Bulgari “Monete” Ancient Coin Drop Earrings Rome, 1970s

History, suspended in gold.

These striking Bulgari “Monete” earrings embody the house’s celebrated dialogue between antiquity and modernity. Created in the 1970s, they pair substantial 18k yellow gold curb-link chains with authentic ancient Roman silver denarii—transforming imperial relics into wearable sculpture.

One earring centers on a Denarius of Emperor Trajan (98–117 A.D.), a ruler synonymous with expansion and architectural grandeur. The other features a Denarius of Gordian III (238 A.D.), struck during one of Rome’s most turbulent imperial periods. The darkened silver patina of the coins contrasts beautifully against the rich warmth of polished gold bezels and links, emphasizing both age and permanence.

At 2 inches in length and weighing an impressive 45.3 grams, the earrings possess bold presence and unmistakable authority. The heavy gold chain construction reflects Bulgari’s signature 1970s aesthetic—confident, architectural, and unapologetically Roman.

Rather than reinterpret history, Bulgari frames it. The coins remain intact, their timeworn surfaces preserved within smooth gold mounts, allowing ancient portraiture to coexist with modern design.

• Maker: Bulgari

• Collection: Monete

• Period: 1970s

• Origin: Italy

• Metal: 18k Yellow Gold

• Ancient Coins:

– Roman Denarius, Trajan (98–117 A.D.)

– Roman Denarius, Gordian III (238 A.D.)

• Length: 2 inches

• Total Weight: 45.3 grams

• Condition: Very Good

Imperial Rome meets modern Rome—power, legacy, and gold in pe