Titus as Caesar RIC II V0858

Titus as Caesar. 69-79 A.D. AR Denarius. Rome Mint. 76 A.D. (3.28g, 20.4m, 6h). Obv: T CAESAR IMP VESPASIAN, laureate head right. Rev: COS V high in field; Cow, or bull, stg. r. RIC II V858 (R), BMC V186; RSC 52.

There is some debate about the meaning of this type. Mattingly describes the reverse as a heifer or cow, and relates it to the “Cow” of Myron. Some examples, however, seem to show a bull. The Flavians did issue an agricultural series, but that came in 77-78 A.D., after this series.

While this example has some wear, it has a wonderfully wide flan, and is well centered with complete legends.