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RIC 387 Julia Titi [Titus]AR Denarius, 3.22g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IVLIA AVGVSTA T AVG F; Bust of Julia Titi, draped and diademed, r., hair in long plait
Rev: VENVS AVG; Venus stg. r., leaning on column, with helmet and spear
RIC 387 (R). BMC 140. RSC 12. BNC 103.
Acquired from Aegean Numismatics, February 2017.

A rare variant of the common Venus type for Julia Titi with shortened obverse and reverse legends. NB: Julia's denarii were not struck in plentiful numbers.

Lovely portrait in good metal.6 commentsDavid Atherton02/16/17 at 16:12Randygeki(h2): Sweet addition!

RIC 095 TitusAR Quinarius, 1.58g
Rome mint, 79-80 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: VICTORIA AVGVST (anti-clockwise, outwardly, from high l.); Victory std. l., with wreath and palm
RIC 95 (R2). BMC 111. RSC 370b. BNC -.
Ex Naville 27, 27 November 2016, lot 494. Ex E.E. Clain-Stefanelli Collection.

An exceedingly rare quinarius of Titus with left facing portrait. This is only the second specimen I've seen in trade.

Dark toning with a neat and fine portrait. Unusually, the two 'banker's marks' are on the reverse appear to have been repaired in antiquity using the same metal originally removed.5 commentsDavid Atherton12/19/16 at 03:51ancientdave: Very nice, a great addition!

RIC 095 TitusAR Quinarius, 1.58g
Rome mint, 79-80 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: VICTORIA AVGVST (anti-clockwise, outwardly, from high l.); Victory std. l., with wreath and palm
RIC 95 (R2). BMC 111. RSC 370b. BNC -.
Ex Naville 27, 27 November 2016, lot 494. Ex E.E. Clain-Stefanelli Collection.

An exceedingly rare quinarius of Titus with left facing portrait. This is only the second specimen I've seen in trade.

Dark toning with a neat and fine portrait. Unusually, the two 'banker's marks' are on the reverse appear to have been repaired in antiquity using the same metal originally removed.5 commentsDavid Atherton12/15/16 at 09:13Nemonater: I had no doubt this remarkable coin would end up i...

RIC 095 TitusAR Quinarius, 1.58g
Rome mint, 79-80 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: VICTORIA AVGVST (anti-clockwise, outwardly, from high l.); Victory std. l., with wreath and palm
RIC 95 (R2). BMC 111. RSC 370b. BNC -.
Ex Naville 27, 27 November 2016, lot 494. Ex E.E. Clain-Stefanelli Collection.

An exceedingly rare quinarius of Titus with left facing portrait. This is only the second specimen I've seen in trade.

Dark toning with a neat and fine portrait. Unusually, the two 'banker's marks' are on the reverse appear to have been repaired in antiquity using the same metal originally removed.5 commentsDavid Atherton12/15/16 at 07:32FlaviusDomitianus: Nice addition, congrats!

RIC 047 TitusAR Denarius, 3.04g
Rome Mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: TR P VIIII IMP XV COS VII P P; Rostral column, ornamented at sides with beaks of ships and surmounted by a statue, radiate, naked except for cloak, standing front, holding vertical spear in r. hand and parazonium at side in l.
RIC 47 (R). BMC 28. RSC 291. BNC 27.
Ex Heritage, eBay, November 2016. Formerly in NGC holder 4252958-018.

A carry-over design from Vespasian's coinage copying a similar type struck for Octavian (BMCRE I 103, 633). The column on the reverse depicts the monument erected to commemorate Octavian's victory over Pompey bearing the bronze rams of Pompey's captured ships and surmounted by a gilded statue. Rare with left facing portrait.

Worn, but in good metal and nicely centred. 4 commentsDavid Atherton11/25/16 at 23:34Nemonater: A rare treasure!

RIC 357 Divus Vespasian [Titus] (2)AR Denarius, 3.26g
Rome mint, 79-80 AD
Obv: DIVVS AVGVSTVS VESPASIANVS; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: Capricorns, l. and r., crossed, supporting round shield inscribed S C : below, globe
RIC 357 (C2). BMC 129. RSC 497. BNC 101.
Acquired from Civitas Galleries, August 2016.

