Ancient Roman Bronze Coin Mounted in Silver Swivel Frame

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Current bid
€ 6
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Peter Reynaers
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Selected by Peter Reynaers

Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.

Estimate  € 220 - € 250
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frBidder 8402 €6
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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.

AI-assisted summary

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

N.B: TAXES & VAT ARE NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE SHIPPING COSTS. INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY TIME SUBJECT TO CUSTOMS CLEARANCE. ANTIQUITIES: All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity, including the item's description, image and provenance. Please also note, for insurance purposes, an item's value cannot be under- declared. All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiquities over 100 years old and their valued price. Liability and the applicable Customs Regulations or Import Requirements in the country of your destination are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We cannot be held responsible for any delays occurred by Custom Procedures. Import Tax or payable VAT depends on the Country of your destination. Payments of any taxes or any dispute with Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Please note that from the 1st of January 2021, as Britain will officially leave the EU, artefacts dispatched to any European country might have to go through Customs Procedures and fees. Watches: Watches are provided with a hard cardboard box and pillow as shown in the images. The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally, provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.

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

N.B: TAXES & VAT ARE NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE SHIPPING COSTS. INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY TIME SUBJECT TO CUSTOMS CLEARANCE. ANTIQUITIES: All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity, including the item's description, image and provenance. Please also note, for insurance purposes, an item's value cannot be under- declared. All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiquities over 100 years old and their valued price. Liability and the applicable Customs Regulations or Import Requirements in the country of your destination are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We cannot be held responsible for any delays occurred by Custom Procedures. Import Tax or payable VAT depends on the Country of your destination. Payments of any taxes or any dispute with Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Please note that from the 1st of January 2021, as Britain will officially leave the EU, artefacts dispatched to any European country might have to go through Customs Procedures and fees. Watches: Watches are provided with a hard cardboard box and pillow as shown in the images. The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally, provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.

Details

Culture
Ancient Roman
Century/ Timeframe
Coin: 1st century AD; Pendant: 20th century AD
Name of object
Coin Mounted in Silver Swivel Frame
Acquired from
Antique market
Year acquired
2024
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Unknown
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1990
Previous owner - country acquired from
Unknown
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
United KingdomVerified
8399
Objects sold
99.76%
protop

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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