Roman Republic (Ancient, pre-41 BC)
L. Valerius Acisculus. Silver Denarius (3.83 g), 45 BC. Rome. ACISCVLVS behind, diademed head of Apollo Soranus right surmounted by star; behind, pick-axe. Reverse: L VALERIVS in exergue, Europa seated on bull walking right, holding veil which billows out above her. Crawford 474/1a; HCRI 90; Sydenham 998; Valeria 17. NGC grade Ch VF; Strike: 5/5, Surface: 2/5. Scratches. Estimated Value $250
It has traditionally been believed that the reverse shows the heroine Valeria Luperca riding a heifer. However, the animal is clearly a bull, which means that the seated female can only be Europa. The myth of Europa is that she was a Phoenician princess whose beauty attracted the attention of the god Zeus. Desiring her, he turned himself into a magnificent white bull and intermingled with her father's herd. When she saw him, she approached him and stroked his side, then leaped onto his back. Zeus immediately ran out to sea and swam to Crete, where Europa became the island's first queen. Subsequently, Zeus arranged the stars known as the constellation Taurus in the shape of the white bull which he had assumed during this episode.
Ex The William Oldknow Collection.