Denarius of the Roman Republic, coin of the L. Titurius L.f. Sabinus family, struck in 89 BC. Obverse: head of King Titus Tatius facing right. Reverse: Tarpeia, facing forward and buried to the waist in shields, fending off two soldiers with her right hand as they prepare to hurl their shields at her.
Titus Tatius was a legendary Sabine king who briefly ruled alongside Romulus, the founder of Rome, following a peace agreement after the abduction of the Sabine women. He symbolized the union of Romans and Sabines in the mythical origins of the city. Tarpeia, daughter of the commander of the Roman citadel, betrayed Rome by opening the gates to the Sabines, hoping to receive what they wore on their arms—bracelets. As punishment for her treachery, the Sabines crushed her under their shields, giving her name to the Tarpeian Rock, a lasting symbol of infamy.
