RIC 229 Titus

Æ As, 10.28g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PAX AVGVST; S C in field; Pax stg. l., with branch and caduceus
RIC 229 (C). BMC specimen acquired 1968. BNC 218.
Acquired from Praefectus Coins, March 2020.

A common carry-over Pax type from Vespasian's reign. She is seen here with an olive branch and Felicitas' caduceus, likely based on a cult image. There were several versions of the Pax type struck in this fairly large bronze issue - the variant with branch and caduceus being the most common. This issue with Titus as COS VIII dates to 80-81. It cannot be narrowed down to one year or the other because Titus did not resume the consulship in 81. The most logical conclusion is that the coins from this substantial issue spans both years, which would account for its unusually large size.

In good condition with a fine olive green patina.