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RIC 054 TitusAR Denarius, 3.03g
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; Venus stg. r., leaning on column, with helmet and spear
RIC 54 (R2). BMC 25. RSC 286. BNC -.
Ex eBay, November 2011.

Another very rare Titus as Augustus denarius. What makes this rare is the obverse portrait left married to this reverse type with IMP XV. Neither I or fellow Flavian specialist Harry Sneh have seen another in trade. This coin is an obverse and reverse die match for the RIC plate coin.

A bit on the rough side, but better than the picture shows.5 commentsDavid Atherton08/25/12 at 03:24SPQR Coins: Outstanding, a great coin!

RIC 132 TitusAR Denarius, 2.92g
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; Tripod with fillets; above, ravens, l. and r., and dolphin over wreath
RIC 132 (R2). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection.

This type is extremely rare with left facing portrait. In all the years I've collected Flavian denarii this is the only one I've ever been offered or seen for sale. RIC cites only an ebay specimen, where are the others? The rarity is woefully underrated in RIC.

Despite the scratches and worn condition this is a wonderful coin, IMHO. 7 commentsDavid Atherton08/23/12 at 05:14Potator II: Every collection needs some cornerstones. This is ...

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 Atherton08/16/12 at 16:16SPQR Coins: Fascinating coin and history. Congrats on a wonde...

RIC 132 TitusAR Denarius, 2.92g
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; Tripod with fillets; above, ravens, l. and r., and dolphin over wreath
RIC 132 (R2). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection.

This type is extremely rare with left facing portrait. In all the years I've collected Flavian denarii this is the only one I've ever been offered or seen for sale. RIC cites only an ebay specimen, where are the others? The rarity is woefully underrated in RIC.

Despite the scratches and worn condition this is a wonderful coin, IMHO. 7 commentsDavid Atherton08/15/12 at 03:39kc: the great rarity makes this piece fascinating!

RIC 132 TitusAR Denarius, 2.92g
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; Tripod with fillets; above, ravens, l. and r., and dolphin over wreath
RIC 132 (R2). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection.

This type is extremely rare with left facing portrait. In all the years I've collected Flavian denarii this is the only one I've ever been offered or seen for sale. RIC cites only an ebay specimen, where are the others? The rarity is woefully underrated in RIC.

Despite the scratches and worn condition this is a wonderful coin, IMHO. 7 commentsDavid Atherton08/13/12 at 19:16Lloyd T: Never seen one before - great catch!

RIC 132 TitusAR Denarius, 2.92g
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; Tripod with fillets; above, ravens, l. and r., and dolphin over wreath
RIC 132 (R2). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection.

This type is extremely rare with left facing portrait. In all the years I've collected Flavian denarii this is the only one I've ever been offered or seen for sale. RIC cites only an ebay specimen, where are the others? The rarity is woefully underrated in RIC.

Despite the scratches and worn condition this is a wonderful coin, IMHO. 7 commentsDavid Atherton08/13/12 at 11:40Lucas H: Outstanding! You have a knack for finding the rar...

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 Atherton08/02/12 at 04:07FlaviusDomitianus: Very interesting type!

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 Atherton07/31/12 at 23:56Steve E: Great find! I agree with Lloyd Exclamation

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 Atherton07/31/12 at 20:16Lloyd T: A very interesting coin accompanied by a great wri...

RIC 362 Divus Vespasian [Titus]AR Denarius, 3.08g
Rome mint, 79-80 AD
Obv: DIVVS VESPASIANVS AVGVSTVS; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: EX SC in exergue; Tensa r., surmounted by two Victories
RIC 362 (R2). BMC 117. RSC 147a. BNC 91. Hendin 1585a.
Ex eBay, May 2012.

