FORVM`s Classical Numismatics Discussion Board

Numismatic and History Discussion Forums => Coin of the Day => Topic started by: David Atherton on December 11, 2018, 01:44:59 am

Title: Iconic Vespasian COTD
Post by: David Atherton on December 11, 2018, 01:44:59 am

When I made the decision to add Flavian bronze to my collection a few months ago this Vespasian sestertius was at the top of my list of desirable types. https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-151748

Santa arrived early this year.

Title: Re: Iconic Vespasian COTD
Post by: quadrans on December 11, 2018, 01:57:22 am

Great coin, David,
This one also on my wish list  +++

Regards

Joe/Q.

Title: Re: Iconic Vespasian COTD
Post by: FlaviusDomitianus on December 11, 2018, 04:09:38 am

You got one, congrats!

Alberto

Title: Re: Iconic Vespasian COTD
Post by: David Atherton on December 11, 2018, 04:54:49 pm

Thanks Q and Alberto for the kind words. Adding a large bronze such as this is a real treat!

Title: Re: Iconic Vespasian COTD
Post by: cmcdon0923 on December 11, 2018, 07:23:58 pm

Very nice, David.

This is one of my bucket list coins for my ancient Judaean collection.  Although technically it's not Judaean in the sense of them minting it, it essentially represents the end of Judaean coinage....Bar Kochba not withstanding.

Title: Re: Iconic Vespasian COTD
Post by: stevex6 on December 12, 2018, 12:29:13 am

Wow, that's a gorgeous coin ... congrats, David

Cheers

Title: Re: Iconic Vespasian COTD
Post by: David Atherton on December 12, 2018, 08:13:13 am

Thanks for the kind words Craig and Steve.

I've always wanted an example this bronze Judaea Capta type ever since I saw the miniseries Masada many years go. It has a scene of a fictitious meeting between the Roman legate Flavius Silva (Peter O'Toole) and the Jewish rebel leader Eleazar ben Yair (Peter Strauss) in the hopes of finding a peaceful settlement between the Romans and Jews. At one point during the negotiations Eleazar produces a coin and says "We've seen these coins. Very impressive - a Jewish woman at the foot of a centurion. 'Judaea vanquished!'" He then drops the coin in front of Silva and continues "As long as one of us is alive and remembers how to start a fire or hold a sword, this war will go on."