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RIC 0535 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]
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AR Quinarius, 1.60g
Rome mint, 73 AD
Obv: T CAES IMP VESP P TR P CENS; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: VICTORIA AVGVSTI; Victory adv. r., with wreath and palm
RIC 535 (R). BMC 92. RSC 374. BNC 79.
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection, acquired from Tom Cederlind. Ex Baldwin's Auction 42, 26 September 2005, lot 288 (part). Ex William C. Boyd Collection, acquired from W.S. Lincoln, February 1896.
This fairly rare Titus as Caesar quinarius from 73 AD is my first quinarius, so I was quite thrilled to receive it.
Not only is the coin rare, but it has an interesting provenance. It came with a tag from the 19th century William C. Boyd (1840-1906) collection. As the tag indicates, he purchased the coin from W.S. Lincoln of Oxford St. in London. Roman history combined with a Victorian era numismatic souvenir, what more can you ask for?
In regards to the denomination itself, I'm not quite sure why quinarii were minted in the imperial era. Were they minted to make up required sums for imperial donatives as A Dictionary of Ancient Roman Coins states, or were they minted as presentation pieces to be given away at special occasions?
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