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Home > Members' Coin Collection Galleries > David Atherton > 2. The Reign of Titus - Imperial Coins
RIC 204 Titus
Æ Dupondius, 11.48g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII; Head of Titus, radiate, bearded, l.
Rev: SALVS AVG; S C in exergue; Salus std. l., with patera
RIC 204 (C). BMC 197. BNC 198.
Acquired from Incitatus Coins, November 2019. Ex Wendt Auction XIII, 9 November 1976, lot 973.

Titus' bronze issue dated COS VIII is quite large due to the fact he did not renew the consulship in 81 and the coins most likely spanned both years. With that in mind, the meaning behind this Salus type is quite intriguing. Titus died on 13 September 81 and there is some circumstantial evidence hinting that the illness was prolonged, perhaps evident as early as June of that year. Dio and Suetonius report that he wept openly in front of the crowds at the games, perhaps due to deteriorating health. Did the mint master have time enough before Titus' death to strike a coin reverse featuring the goddess of health and well-being in the hopes of divine aid? Conversely, H. Mattingly speculates the Salus reverse commemorates an altar to the goddess dedicated by Titus. Perhaps that may be so. It is not a rare coin, indicating it was struck for a longer rather than shorter period of time.

Dark chocolate patina and good style.

RIC 204 Titus

Æ Dupondius, 11.48g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII; Head of Titus, radiate, bearded, l.
Rev: SALVS AVG; S C in exergue; Salus std. l., with patera
RIC 204 (C). BMC 197. BNC 198.
Acquired from Incitatus Coins, November 2019. Ex Wendt Auction XIII, 9 November 1976, lot 973.

Titus' bronze issue dated COS VIII is quite large due to the fact he did not renew the consulship in 81 and the coins most likely spanned both years. With that in mind, the meaning behind this Salus type is quite intriguing. Titus died on 13 September 81 and there is some circumstantial evidence hinting that the illness was prolonged, perhaps evident as early as June of that year. Dio and Suetonius report that he wept openly in front of the crowds at the games, perhaps due to deteriorating health. Did the mint master have time enough before Titus' death to strike a coin reverse featuring the goddess of health and well-being in the hopes of divine aid? Conversely, H. Mattingly speculates the Salus reverse commemorates an altar to the goddess dedicated by Titus. Perhaps that may be so. It is not a rare coin, indicating it was struck for a longer rather than shorter period of time.

Dark chocolate patina and good style.

File information
Filename:T204.jpg
Album name:David Atherton / 2. The Reign of Titus - Imperial Coins
Rating (1 votes):44444Show details
Filesize:157 KiB
Date added:Nov 22, 2019
Dimensions:1599 x 768 pixels
Displayed:61 times
URL:https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=158787
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Comment 1 to 5 of 5
Page: 1

Vincent   [Nov 22, 2019 at 10:09 AM]
Really nice style and execution...beautiful surface and patina..great coin
FlaviusDomitianus   [Nov 22, 2019 at 10:10 AM]
Nice example.
Jay GT4   [Nov 22, 2019 at 10:38 AM]
Very bold details
Mat   [Nov 22, 2019 at 01:32 PM]
Hearty portrait on that one!
ancientdave   [Jul 03, 2020 at 06:49 PM]
Great addition!

Comment 1 to 5 of 5
Page: 1

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