I've been wanting to add this very rare Divus Vespasian denarius type to my collection for quite sometime. Minted under Titus in either 79 or 80 AD, the reverse shows a tensa facing right. The much more common variant of the type is the tensa facing left. The unique obverse legend, DIVVS VESPASIANVS AVGVSTVS, also differs from the other Divus Vespasian denarii, showing up only on this tensa facing right type. I've only seen two other examples of this type in trade, all (including my example and the RIC plate coin) from the same die pair, indicating just how rare this type is.

The gunmetal toning is really quite nice in hand.

4 commentsDavid Atherton06/06/12 at 17:09Kained but Able: Another rarity and a charming one at that. Love th...

RIC 362 Divus Vespasian [Titus]AR Denarius, 3.08g
Rome mint, 79-80 AD
Obv: DIVVS VESPASIANVS AVGVSTVS; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: EX SC in exergue; Tensa r., surmounted by two Victories
RIC 362 (R2). BMC 117. RSC 147a. BNC 91. Hendin 1585a.
Ex eBay, May 2012.

I've been wanting to add this very rare Divus Vespasian denarius type to my collection for quite sometime. Minted under Titus in either 79 or 80 AD, the reverse shows a tensa facing right. The much more common variant of the type is the tensa facing left. The unique obverse legend, DIVVS VESPASIANVS AVGVSTVS, also differs from the other Divus Vespasian denarii, showing up only on this tensa facing right type. I've only seen two other examples of this type in trade, all (including my example and the RIC plate coin) from the same die pair, indicating just how rare this type is.

The gunmetal toning is really quite nice in hand.

4 commentsDavid Atherton06/05/12 at 18:56labienus: A very rare one indeed. Great find and well done.

RIC 037 TitusAR Denarius, 3.33g
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
RIC 37 (R). BMC 35. RSC 294. BNC 32.
Ex eBay, March 2012.

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 centred in good metal with a typical 'bull necked' portrait of Titus. Both an obverse and reverse die match to the RIC plate coin.

*Dr. Richard Abdy of the British Museum has examined the coin in question and concluded the reading is actually IMP XIIII.5 commentsDavid Atherton03/22/12 at 16:43Randygeki(h2): sweet addition

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 Atherton02/04/12 at 14:37Randygeki(h2): not much I can say but wow!

RIC 054 TitusAR Denarius, 3.03g
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; Venus stg. r., leaning on column, with helmet and spear
RIC 54 (R2). BMC 25. RSC 286. BNC -.
Ex eBay, November 2011.

Another very rare Titus as Augustus denarius. What makes this rare is the obverse portrait left married to this reverse type with IMP XV. Neither I or fellow Flavian specialist Harry Sneh have seen another in trade. This coin is an obverse and reverse die match for the RIC plate coin.

A bit on the rough side, but better than the picture shows.5 commentsDavid Atherton12/06/11 at 22:16Steve E: I also appreciate rarities, in any condition Cool

RIC 054 TitusAR Denarius, 3.03g
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; Venus stg. r., leaning on column, with helmet and spear
RIC 54 (R2). BMC 25. RSC 286. BNC -.
Ex eBay, November 2011.

Another very rare Titus as Augustus denarius. What makes this rare is the obverse portrait left married to this reverse type with IMP XV. Neither I or fellow Flavian specialist Harry Sneh have seen another in trade. This coin is an obverse and reverse die match for the RIC plate coin.

A bit on the rough side, but better than the picture shows.5 commentsDavid Atherton11/28/11 at 17:33FlaviusDomitianus: Great catch, congrats!

RIC 124c Titus (1)AR Denarius, 3.60g
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; Seat, draped; above, triangular frame with nine palmettes
RIC 124c (C2). BMC 62. RSC 313a. BNC 50.
Acquired from Old Roman Coins, December 2003.

A reverse, which according to the BMCRE, may commemorate the pulvinar of Apollo and Diana (and possibly Ceres) for the opening of the Colosseum in 80 AD. This issue was interrupted by the fire in Rome later in the same year and was continued again by Domitian upon the mints reopening in 81.