A rare variant of this common Divus Vespasian denarius type struck under Titus. It is much more common to find the capricorns back to back with no tails, supporting a small shield. Here we see the capricorns crossed with tails, supporting a large shield. Curiously, RIC does not note the rare variant nor assign it a catalogue number.

Previously a jewellery mount piece.4 commentsDavid Atherton08/26/16 at 03:31ancientdave: Nice coin!

RIC 023 TitusAR Denarius, 3.00g
Rome Mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: TR P VIIII IMP XIIII COS VII P P; Ceres std. l., with corn ears and poppy and torch
RIC 23 (R3). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex eBay, May 2016.

This is the second known specimen of an extremely rare portrait left Ceres type. The only other known specimen was in the Harry Sneh collection and was sold in the Gemini IX sale, 8 January, lot 333 (RIC plate coin). My coin shares an obverse die. It's not often that a second specimen of a unique Flavian type turns up, especially for Titus!

Nicely toned with good eye appeal despite the wear and a few scratches.7 commentsDavid Atherton05/31/16 at 08:36Nemonater: An enviable coin!

RIC 097 Domitian as Caesar [Titus]AR Denarius, 2.74g
Rome mint, 80 AD
Obv: CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS COS VII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS; Salus, stg. r., resting on column, feeding snake out of patera
RIC 97 (C). BMC 84. RSC 386. BNC -.
Ex Lanz, eBay, 28 March 2016.

This Salus type was struck for Domitian Caesar under both Vespasian as COS VI and Titus as COS VII. AVG F in the obverse legend indicates this denarius was coined before Vespasian's deification, after which DIVI F was used. This Salus type was unique to Domitan Caesar and was discontinued in the following DIVI F issue when a whole new slate of reverse designs were employed.

Not as commonly found as the COS VI version.

6 commentsDavid Atherton04/11/16 at 20:06curtislclay: Reka Devnia figures: allegedly 18 COS VI, all in S...

RIC 099 Domitian as Caesar [Titus]AR Denarius, 3.10g
Rome mint, 80 AD
Obv: CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS COS VII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS; Vesta, std. l., with palladium and sceptre
RIC 99 (R). BMC 83. RSC 380a. BNC 70.
Acquired from Artifact Man, February 2016.

The Vesta type was struck for Domitian Caesar with him as COS VI in 79 under Vespasian and COS VII in 80 under Titus. This denarius bears the COS VII dating and is much rarer than the common COS VI. Perhaps the window of time these rare COS VII Vesta denarii were struck was quite small because a whole new set of reverse designs were soon employed for him later in the year after Vespasian's deification (the DIVI F issue).

A fine denarius with dark toning.5 commentsDavid Atherton03/04/16 at 20:56Randygeki(h2): Very nice!

RIC 515 TitusAR Cistophorus, 10.64g
Rome mint (for Asia), 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M.; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: CAPIT across field, RESTIT in exergue; Temple of Capitoline Jupiter with 4 columns enclosing figures of Juno, seated Jupiter and Minverva
RIC 515 (R). BMC spec. acquired 1948. RSC -. RPC 860 (3 spec.). BNC 111.
Acquired from Calgary Coin, 30 November 2015. Ex MS collection. Ex Harlan J. Berk BBS 124, 3 January 2002, lot 448.

In 80 AD while Titus was away in Campania surveying the damage Vesuvius had caused in the region the previous Fall, a devastating fire broke out in Rome, damaging much of the city center. One of the most important buildings affected by the fire was the Temple of Capitoline Jupiter, rebuilt recently by Vespasian. The temple being the most sacred and important building in Rome, Titus began rebuilding it immediately. Construction was still ongoing when Titus died of natural causes in September of 81. A cistophorus commemorating the rebuilding of the structure was struck for Domitian but it was not until 1948 with the discovery of this reverse type for Titus when the BM acquired a specimen was the type known to be minted for Titus. Needless to say it is extremely rare. Since 1948 seven other examples have surfaced, four of which are in public collections. A.M. Woodward speculates the type for Domitian is actually a hybrid struck from carry-over dies intended for Titus. This cistophorus was minted in Rome for export to Asia Minor. The style and die axis are similar to the denarii from Rome during the same period, firmly placing it to that mint. This coin is an obverse die match with Gemini IX, lot 458.

