Ancient Roman Bronze Coin Mounted in Silver Swivel Frame






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A Bronze Roman coin fragment mounted in a silver swivel frame, dating to the 1st century AD and likely depicting Domitilla, wife of Vespasian, with Fortuna on the reverse, set in a 20th‑century pendant with a ribbed suspension loop; dimensions 4 cm by 2.5 cm.
Description from the seller
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. The relief of the coin remains legible, there is a small crack accross the face of the portrait. The frame is now affixed and does not swivel due to age.
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.
Measurements: L 4cm x W 2.5cm
Provenance: Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Ruislip gentleman, by inheritance.
N.B. Delivery may be longer due to the busier period and we do not guarantee delivery before Christmas. Items paid for after the 19th December will be shipped after the New Year (week commencing on the 5th January 2026). **There will be an additional fee incurred for returned shipments due to buyer’s non-response to customs enquiries and/or unsuccessful delivery attempts.**
Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller . No further tests, such as, a TL test, analysis of metals(XRF-test), lapidary tests, analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.
Seller's Story
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. The relief of the coin remains legible, there is a small crack accross the face of the portrait. The frame is now affixed and does not swivel due to age.
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.
Measurements: L 4cm x W 2.5cm
Provenance: Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a Ruislip gentleman, by inheritance.
N.B. Delivery may be longer due to the busier period and we do not guarantee delivery before Christmas. Items paid for after the 19th December will be shipped after the New Year (week commencing on the 5th January 2026). **There will be an additional fee incurred for returned shipments due to buyer’s non-response to customs enquiries and/or unsuccessful delivery attempts.**
Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller . No further tests, such as, a TL test, analysis of metals(XRF-test), lapidary tests, analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.
Seller's Story
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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.
