RIC 213 Titus

Æ Dupondius, 13.42g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII; Head of Titus, radiate, bearded, l.
Rev: VESTA in exergue; S C in field; Vesta std. l., with palladium and sceptre
RIC 213 (C). BMC 201. BNC 204.
Acquired from Carthago Numismatics, August 2022.

This seated Vesta type is quite common on Titus' bronze coinage, much more so than on Vespasian's earlier issues where she is more commonly represented as standing. Vesta, the goddess of home and hearth, is seen here holding a palladium - a wooden cult image of Pallas Athena which oversees the safety and well being of Rome. Her cult was maintained by the Vestal Virgins.