Roman Republic | Pegasus Denarius Coin Pendant

Coin: Silver Denarius
Obverse: Head of Young Bacchus
Reverse:  Pegasus springing from tablet
Date: 90 B.C.
Bezel: 14k Gold
Weight:  5.6 grams
Diameter: 20 mm

Description

This item is an authentic Roman silver Denarius minted in the Roman Republic, 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

The winged Pegasus denarius minted by the Roman Republic in 90 BC with Bacchus on the obverse is a distinctive and somewhat enigmatic coin issued by the moneyer Quintus Titius. While the more common type from this series features the sun god Sol, this particular variant replaces him with the head of Bacchus—recognizable by his long hair, ivy wreath, and a more serene, introspective expression. Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, theater, ecstasy, and religious liberation, was a complex and potent symbol in Roman culture, and his presence on a Republican coin is both unusual and telling.

This coin was struck during the Social War, a time when Rome was locked in a brutal struggle with its Italian allies, who were demanding full citizenship and legal equality. The conflict was not merely a military affair but one that challenged the very structure of Roman society. In such a climate, the image of Bacchus may have been chosen for its associations with release from social constraints and the crossing of traditional boundaries. Bacchus was often connected with mystery cults and spiritual transformation, which may have resonated deeply in a time of civil upheaval and ideological change.

On the reverse, the design mirrors that of the more common Sol variant: Pegasus, the winged horse of Greek myth, is shown in full flight across the field. The combination of Bacchus and Pegasus is symbolically rich, uniting themes of divine inspiration, transcendence, and ecstatic power. Pegasus, born from the blood of Medusa and associated with poetic creation and heroic energy, complements the god of ecstasy and altered states. Their pairing suggests not only divine favor but a call to rise above earthly conflict and turmoil, possibly reflecting the issuer’s hope for transformation through the chaos of war.

Quintus Titius’s decision to depict Bacchus, a god not frequently seen on Republican coinage, reveals the increasing personalization of Roman currency. It likely reflected his own religious preferences, family mythologies, or political message—perhaps one appealing to the Roman plebs or to those sympathetic to the Italians’ cause. In any case, the coin stands as a rare and evocative piece of numismatic art, capturing a fleeting but powerful moment in the twilight years of the Roman Republic.

Authenticity

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.

Your order will include:

• Roman Republic Denarius Pendant shown in photos
• Certificate of Authenticity

Ancient Artifacts relics are guaranteed authentic and have a 100% money back policy. Read more about our Mission and Promise for authenticity.