A wonderful 'chunky' coin in hand in good style. 12 commentsDavid Atherton12/13/15 at 18:40Randygeki(h2): Sweet coin!

RIC 035 TitusAR Denarius, 3.20g
Rome mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M.; Head of Titus, Laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: TR P VIIII IMP XIIII COS VII P P; Venus stg. r. leaning on column, with helmet and spear
RIC 35 (R). BMC 11. RSC 268a. BNC -.
Ex CNG E358, 26 August 2015, lot 323.

Titus' 14th imperial acclamation dates between 1 July to at least before 8 September 79 as two documents indicate - one a letter Titus addressed to the city of Munigua on 7 September, and the other a military diploma dated 8 September, both still show him as IMP XIIII. Effectively, this coin was struck during the time of the Mount Vesuvius eruption on 24 August, although the traditional date of the disaster is now disputed and may possibly have been later in the year.

Left facing portraits of Titus are much rarer than right facing, perhaps to a ratio of 1:10. This left facing Venus type from the second issue after 1 July is extremely difficult to find. Listed simply as 'rare' by the new RIC, this is perhaps one of those types which might be a bit rarer than the rating indicates.

Somewhat worn, but nicely centered and in fine style. I've noticed over the years that those denarii of Titus with dots in the legend tend to be of a finer style, such as this coin.8 commentsDavid Atherton09/04/15 at 03:38ancientdave: Very nice!

RIC 267 Domitian as Caesar [Titus]AR Denarius, 3.09g
Rome Mint, 80 AD
Obv: CAESAR DIVI F DOMITIANVS COS VII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS; Goat standing l., in laurel-wreath.
RIC 267(C). BMC 88. RSC 390. BNC 73.
Acquired from Aegean Numismatics, August 2007.

Struck during Titus's reign for Domitian Caesar, this pleasing reverse depicts Amalthea the Cretan goat which nursed the infant Jupiter - a possible allusion to Domitian being the next in line to the throne. It copies a reverse type coined during the Roman Republic.

A nicely centered coin in decent shape of this unusual reverse type. A welcome addition to my growing Domitian as Caesar denarii.1 commentsDavid Atherton06/20/15 at 13:25Lucas H: Excellent centering and nice legends

RIC 089 TitusAR Denarius, 3.31g
Rome Mint, 79-80 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG PM; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: BONVS EVENTVS AVGVSTI; Bonus Eventus stg. l., with patera and corn ears and poppy
RIC 89 (C). BMC 106. RSC 25. BNC 83.
Acquired from Apollo Numismatics, January 2006.

Bonus Eventus, 'good outcome', is sometimes depicted as a naked youth with strong agricultural imagery holding corn ears and poppies. The type is undoubtedly based on a cult image. Pliny mentions two famous statues of Bonus Eventus in a similar pose - one in marble by Praxiteles, the other in bronze by Euphranor. BMCRE speculates this undated denarius of Titus may follow a Neronian tradition, alluding to Egypt and the corn supply.

This is not one of Titus' easiest reverse types to find! I spent the best part of a year looking for a VF or better example in good style.
7 commentsDavid Atherton12/17/14 at 21:26sean c2: fantastic coin!

RIC 002 TitusAR Denarius, 3.17g
Rome mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP T CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: ANNONA AVG; Annona std. l., with sack of corn ears
RIC 2 (R2). BMC specimen acquired 1934. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex eBay, November 2014.

The Annona reverse type struck for Titus Caesar is quite common and copies the same reverse struck contemporarily for Vespasian. It was also struck briefly for Titus after becoming emperor on 24 June, 79 AD. The type is very rare for him as Augustus, perhaps minted in the space of a week prior to the TR P VIIII dating on 1 July. Evidently the mint did not have new reverse types prepared for the new princeps and so recycled those struck for him as Caesar during that first week.

This is an extremely rare type for Titus as Augustus and certainly the rarest of the first issue. The new RIC cites three specimens (BM, Vienna, private collection), mine will make the fourth that I know of and it is a die match with the BM specimen.

Better in hand than the photo indicates.
9 commentsDavid Atherton12/11/14 at 07:41kc: these rare specimens are fascinating!

RIC 002 TitusAR Denarius, 3.17g
Rome mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP T CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: ANNONA AVG; Annona std. l., with sack of corn ears
RIC 2 (R2). BMC specimen acquired 1934. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex eBay, November 2014.

