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RPC 1969 Titus tetradrachm
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ΑΥΤΟΚΡ • ΤΙΤΟΣ ΚΑΙΣ ΟΥΕΣΠ
Laureate head of Titus right with Aegis
ΕΤΟΥΣ Γ ΙΕΡΟΥ
eagle standing, left with wreath in beak on caduceus; quiver (?) and bow to r. of eagle's head
Caesarea Maritima
70 CE (Group 6, year3)
14.75g
RPC 1969; McAlee 34, Prieur 142
Rare (5 specimens RPC online) die matched to #5
Ex-Denarius Ringsrud (Norway); Ex. Münzzentrum Köln, auction 43 lot 188, plate p. 32 (27 April 1981).
Part of a small series of tetradrachms struck in Caesarea Maritima shortly after the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE.
After its fall, Titus spent three days outside the city handing out rewards and spoils to his troops.
"Then descending with his army to Caesarea Maritima, he there deposited the bulk of his spoils and directed that his prisoners should be kept in custody; for the winter season prevented his sailing for Italy" (Josephus)
It has been suggested this series of tetradrachms was struck during Titus' time in Caesaera. The style is fairly crude and is similar to other bronze coins attributed to Caesarea Maritima. Silver quality is not standardized, which gives evidence of a military issue. Being stuck just days or weeks after the fall of Jerusalem, surely these were part of the rewards Titus distributed to the troops.
Thanks to David Atherton for additional info.
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