RIC 454 Divus Augustus, Restored by Titus

Æ As, 9.40g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: DIVVS AVGVSTVS PATER; Head of Augustus, radiate, l.
Rev: IMP T VESP AVG REST; PROVIDENT in exergue; S C in field; Altar
RIC 454 (C3). BMC -. BNC 282.
Acquired from Savoca Coins, April 2022.

Titus struck an extensive restoration series of bronze coins of Flavian approved past emperors and imperial family members which reproduced the original coins in their entirety. While this veneration of past coinages was not a new idea (Vespasian copied past types on many reverses for the precious metal issues) it was quite an innovation to copy both the obverse and reverse of these past coinages. To do so likely had a dual purpose - one, to recoin types that were being recalled or falling out of circulation and to keep their memory alive, and secondly to link the Flavian house with those past revered personages. The meaning is quite clear on the reverse with Titus declaring he has restored (REST) this coin. H. Mattingly in BMCRE II writes 'those of Divus Augustus are especially appropriate in view of the consecration of Divus Vespasianus, which was evidently modelled on that of his predecessor.'

This Provident altar restoration as struck for Divus Augustus has nine different variants, this is by far the most common one. It faithfully copies the same type struck under Tiberius. The altar depicted is dedicated to Providentia, the personification of the emperor's divine providence. Although the type is commonly described as an altar, Marvin Tameanko has convincingly argued it is actually a sacellum, or small shrine. Although a common type under Vespasian, it was produced under Titus exclusively for the Divus Augustus restoration asses.

Oddly (for such a common type), missing from the BM!