A denarius that looks quite spectacular in hand, despite the brightness.3 commentsDavid Atherton11/22/11 at 09:52David Atherton: No, the coin is not fake, the picture is horrible....

RIC 038 TitusAR Denarius, 3.18g
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; Capricorn l., below, globe
RIC 38 (R2). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Numismeo, September 2011.

A very rare left facing example of this type from one of Titus' rarer issues minted in the fall of 79 AD. According to BMCRE II and Cohen, London and Paris do not have the type.

Deeply toned with a thick patina and nice portrait.1 commentsDavid Atherton10/03/11 at 19:56Randygeki(h2): Congrats, very nice addition!

RIC 096 Domitian as Caesar [Titus]AR Denarius, 3.39g
Rome mint, 80 AD
Obv: CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS COS VII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS; Hands clasped over aquila on prow
RIC 96 (C). BMC 85. RSC 395. BNC 71.
Acquired from Imperial Coins, August 2011.

Struck in 80 AD under Titus, the reverse shows clasped hands over an aquila set on a prow, apparently representing 'Concordia Militum' - 'Harmony of the troops' (BMC II, xlii-xliii). An odd choice to be sure for anyone other than the emperor to issue. According to Suetonius - 'After the death of his father, he (Domitian) hesitated for a long time whether he should offer the soldiery a double bounty and he never had any hesitation in stating that he had been left as a partner in the imperial position but that fraud had been applied to the will.' (Suet., Dom., 2)

There is a COS VI of this reverse type assigned under Vespasian in both RIC and BMCRE but certainly post dates Vespasian's death.
1 commentsDavid Atherton08/10/11 at 04:46Randygeki(h2): excellent !

RIC 028 TitusAR Denarius, 3.44g
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; Statue of radiate male figure with spear and parazonium on rostral column
RIC 28 (C). BMC 13. RSC 272. BNC 11.
Acquired from Herakles Numismatics, May 2011.

The reverse is a carry-over type from Vespasian's last issue before his death. It copies a similar design 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.

A decent, well centred example of this common type.1 commentsDavid Atherton05/24/11 at 00:26Jay GT4: May be a common type but difficult to find nice. ...

RIC 359b Divus Vespasian [Titus]AR Denarius, 3.30g
Rome Mint, 79-80 AD
Obv: DIVVS AVGVSTVS VESPASIANVS; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: Column mounted by shield and topped by urn, flanked by two laurels; in field, E-X, on shield, S C
RIC 359b (C). BMC 124. RSC 149. BNC 99.
Acquired from Beast Coins, May 2006.

There are four commemorative reverse types that were issued by Titus in honor of his father Vespasian after his death; victory and trophy ( a continuation of a reverse Vespasian issued before his death in 79 A.D.), two capricorns supporting a shield, and an ornamental quadriga.
This denarius is my favorite of the four, two laurels flanking a column and shield with an urn placed on top. The urn presumably contains the ashes of the deified Vespasian. The laurels evoke those planted outside Augustus' door. The shield with the inscribed S C show the divus honours voted to Vespasian by the senate.
Apparently Vespasian thought the idea of being deified was amusing, as his death approached he uttered the famous line "Woe's me. Me thinks I'm turning into a god."
A comet appeared in the heavens near the time of his death.

This is a rare variant with the E and X flanking the urn instead of the column.
5 commentsDavid Atherton04/07/11 at 18:16Lucas H: Very nice. Rare to have the EX flanking the urn a...

RIC 003 TitusAR Denarius, 3.16g
Rome mint, 24 June - July 1, 79 AD
Obv: IMP T CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: CERES AVGVST; Ceres stg. l., with corn ears and poppy and sceptre
RIC 3 (R). BMC 105. RSC 31a. BNC -.
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection.