The Annona reverse type struck for Titus Caesar is quite common and copies the same reverse struck contemporarily for Vespasian. It was also struck briefly for Titus after becoming emperor on 24 June, 79 AD. The type is very rare for him as Augustus, perhaps minted in the space of a week prior to the TR P VIIII dating on 1 July. Evidently the mint did not have new reverse types prepared for the new princeps and so recycled those struck for him as Caesar during that first week.

This is an extremely rare type for Titus as Augustus and certainly the rarest of the first issue. The new RIC cites three specimens (BM, Vienna, private collection), mine will make the fourth that I know of and it is a die match with the BM specimen.

Better in hand than the photo indicates.
9 commentsDavid Atherton11/30/14 at 02:59ancientdave: A truly awesome addition!

RIC 002 TitusAR Denarius, 3.17g
Rome mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP T CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: ANNONA AVG; Annona std. l., with sack of corn ears
RIC 2 (R2). BMC specimen acquired 1934. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex eBay, November 2014.

The Annona reverse type struck for Titus Caesar is quite common and copies the same reverse struck contemporarily for Vespasian. It was also struck briefly for Titus after becoming emperor on 24 June, 79 AD. The type is very rare for him as Augustus, perhaps minted in the space of a week prior to the TR P VIIII dating on 1 July. Evidently the mint did not have new reverse types prepared for the new princeps and so recycled those struck for him as Caesar during that first week.

This is an extremely rare type for Titus as Augustus and certainly the rarest of the first issue. The new RIC cites three specimens (BM, Vienna, private collection), mine will make the fourth that I know of and it is a die match with the BM specimen.

Better in hand than the photo indicates.
9 commentsDavid Atherton11/27/14 at 14:38Mat: Always a great feeling to find a rarity, congrats...

RIC 002 TitusAR Denarius, 3.17g
Rome mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP T CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: ANNONA AVG; Annona std. l., with sack of corn ears
RIC 2 (R2). BMC specimen acquired 1934. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex eBay, November 2014.

The Annona reverse type struck for Titus Caesar is quite common and copies the same reverse struck contemporarily for Vespasian. It was also struck briefly for Titus after becoming emperor on 24 June, 79 AD. The type is very rare for him as Augustus, perhaps minted in the space of a week prior to the TR P VIIII dating on 1 July. Evidently the mint did not have new reverse types prepared for the new princeps and so recycled those struck for him as Caesar during that first week.

This is an extremely rare type for Titus as Augustus and certainly the rarest of the first issue. The new RIC cites three specimens (BM, Vienna, private collection), mine will make the fourth that I know of and it is a die match with the BM specimen.

Better in hand than the photo indicates.
9 commentsDavid Atherton11/27/14 at 06:23FlaviusDomitianus: Great catch, congrats!

RIC 002 TitusAR Denarius, 3.17g
Rome mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP T CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: ANNONA AVG; Annona std. l., with sack of corn ears
RIC 2 (R2). BMC specimen acquired 1934. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex eBay, November 2014.

The Annona reverse type struck for Titus Caesar is quite common and copies the same reverse struck contemporarily for Vespasian. It was also struck briefly for Titus after becoming emperor on 24 June, 79 AD. The type is very rare for him as Augustus, perhaps minted in the space of a week prior to the TR P VIIII dating on 1 July. Evidently the mint did not have new reverse types prepared for the new princeps and so recycled those struck for him as Caesar during that first week.

This is an extremely rare type for Titus as Augustus and certainly the rarest of the first issue. The new RIC cites three specimens (BM, Vienna, private collection), mine will make the fourth that I know of and it is a die match with the BM specimen.

Better in hand than the photo indicates.
9 commentsDavid Atherton11/27/14 at 04:46labienus: That's a great find, David. Congrats.

RIC 364 Divus Vespasian [Titus]AR Denarius, 3.45g
Rome mint, 79-80 AD
Obv: DIVVS AVGVSTVS VESPASIANVS•; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: EX SC l. and r. in field. Victory, draped, stepping l., with both hands placing round shield on trophy, at base of which sits mourning captive (Jewess as type of 'Judaea Victa'?) l.
RIC 364 (C). BMC 112. RSC 144. BNC 90. Hendin 1587.
Acquired from Vaughn Rare Coin Gallery, June 2006.

