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RIC 0950 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]
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AR Denarius, 3.35g
Rome Mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: T CAESAR IMP VESPASIANVS; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: COS VI; Prow r.; above eight pointed star
RIC 950 (R). BMC 226. RSC 68. BNC 202.
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection.
This rare star and prow reverse is shared with Vespasian (not a very common one for him as well!) and is a copy of one issued by Marc Antony. Vespasian copied many types from the past, this is perhaps an odd choice for a reverse considering Antony was an enemy of Octavian. Why this particular type was chosen remains a mystery to me.
The BMC states the star and prow symbolizes the victorious admiral.
This denarius is rated R by the RIC, but as far as it's availability in the market place I would rate it R2! This was a most vexing coin for me to locate, again a friend who shares a common collecting niche as I came to the rescue and offered this one to me.
Quite a nice find. Not only a rare type, but also the portrait is wonderful, imho.
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