Focus on Flavian denarii

[traveler]

Hi all,

After lots of thought, I've decided to focus on collecting denarii from the Flavian period, particularly those of Vespasian. Reasons being the reverses tend to have more interesting designs, and also because it seems a little easier on the wallet.

Are there any particularly interesting reverses which the experts here will like to point out?

[benito]

Personally I like the " divus"  Vespasianus. They are quite artistic.
https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-82249
https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-66354

[Jay GT4]

Beautiful coins Benito posted but those types are definitely not easy on the wallet! . At least not in those conditions.

What is great about Vespasian is the variety of portrait styles.  For example he may look like Vitellius or even Otho early on.  He sometimes is more slender, other times heavier.  Here is an example of mine where he looks very much like Otho, even the hair:

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-63436

[David Atherton]

Welcome traveler to the wonderful world of Flavian denarii! I'm always pleased to see new Flavian adherents pop up here on Forvm.

Most of Vespasian's denarius types are copies of older republican or imperial ones, so it's a fairly inexpensive way to add those to your collection. Also, there are quite a few interesting types that are exclusively found on Flavian coins (Judaea and Germania Capta for a start). Collecting these denarii will occupy you for many years to come!

[traveler]

Hi Beinito, Jay and David,

Thanks for the suggestions and comments. Those are some very beautiful Vespasian denarii from Benito.. I'm guessing they will not be easy to obtain. I'll keep it as a long term goal.

Regarding the portrait styles: yes I've already noticed that, which makes it a little confusing. At times I'm not sure if I'm looking at a different style or a badly made fake!

Yes I guess I find the Flavian denarii more interesting because they copy older republican deigns. The Adoptive Emperors don't seem to have the same variety, with some exceptions like Hadrian's travel series.

[Carausius]

Regarding the portrait styles: yes I've already noticed that, which makes it a little confusing. At times I'm not sure if I'm looking at a different style or a badly made fake!

The Flavians are a good choice.  Lots of interesting types and some fine portraiture.  Regarding your confusion quoted above, I recommend that you purchase a book focused on the Flavians, with good plates, so that you can peruse the different styles and learn them.  Volume II-Part 1 of The Roman Imperial Coinage (2nd revised ed.; Spink 2007) covers only Vespasian through Domitian and contains 160 plates of nothin' but Flavians (in all metals, of course).  It's not cheap, but it's definitive and focused on your dynasty of interest.  The plates aren't the best quality, but good enough. 

[David Atherton]

Regarding the portrait styles: yes I've already noticed that, which makes it a little confusing. At times I'm not sure if I'm looking at a different style or a badly made fake!

The Flavians are a good choice.  Lots of interesting types and some fine portraiture.  Regarding your confusion quoted above, I recommend that you purchase a book focused on the Flavians, with good plates, so that you can peruse the different styles and learn them.  Volume II-Part 1 of The Roman Imperial Coinage (2nd revised ed.; Spink 2007) covers only Vespasian through Domitian and contains 160 plates of nothin' but Flavians (in all metals, of course).  It's not cheap, but it's definitive and focused on your dynasty of interest.  The plates aren't the best quality, but good enough. 

I have to agree with the RIC II recommendation. It's quite essential. However, I have to disagree about the plates not being of very good quality ... IMHO they are excellent and quite thorough.

If you ever decide to dip your toe into Flavian provincial silver the book Roman Provincial Coinage II by Burnett, Amandry, and Carradice is a must have.

[traveler]

Hi David and Carausius,

Thanks for the recommendation on RIC II. I've been trying to get hold of the new 2007 edition for some time now, but it really is a little pricey. I hope to come across a second hand copy someday.

[David Atherton]

Hi David and Carausius,

Thanks for the recommendation on RIC II. I've been trying to get hold of the new 2007 edition for some time now, but it really is a little pricey. I hope to come across a second hand copy someday.

Until you do, most of the major denarius types for the three Flavian emperors are in my gallery fully attributed. https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/index.php?cat=11162

[traveler]

Until you do, most of the major denarius types for the three Flavian emperors are in my gallery fully attributed. https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/index.php?cat=11162

Hi David,

Your gallery is impressive and humbling at the same time, and the explanatory comments makes it easy to understand the uniqueness of each denarius. Truly a wealth of knowledge.

[David Atherton]

Your gallery is impressive and humbling at the same time, and the explanatory comments makes it easy to understand the uniqueness of each denarius. Truly a wealth of knowledge.

Thank you for the kind compliments. It's been an ongoing joy assembling the collection and if it inspires others to specialise in this wonderful era of coinage then the labour was worth it.

[David Atherton]

In addition to RIC II, you may want to peruse this list of Flavian centric books: https://www.forumancientcoins.com/board/index.php?topic=74511.msg468560#msg468560

Many of these books have greatly enhanced my enjoyment of the coins.

[traveler]

Thanks for the book references David. Many are a little difficult to locate as mentioned, especially Carradice's works.

[David Atherton]

Thanks for the book references David. Many are a little difficult to locate as mentioned, especially Carradice's works.

Until you are able to locate some of these titles, much of the pertinent information is distilled in the comments and notes in my gallery.

[Joe Geranio]

For collecting imperial silver there is none better (on the pocket book)  than the Flavians, although I prefer Julio Claudian, but they are a bargain and i like the metal from the period.