| Last additions - David Atherton's Gallery |
Vespasian RIC-68411 viewsAR Denarius
RIC 684 (C), BMC 137, RSC 361
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv - IMP CAESAR VESP AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev - PON MAX TR P COS V; Caduceus, winged
aVF
A common coin found not so commonly! There is another caduceus type from this series with the same obverse legend and PONTIF MAXIM on the reverse. Both types from the series are fairly rare.
A decent coin in acceptable condition.
David AthertonMay 23, 2012
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Vespasian RIC 0424 viewsAR denarius
RIC 4 (R), BMCRE 43, RSC 229
Rome Mint, 69-70 AD
Obv - IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev - IVDAEA in ex.; Jewess (as type of Judaea), draped and veiled, seated r. on ground, head inclined downwards, l. knee drawn up, hand bound behind back and fastened to palm-tree
VF
The reverse commemorates the end of the Jewish War and is part of the 'Judaea Capta' series that Vespasian issued soon after he became emperor. The coin depicts a Jewess, seated before a palm tree (representing the land of Judaea), with her hands tied behind her back and in mourning. Clearly no academic interpretation is needed to understand what is meant by this reverse design.
This particular reverse is a much scarcer type than the standard Jewess seated before trophy. Possibly it was considered too harsh and was discontinued, explaining it's rarity. Was this type minted first and then the milder form of the design appeared?
This coin is a replacement upgrade for one I purchased six years ago. Is it better? I'm not so sure. The flan is oblong (but large at 21.5 mm), the obverse slightly double struck, and the details are not as sharp on the reverse. With all that being said, I like the toning, the beaded border is almost in full on the reverse (a rarity for an early Vespasian denarius), and the style is quite attractive. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder after all.
David AthertonMay 21, 2012
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Domitian RIC 2123 viewsAR Denarius
RIC 21 (R2), BMC p. 299 note, RSC 58
Rome mint, 81 AD
Obv - IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG PONT; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev - COS VII DES VIII P P; Curule chair, wreath above
VF
This denarius was issued very early in the reign before Domitian was conferred the Pontif Maximus, hence only PONT appears on his obverse legend here.
A rare denarius with sharp details and dark toning featuring a nice early portrait. David AthertonMay 14, 2012
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Domitian RIC 4418 viewsAR Denarius
RIC 44 (R2), BMC - , RSC -
Rome mint, 81 AD
Obv - IMP CAES DIVI VESP F DOMIT AVG PONT; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev - TR P COS VII DES VIII P P; Altar, garlanded and lighted
VF
An extremely rare and early denarius of Domitian. This coin was minted before Domitian became Pontifex Maximus, as shown by the obverse legend which only shows him as PONT. Presumably the official ceremonies for this elevation had not been completed when the coin was struck. Domitian, always a stickler for the correct procedures, probably insisted the correct form of his titles be struck. This coin also indicates how quickly new coins were struck for Domitian after he became emperor. Also, notice the nice mention of Vespasian in the obverse legend - DIVI VESP F, "Son of the Divine Vespasian".
The style is very typical of the early denarii of Domitian before his coinage reform the following year. Notice the veristic style with the hook nose. Later his portraits became more idealized.
Not listed in the BM nor Cohen. The new RIC cites examples at the Ashmolean and a private sale. David AthertonApr 24, 2012
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Domitian RIC-33224 viewsAR Denarius
RIC 332 (R2), BMC 78, RSC 179a
Rome mint, 85 AD
Obv - IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P IIII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.,with aegis
Rev - IMP VIIII COS XI CENS POT P P; Minerva adv r., with spear and shield (M1)
aEF
This denarius was minted in 85 AD right after Domitian slightly lowered the fineness of his denarii to Neronian standards. He had previously in 82 AD raised the standard of the denarius to the levels set by Augustus but apparently financially could not maintain those standards. The coins were still minted at a higher standard than those under Vespasian or Titus and would remain so until the end of his reign.