This denarius of Titus was struck in the first week or so of his reign in June of 79 AD. The reverse type of Ceres standing is a carry-over from Titus as Caesar under Vespasian. Many of Titus's first reverse types were a continuation of those produced for him as Caesar under Vespasian, probably because the mint needed time to adjusted for a new series. The Ceres reverse is not rare under Vespasian, but is extremely so under Titus as Augustus. RIC gives a rarity rating of 'rare', which to me seems a bit off. I've only seen three of these in trade in 7 years. Perhaps the representation of the type in major collections is overdone?

At any rate, this specimen is a fine example of an early Titus denarius.
2 commentsDavid Atherton03/14/11 at 21:10Jay GT4: You got one!

RIC 043 TitusAR Denarius, 3.26g
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; Quadriga l., with corn ears
RIC 43 (R). BMC 34. RSC 293. BNC 30.
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection.

The reverse type of a quadriga with corn ears is itself not rare, the type was minted for Titus both as Caesar and Augustus, but it is rare with IMP XV. The denarii of this series seems to have been minted in much smaller quantities than the previous issues with IMP XIIII. I was only able to acquire this one from a private collector. Sharp and with a good portrait.
5 commentsDavid Atherton03/02/11 at 04:29Antonivs Protti: Amazing Titus! Wink

RIC 043 TitusAR Denarius, 3.26g
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; Quadriga l., with corn ears
RIC 43 (R). BMC 34. RSC 293. BNC 30.
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection.

The reverse type of a quadriga with corn ears is itself not rare, the type was minted for Titus both as Caesar and Augustus, but it is rare with IMP XV. The denarii of this series seems to have been minted in much smaller quantities than the previous issues with IMP XIIII. I was only able to acquire this one from a private collector. Sharp and with a good portrait.
5 commentsDavid Atherton02/28/11 at 20:26Randygeki(h2): another to my want list Smile

RIC 043 TitusAR Denarius, 3.26g
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; Quadriga l., with corn ears
RIC 43 (R). BMC 34. RSC 293. BNC 30.
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection.

The reverse type of a quadriga with corn ears is itself not rare, the type was minted for Titus both as Caesar and Augustus, but it is rare with IMP XV. The denarii of this series seems to have been minted in much smaller quantities than the previous issues with IMP XIIII. I was only able to acquire this one from a private collector. Sharp and with a good portrait.
5 commentsDavid Atherton02/28/11 at 19:49Lucas H: I have Titus envy. Love this type of the Judaea C...

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 Atherton02/12/11 at 11:37Antonivs Protti: Wonderful coin! I wonder if this extint species of...

RIC 012 TitusAR Denarius, 3.41g
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; Trophy; below, captive kneeling r.
RIC 12 (R). BMC 5. RSC 274a. BNC 4.
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection.

Struck in 79 AD as Augustus, this captive and trophy type is a carry-over from Titus's last issue as Caesar under Vespasian. Most likely it is a Judaea Capta commemorative, a bold reminder of his part in defeating the Jews nine years before.

The portrait is one of the more skillfully rendered ones from the series and almost excuses the off-center strike.
3 commentsDavid Atherton04/02/10 at 19:06Tibsi: Great portrait!

RIC 053 TitusAR Denarius, 3.17g
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; Venus stg. r. leaning on column, with helmet and spear
RIC 53 (R). BMC 25. RSC 286. BNC 20.
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection.

Venus is an ironic choice for a reverse for Titus in light of his tragic romance with the Jewish Queen Berenice, who he had to banish because of her unpopularity with the Roman people. The BMCRE instead speculates the reverse echoes the classic reverses issued by Julius Caesar and Augustus, thus aligning Titus to an imperial tradition.

The coin itself is in excellent condition and features a classic portrait. Even the Venus is rendered wonderfully well.

2 commentsDavid Atherton03/30/10 at 17:48Tibsi: Amazing!

