This coin depicts the founding myth of Rome, showing the she-wolf suckling the twins Romulus and Remus, legendary founders of Rome, alongside the boat in which they were cast adrift. The "wolf and twins" motif is among the most enduring symbols of Roman identity, yet it rarely appeared as a central coin type. Its limited use before the Flavian period includes a Republican silver didrachm (c. 275–270 BCE) and a copper sextans (c. 217–215 BCE). Under the Flavian emperors, the motif reemerged, primarily on aurei and denarii struck for Domitian in 77/78 CE, reinforcing Rome's mythological origins during a period of dynastic consolidation.

The origins of Rome intertwine myth and historical speculation. While archaeological evidence reveals that Italy was inhabited as early as the Bronze Age, with distinct cultural identities emerging by 900 BCE, the Romans embraced mythological narratives to explain their city’s foundation in 753 BCE. They traced Rome’s roots to the Trojan War hero Aeneas, who established the royal lineage of Alba Longa. Romulus and Remus, born of this noble line to the Vestal Virgin Rhea Silvia, became the center of Rome’s foundation myth. Ordered to be drowned by their great-uncle Amulius, the infants survived, nurtured by a she-wolf and later raised by shepherds on the Palatine Hill.

As young men, Romulus and Remus reclaimed their heritage by overthrowing Amulius and restoring their grandfather Numitor to the throne of Alba Longa. They then founded a new settlement on the Palatine Hill, where they had been saved as infants. The founding of Rome was marred by conflict, culminating in Romulus killing Remus. Various versions of the legend attribute the fratricide to augury disputes or vengeance, solidifying Romulus as the city’s eponymous founder and first king. This mythological tale, immortalized in Roman art and coinage, reflects the city’s complex cultural identity and enduring fascination with its legendary beginnings.

Aureus 77-78, AV 7.35 g. CAESAR AVG F – DOMITIANVS Laureate head r. Rev. COS V She-wolf l., with twins; in exergue, boat. C 50. BMC Vespasian 237. RIC Vespasian 960. CBN Vespasian 210. Calicó 820. Biaggi 398 (this coin).

From the Boscoreale hoard of 1895; Leo Biaggi de Blasys (1906-1979) Collection (lot 398), Privately purchased from Majorana in 1953; Ex. Numismatica Ars Classica, Zürich, auction 78, 26 May 2014, lot 903.