Roman Republic Coin Pendant

Coin: Silver Denarius
Obverse: Head of young Mars left, wearing Corinthian helmet
Reverse:  Roman soldier advancing right, protecting a fallen comrade with shield in left hand, an uplifted sword in right hand, fighting a barbarian warrior advancing left, holding shield on left arm and brandishing sword with right hand.
Date: 103 B.C.
Bezel: 14k Gold
Weight:  5.07 grams
Diameter: 21 mm / .82 inches

Description

This item is an authentic Roman silver denarius coin, placed in a handmade bezel of 14 karat gold. There is only 1 of this item; you will receive the exact pendant shown in the photos.  

Chain necklaces can be purchased separately through this link.

History of the Artifact

This silver denarius was struck in 103 B.C. by the Roman moneyer L. Marcius Censorinus, one of the most artistically distinguished issues of the late Republic. The obverse shows the youthful head of Mars, the god of war, facing left and wearing a finely detailed Corinthian helmet pushed back to reveal his face. This portrayal of Mars as youthful rather than stern or mature reflected the Roman ideal of disciplined vigor and readiness for battle — a divine protector who embodied both courage and virtue. The engraving is deeply classical in style, reflecting Greek artistic influence while maintaining the Roman sense of strength and clarity.

The reverse presents one of the most dramatic and dynamic scenes in Republican coinage. A Roman soldier strides forward, sword raised, defending a fallen comrade beneath his shield while fending off a barbarian attacker who advances with his own blade and shield. This vivid tableau likely commemorates Roman valor in the wars against northern tribes such as the Cimbri and Teutones, which were threatening Italy around that time. The image celebrates not only individual heroism but also the Roman ideal of loyalty and sacrifice — the willingness to protect one’s fellow soldier and the honor of Rome itself. Coins like this served as small pieces of patriotic propaganda, reminding every citizen and soldier of the courage and unity that sustained the Republic in an age of turmoil.

Ancient Artifacts guarantees the Authenticity of items sold through a three layer system of protection: 

1. Ancient Artifacts exclusively sources artifacts from trusted and reputable antique distributors, many of whom have been selling Artifacts for decades.  
2. Next, the Artifact is inspected by an expert team member, who is professionally trained in counterfeit detection After the artifact passes inspection, the Certificate of Authenticity is signed and the Artifact is packaged. 
3. Finally, Ancient Artifacts gives an additional layer of protection by promising a full refund with no questions asked, in the extremely unlikely event that a counterfeit slips through our vetting process.

You will receive the exact pendant shown in the photos.

Imperial Roman denarii are common on the antiquities market because they were minted in enormous quantities throughout the first three centuries AD and circulated widely across the Roman Empire. Emperors used these silver coins to pay the army, fund public projects, and stabilize the economy, which led to a constant output from the imperial mints. Their silver content and durable design helped many of them survive in good condition, even after being buried for centuries.

These coins are frequently found in former Roman provinces, particularly in areas like the Balkans, Britain, France, and the Near East, where hoards were buried and forgotten during times of conflict or upheaval. In modern times, thousands have been uncovered through metal detecting and excavations, and many entered the collector market during periods of looser regulation in the 19th and 20th centuries. Because of their abundance and historical appeal, imperial denarii remain among the most available and popular ancient coins to own.