverse: Laureate imperial portrait in military attire
Condition: Excellent archaeological condition with attractive dark patina, clear legends, and strong surviving detail.

An exceptional and deeply symbolic Roman artifact—combining imperial history, mythology, and wearable craftsmanship in one of the most iconic images ever struck on Roman coinage.

One of the most enduring and powerful symbols of the ancient world, this remarkable Roman bronze coin has been transformed into an elegant wearable pendant while preserving the complete historic imagery of the legendary she-wolf nursing the divine twins Romulus and Remus—the mythical founders of Rome.

According to Roman tradition, the infant brothers, descendants of the war god Mars, were abandoned beside the River Tiber before being miraculously discovered and suckled by the sacred she-wolf (Lupa Capitolina). Their survival led to the founding of Rome in 753 BC, making this image the very embodiment of Roman destiny, courage, resilience, and imperial greatness.

Above the scene appear the celestial stars, reinforcing the divine protection bestowed upon the twins and emphasizing the heavenly origins of Rome itself. The composition became one of the Empire's most celebrated symbols, expressing the eternal bond between the gods, the city, and its people.

The reverse portrays the emperor in military attire, presenting the imperial authority that claimed direct succession from Rome's legendary founders. Together, the two sides unite myth and history—the sacred birth of Rome and the power of the Empire that grew from that legendary beginning.

Expertly mounted as a wearable pendant, the coin has been fitted with a discreet suspension loop that allows it to be worn without obscuring its iconic imagery. The dark archaeological patina, well-preserved relief, and attractive silver-grey highlights beautifully emphasize both the mythological scene and imperial portrait.

For centuries, the Capitoline Wolf has symbolized:

Protection and guardianship
Strength through adversity
Courage and perseverance
The founding spirit of civilization
Divine destiny and leadership

Today, this extraordinary pendant serves not only as an authentic Roman artifact but also as a timeless talisman carrying one of antiquity's most profound stories—a reminder that even the greatest civilizations can arise from hardship, guided by courage, endurance, and destiny.

Material: Bronze
Period: Roman Empire, c. 4th century AD
Type: Ancient Roman bronze coin transformed into a wearable pendant
Obverse: The Capitoline She-Wolf suckling Romulus and Remus beneath celestial stars
Reverse: Laureate imperial portrait in military attire
Condition: Excellent archaeological condition with attractive dark patina, clear legends, and strong surviving detail.

An exceptional and deeply symbolic Roman artifact—combining imperial history, mythology, and wearable craftsmanship in one of the most iconic images ever struck on Roman coinage.

Details

Culture
Ancient Roman, Empire
Century/timeframe
circa 4th–5th century AD
Name of object
— Coin Pendant of the Capitoline She-Wolf & Romulus and Remus
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2025
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
2025
Previous owner - country acquired from
Netherlands
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
The NetherlandsVerified
477
Objects sold
94.67%
pro

Disclaimer

The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.

The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.

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