This coin also illustrates the high artistic standards Domitian demanded of his die engravers. The addition of the aegis along with the fine style idealistic portrait shows the care the mint took in the minting of these coins.
The surface is slightly porous and the reverse faintly double struck but the overall eye appeal I believe overcomes all that.David AthertonApr 23, 2012
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Domitian RIC 9425 viewsAR Denarius
RIC 94 (R), BMC 32, RSC 598
Rome mint, 82 AD
Obv - IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev - TR POT COS VIII P P; Altar, garlanded and lighted
VF
A unique to Domitian pulvinar reverse type as Augustus. The altar reverse is much more commonly found as a type for Domitian as Caesar under Titus, this specimen is one of the few examples as Augustus I've seen in trade.
The coin is also part of the last issue minted in early 82 before the fineness of the precious metal coinage was increased.David AthertonApr 18, 2012
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Domitian RIC-10023 viewsAR Denarius
RIC 100 (C), BMC 27, RSC 596
Rome mint, 82 AD
Obv - IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev - TR POT COS VIII P P; Seat. draped; above, semicircular frame decorated with three crescents
aVF
This denarius is part of the first precious metal issue of 82 minted at Rome and the last before the increased fineness of the denarii later that same year. The reverse is a carry over pulvinar type from Titus' reign. This is the last time this type was minted by Domitian before the overhaul of the mint.
A decent coin in good metal.David AthertonApr 09, 2012
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Vespasian-RIC-154212 viewsAR Denarius
RIC 1542 (R2), BMC 499, RSC 640
Antioch mint, 70 AD
Obv - IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev - VIRTVS AVGVST; Virtus stg. r., l. foot on prow with spear and parazonium
aVF
Minted at Antioch in 70 AD, this early eastern type of Vespasian is one of only two times that i know of that Virtus appears on Flavian denarii, the other type being Vespasian RIC 1379 a unique coin. Virtus here symbolizes the military prowess of the emperor on both land and sea. The type was normally popular during Roman Civil Wars, so it is not at all surprising that Vespasian issued it coming out of one.
The coin is scratched and the flan is ragged and uneven but the high profile portrait remains showing a unique Antioch style.
Acquired May, 2011David AthertonApr 05, 2012
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Vespasian-RIC-112035 viewsAR Denarius
RIC 1120 (C), BMC 388, RSC 243
Lyon mint, 71 AD
Obv - IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG TR P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev - IVDAEA DEVICTA; Palm tree; to l., Judaea stg. l., hands bound in front
F+
A Judaea Capta type unique to the mint of Lyon. Minted in 71 AD, more specimens of this type are plated than genuine, this coin is a rare official example. The evidence that this type was well know as a fourree in ancient times can be seen from the test marks behind the neck and below the chin of the portrait.
A fairly rare type that commands premium prices because of its historical connections.
Minted on a tight flan but with full legends. David AthertonApr 02, 2012
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Domitian RIC 5842 viewsAR Denarius
RIC 58 (C), BMC 11, RSC 560
Rome mint, 81 AD
Obv - IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev - TR P COS VII DES VIII P P; Minerva adv. r., with spear and shield
aEF
Before the various Minvera reverse types were to dominate his coinage, Domitian issued this simple Minerva reverse, both as Caesar and here as Augustus. This denarius was struck in the first few months of his reign and displays the same portrait style and quality from the previous reign of Titus, which would not last because Domitian was to conduct a major shake up of his precious metal coinage the following year increasing the fineness.