This coin is part of a series of denarii which commemorates Vespasian's deification. The others in the series include the following reverses: the shield column and urn, two capricorns supporting a shield, and funeral quadriga.
The reverse is a reference to Vespasian's great victory in the Jewish War and the type was also used during the last year of his reign, of course with a different legend.

A very nice example of this type: good metal, strong portrait and a well executed reverse. Note the dot at the end of the Obv legend. I've always preferred the style of Titus' denarii which feature the dot.
4 commentsDavid Atherton03/26/14 at 23:57Sam: Amazing silver.

RIC 026 TitusAR Denarius, 3.35g
Rome mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: TR P VIIII IMP XIIII COS VII P P; Quadriga l., with corn ears
RIC 26 (R2). BMC p. 432. RSC 278a. BNC -.
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection.

A unique variety for Titus as Augustus combining a left obverse portrait with the quadriga reverse type. Extremely rare.

A decent 'bull-necked' portrait.

1 commentsDavid Atherton10/06/13 at 20:09Sam: Extraordinary !

RIC 271 Domitian as Caesar [Titus]AR Denarius, 2.74g
Rome Mint, 80 AD
Obv: CAESAR DIVI F DOMITIANVS COS VII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS; Square seat, draped with cloth hanging in folds, with tassels: on it, crested Corinthian helmet
RIC 271 (C2). BMC 98. RSC 399a. BNC 79.
Acquired from Et Tu Antiquities, November 2007.

Domitian as Caesar issued this denarius under Titus in 80 AD. The reverse is part of the pulvinaria series which commemorates the opening of the Colosseum in 80 AD.

Pulvinaria were sacred couches of the gods which had symbolic attributes set upon them. In this case, the Corinthian helmet and table are attributes of Minerva, the patron goddess of Domitian.

A wonderful denarius with a good portrait in a fine style.

6 commentsDavid Atherton09/28/13 at 04:07quadrans: Nice example..

RIC 034 TitusAR Denarius, 3.31g
Rome Mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, Laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P VIIII IMP XIIII COS VII P P; Venus, seen half from behind, naked except for drapery round hips, standing r., resting l. elbow on column, holding helmet in extended r. hand and transverse spear in l.: shield rests against column
RIC 34 (C2). BMC 9. RSC 268. BNC 9.
Acquired from York Coins.

A nice VF with a well centred reverse and an almost complete beaded boarder.3 commentsDavid Atherton08/31/13 at 00:24Sam: Amazing Art.

RIC 112 TitusAR Denarius, 2.87g
Rome mint, 80 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P; Dolphin coiled round anchor
RIC 112 (C2). BMC 72. RSC 309. BNC 60.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 143, 18 May 2005, lot 177.

Struck in 80 AD for Titus's pulvinar series commemorating the opening of the Colosseum. BMCRE speculates this reverse depicts the pulvinar of Neptune and possibly Minerva.

Easily one of the best portraits of Titus I have ever seen. The condition of the obverse is excellent.
A coin I'm very proud to have.11 commentsDavid Atherton08/24/13 at 19:09Sam: Superb.

RIC 368 Titus MuleAR Denarius, 3.30g
Rome mint, 79-80 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: EX S C across field; Victory adv. l., placing shield on trophy; below, Judaea std. l.
RIC 368 (R3). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex eBay, July 2012.

A very interesting mule featuring an obverse of Titus as Augustus and a reverse intended for the deified Vespasian. Until this specimen surfaced only one other was known, it belonging to Curtis Clay, which is an obverse and reverse die match to my example. If I may be so bold, the following is what Curtis Clay wrote about his own specimen in 2005 which I cannot improve upon.

