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RIC 0873 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian] (2)
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AR Denarius, 3.45g
Rome Mint, 76 AD
Obv: T CAESAR IMP VESPASIANVS; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: COS V across field; Eagle head l. standing on thunderbolt, on Altar. Very uncommon with thunderbolt showing.
RIC 873 (R2). BMC p. 36 note. RSC 60. BNC -.
Acquired from Forvm Ancient Coins, December 2016.
The common eagle and altar type was struck for both Vespasian and Titus Caesar. Here is a very scarce left facing portrait example of the type. However, what interested me about this coin was the reverse, not the rare obverse. What isn't noted in the references and catalogues is the fact this type comes in two variants - one with eagle clutching a thunderbolt in its talons and the other without thunderbolt. Doug Smith proposes a possible third variant with eagle clutching branches. RIC generically describes the reverse as eagle with 'thunderbolt in claws', so this coin without thunderbolt should be regarded as a variant. I have another example of the type showing the eagle clutching a thunderbolt. The coins with plain altars actually seem to be more common.
Nicely toned and in good style.
Special thanks to Doug Smith.
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