A gorgeous coin in hand with much of the detail still intact. David AthertonMar 26, 2012
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Titus RIC 3726 viewsAR Denarius
RIC 37 (R), BMC 35, RSC 294
Rome mint, 79 AD
Obv - IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev - TR P VIIII IMP XV COS VII P P; Capricorn l., below, globe
aVF
This denarius is part of the 3rd issue minted by Titus in 79 after September when he was awarded IMP XV. This same type was reportedly found in the ruins of Pompeii casting doubt on the traditional dating of the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius to August. The same reverse type was minted by Vespasian just before his death and is itself a copy of a type minted by Augustus. Denarii from the 3rd issue seem to be rarer than those of the 2nd issue.
Reasonably centered in good metal with a typical "bull necked" portrait of Titus. Both an obverse and reverse die match to the RIC plate coin.David AthertonMar 21, 2012
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Domitian RIC-16421 viewsAR Denarius
RIC 164 (R2), BMC 41, RSC 606
Rome mint, 83 AD
Obv - IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev - TR POT II COS VIIII DES X P P; Minerva stg. r. on capital of rostral column, with spear and shield; to r., owl (M2)
VF+
This denarius minted between March and 13 September, 83 AD is part of a series that introduced the four main Minerva reverse types that would dominate the denarii of the reign. The type here, Minerva on rostral column (not prow as normally described), makes it debut as well.
83 saw an increased fineness of the precious metal coinage to Augustan standards, which explains this specimens size and weight - 21 mm, 3.35 grams. A bit of horn silver on the obverse does not detract from a wonderful coin in hand.
Historical note - Mons Graupius, Agricola's climatic battle in Scotland, most likely occurred in the fall of 83 soon after this coin was minted.David AthertonFeb 28, 2012
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| Random files - David Atherton's Gallery |
Titus RIC-10935 viewsAR denarius
RIC 109, BMCRE 70, RSC 319
Rome Mint, 80 AD
Obv - IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, bearded, laureate, left.
Rev - TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P; Curule chair; above, wreath.
aVF
Rare left facing example of the type.
The RIC notes: The type is often described as showing two curule chairs, but is more likely a single chair with both pairs of legs shown.
Ex Robert Kutcher collection.Vespasian70
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Titus as Caesar RIC V86348 viewsAR denarius
RIC V863 (R2), BMC V305 var., RSC 106 var.
Rome Mint, 76 AD
Obv - T CAESAR IMP VESPASIAN; Head of Titus, laureate right.
Rev - IOVIS CVSTOS; Jupiter stg. facing, with patera over altar and sceptre.
aVF
Rated R2 by the RIC and unlisted previously, this was a most difficult coin for me to find.
Here is Curtis Clay's text from HJB's 159th buy or bid sale, which I cannot improve upon:
"A rare variant of the obverse legend for this reverse type, only recently published, allowing us to date the type's introduction precisely to 76 AD. In the course of that year, the obverse legend on Titus' gold and silver coins was expanded from T CAESAR IMP VESPASIAN to the same with VESPASIANVS, and the new form lasted until his accession as Augustus in 79. Titus' IOVIS CVSTOS reverse type was previously recorded only with obverse VESPASIANVS, so datable 76-79 AD; but RIC-863 and our coin with obverse VESPASIAN suggest that the type was introduced precisely in the year of the legend change, 76. RIC-863 cites two specimens of this denarius, in Berlin and in a private collection; we have seen a couple of others in trade or private collections over the past few years."
It's not everyday you come across a variant which can pin down the dating of a well known type! Not only is the coin rare, but the portrait on this example, in my opinion, is quite exceptional. Vespasian70
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Vespasian-RIC-140431 viewsAR Denarius
RIC 1404 (R), BMC p. 90 note, RSC 248 var.
Ephesus Mint, 69-70 AD
Obv - IMP CAES VESPAS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev - LIBERI IMP AVG VESPAS; Titus and Domitian veiled, togate, stg. front (heads l.), each with patera; in exergue mint mark
VF
A dynastic type minted in one of the first issues at Ephesus. Despite the ragged flan, the portrait is very noble and the reverse featuring the two young princes is quite charming. The mint mark on the reverse is barely visible below their feet.David Atherton
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