"This denarius is without doubt a mint mule, combining an obverse of Titus as Augustus with a reverse meant for Divus Vespasian. A normal denarius of Divus Vespasian with rev. STRUCK FROM THIS SAME DIE was in Rauch 67, part I, 26 Feb. 2001, 368 (I tried to acquire it too but was outbid!).
Does any list member possess a normal aureus or denarius of Titus struck from this same head-left obv. die, and if so, what is the reverse? It is a matter of some historical significance whether this obverse die belongs to 23 June-31 Dec. AD 79, the first six months of Titus' reign, COS VII on rev., or the next six months, AD 80 up to July 1, COS VIII on rev. (After that, perhaps because the mint burned down in the fire of 80, no more aurei or denarii were produced at Rome until the accession of Domitian in Sept. 81.)
Being able to date this obv. die would more or less solve a vexing question, namely when was Vespasian consecrated?
T.V. Buttrey, following H. Mattingly, believes that the consecration must have been postponed until 80, since all coins of Domitian as COS VI (79), plus a few as COS VII (80), call him simply AVG F, Son of the Augustus. Only when new aureus and denarius rev. types were introduced for Domitian early in 80 was his filiation changed to DIVI F, Son of the Consecrated Emperor.
I however think Vespasian was probably consecrated immediately after he died on 23 June 79. The persistence of AVG F for Domitian into 80 is odd and I cannot explain it, but I think this fact is outweighed by two other considerations.
First, it was natural, indeed inevitable, that the status of a deceased emperor, deification or condemnation, should be decided by the Senate immediately after his death. Immediate consecration or condemnation is explicitly attested for a number of other emperors before and after Vespasian. Delay could occur when the successor wanted consecration to enhance his own prestige but the Senate thirsted for revenge by condemnation, as in the cases of Tiberius and Hadrian, but there was no such disagreement about Vespasian: both Titus and the Senate surely favored his consecration. So it is impossible to explain why his consecration should have been postponed for six or more months after his death.
Second, the mint was striking aurei and denarii for Vespasian in four rev. types during the final six months of his life, Jan.-June 79.
When Vespasian died, three of these types were taken over by Titus as Augustus and, judging from the numbers in the Reka Devnia hoard, were struck in about the same volume until the end of 79 as the three types of Titus as Caesar in 79 which he also continued as Augustus. The aureus and denarius type of Domitian as Caesar in 79 also did not change when Vespasian died. In other words seven of the eight common aureus and denarius types of 79, three of Vespasian which were carried on by Titus, three of Titus himself first Caesar then Augustus, and one of Domitian Caesar, were without doubt struck continuously from beginning to end of the year.
But what about the fourth common precious-metal type of Vespasian alive in 79, Victory placing shield on Trophy? This type was not struck for Titus as Augustus, instead we find it with obverse of DIVVS AVGVSTVS VESPASIANVS, and with the titles of Vesp. on reverse changed to EX SC to convert it into a consecration type! This type was about as common in the Reka Devnia hoard as the six denarius types of Titus as Augustus in the second half of 79.
I find it impossible to believe that this type was revived for Divus Vespasian after his alleged delayed consecration early in 80. It sticks out like a sore thumb among the other precious metal types of Divus Vespasian, as the only one to merely repeat a type of the living Vespasian instead of advertising the new honors that had been decreed with his consecration. No: obviously the type belongs to the second half of 79, contemporaneous with the other three types of the living Vespasian which Titus had taken over for himself, proving that Vespasian was consecrated immediately after he died!
This is the same rev. type of Divus Vespasian that was wrongly coupled with an obv. die of Titus as Augustus on the denarius reproduced here. If my chronology is correct, this will have been an obv. die of AD 79 and will also have been coupled with correct reverses of Titus dated COS VII not COS VIII, if such coins have survived and can be found!
I have searched without success for this obv. die in coinarchives, wildwinds, several photofiles compiled from printed sale catalogues and lists, and the major published museum catalogues."

Interestingly enough, earlier this year an obverse die match was found with an appropriate Titus reverse (Tripod and dolphin) dating to 80 AD. 5 commentsDavid Atherton01/26/13 at 22:42Nemonater: Outstanding! What an exceptional coin.

RIC 001 TitusAR Denarius, 3.10g
Rome Mint, 24 June-1 July 79 AD
Obv: IMP T CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR POT VIII COS VII; Trophy; below, captive kneeling r.
RIC 1 (R). BMC 1. RSC 334a. BNC -. Hendin 1582.
Acquired from Hail Cesare, August 2004.

Titus minted quite a flurry of denarii after Vespasian's death in June 79 AD. They advertise many of the same themes and types previously issued for Titus as Caesar under Vespasian, such as this carry-over 'Capta' type struck within the first week of Titus' reign. It may either be a Judaea or Britannia capta commemorative. Mattingly in the BMCRE (p. xli) interprets these types of Titus as Augustus as referring to Britannia and Agricola's campaigns in Northern England and Scotland. Jane M. Cody in the book 'Flavian Rome' (pg. 111) agrees with Mattingly, citing the differences in shield and trophy designs with the standard Judaea Capta types. Confusingly, Mattingly states that this type issued for Titus as Caesar under Vespasian refers to Judaea while Cody believes both issues were minted for victories in Britain because of identical composition and detail. I believe it to be a Judaea Capta commemorative. Titus's bronze coinage overtly advertises the Judean victory with no hint of a British one. It would be odd indeed if the propaganda messages on the precious metal coinage diverged so significantly from the bronze! Additionally, this type was solely struck for Titus Caesar under Vespasian - if it is a British victory commemorative, why was it not struck for Vespasian the ruling emperor?

Definitely one of my favourite coins in the collection. The condition alone is enough to take your breath away.10 commentsDavid Atherton01/20/13 at 16:44Nemonater: Amazing. I would love to see it in hand!

RIC 040 TitusAR Denarius, 3.40
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; Ceres std. l., with corn ears and poppy and torch
RIC 40 (C). BMC 23. RSC 287. BNC 19.
Acquired from Helios, November 2012.

The common seated Ceres reverse from the third issue of 79. Coins from this issue are somewhat rarer than those from the previous two.

A solid example of the type, struck in good metal and decent style.5 commentsDavid Atherton11/15/12 at 22:25ancientdave: Great looking Titus!

RIC 006 TitusAR Denarius, 2.80g
Rome mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P VIIII IMP XIIII COS VII; Ceres std. l., with corn ears and poppy and torch
RIC 6 (R2). BMC p. 432. RSC 270a. BNC 1.
Acquired from Marc Walter, eBay, 25 August 2012.

Minted in 79 AD after 1 July, this is an early denarius, indicated by the absence of P P (Pater Patriae) in the reverse legend. The Ceres reverse is a carry-over type struck by Vespasian in 79 before his death and adopted by Titus after he donned the purple. A variety that is quite rare and hard to come by in trade. A reverse die match with the RIC plate coin.7 commentsDavid Atherton11/14/12 at 07:06quadrans: Hmmm.. good pick up Very Happy

RIC 116 TitusAR Denarius, 3.18g
Rome mint, 80 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P; Elephant, stg. l.
RIC 116 (C). BMC 47. RSC 304. BNC 41.
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection.

A reverse type that commemorates the opening games of the Flavian Amphitheatre. Elephants were featured in those first games and Martial in his book On the Spectacles actually mentions an elephant, who after dispatching a bull in the arena, knelt before the emperor! Perhaps a neat trick the trainer had taught the beast. This is the rarer left facing portrait variety of the type.

A really nice portrait with a fantastic elephant on the reverse.10 commentsDavid Atherton09/24/12 at 23:20Lloyd T: Exceptional example.

RIC 006 TitusAR Denarius, 2.80g
Rome mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P VIIII IMP XIIII COS VII; Ceres std. l., with corn ears and poppy and torch
RIC 6 (R2). BMC p. 432. RSC 270a. BNC 1.
Acquired from Marc Walter, eBay, 25 August 2012.

Minted in 79 AD after 1 July, this is an early denarius, indicated by the absence of P P (Pater Patriae) in the reverse legend. The Ceres reverse is a carry-over type struck by Vespasian in 79 before his death and adopted by Titus after he donned the purple. A variety that is quite rare and hard to come by in trade. A reverse die match with the RIC plate coin.7 commentsDavid Atherton09/24/12 at 20:21SPQR Coins: A rarity indeed, congrats!

RIC 041 TitusAR Denarius, 3.24g
Rome mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: TR P VIIII IMP XV COS VII P P; Ceres std. l., with corn ears and poppy and torch
RIC 41 (R2). BMC p. 227 note. RSC 287a. BNC -.
Acquired from CGB, August 2012.

This is a rare portrait left of this IMP XV Ceres reverse type. It is foot noted in BMCRE and only one specimen is cited in RIC from Belgrade (not pictured in plates).

All the coins from this series are a bit rarer than other series minted by Titus, and those with left facing portraits are even scarcer! A good coin in decent metal and style.5 commentsDavid Atherton09/05/12 at 06:20Randygeki(h2): Great portrait!

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