RIC 008 TitusAR Denarius, 3.46g
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; Quadriga l., with corn ears
RIC 8 (R). BMC p. 224 note. RSC 276. BNC 5.
Ex Harlan J. Berk BBS 168, 16 March 2010, lot 243.

This denarius of Titus as Augustus was struck very early in his reign. Part of a rare issue, the reverse legend lacks the normal P P (Pater Patriae or 'Father of his country') found on later issues. The quadriga reverse is a carry-over type from Titus Caesar's last issue minted under Vespasian.

I really like this portrait, a classic example of what his mint workers were capable of.

5 commentsDavid Atherton03/29/10 at 16:50Marsman: Lovely horses and a great portrait!

RIC 008 TitusAR Denarius, 3.46g
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; Quadriga l., with corn ears
RIC 8 (R). BMC p. 224 note. RSC 276. BNC 5.
Ex Harlan J. Berk BBS 168, 16 March 2010, lot 243.

This denarius of Titus as Augustus was struck very early in his reign. Part of a rare issue, the reverse legend lacks the normal P P (Pater Patriae or 'Father of his country') found on later issues. The quadriga reverse is a carry-over type from Titus Caesar's last issue minted under Vespasian.

I really like this portrait, a classic example of what his mint workers were capable of.

5 commentsDavid Atherton02/16/10 at 00:54Jay GT4: Love the full name and the raised legs of the Quad...

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 Atherton01/28/10 at 18:24Bud Stewart: Nice specimen David. Coins like this are the reas...

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 Atherton01/05/10 at 18:09Tibsi: Amazing portrait!

RIC 123 TitusAR Denarius, 3.35g
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; Seat, draped; above, semicircular frame with three crescents
RIC 123 (C). BMC 60. RSC 311. BNC 51.
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection.

This type is a bit harder to find with the left facing portrait, but is by no means scarce.

I love this portrait. Some may see it as nondescript, perhaps even boring, but to me this is a perfect example of what I like about Titus' portraits from Rome. The strong Roman nose, the curls in the hair, even the expression on Titus' face all add up to a truly great portrait. There are several other examples in my galleries of this type of work, this coin is one of the better ones.1 commentsDavid Atherton01/02/10 at 22:49Noah: amazingly realistic portrait...and second to none ...

RIC 115 TitusAR Denarius, 3.40g
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; Elephant, stg. l.
RIC 115 (C2). BMC 43. RSC 303. BNC 37.
Acquired from Old Roman Coins, May 2003.

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.

The coin looks much better in hand than the picture shows. Some very nice toning is starting to develop on both the obv. and rev.5 commentsDavid Atherton01/02/10 at 22:48Noah: WOW Shocked

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 Atherton10/14/09 at 02:14David Atherton: Yes, it might possibly be the North African forest...

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 Atherton10/13/09 at 20:25randy h2: Thats a cool coin, was it the species of elephant...

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 Atherton10/13/09 at 10:27David Atherton: The checkered pattern is supposed to represent bod...

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 Atherton10/13/09 at 04:59kc: nice coin! i wonder why elephant's body is che...

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 Atherton10/13/09 at 01:26Titus Pullo: As always an impressive coin! I love the elephant

RIC 108 Titus (1)AR Denarius, 3.13g
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; Curule chair; above, wreath
RIC 108 (C2). BMC 66. RSC 318. BNC 53.
Ex Paganecoins, eBay, June 2005.

A pulvinar type issued in celebration of the Colosseum's dedication. Possibly represents the pulvinar of Divus Vespasian, honouring his labours in building the structure.

A coin which has nice detail on the reverse, especially in the wreath.2 commentsDavid Atherton08/15/09 at 16:53Noah: really attractive coin

RIC 046 TitusAR Denarius, 2.96g
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; 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 46 (C). BMC 29. RSC 289. BNC 23.
Ex eBay, May 2007.

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.
2 commentsDavid Atherton08/15/09 at 16:52Noah: awesome reverse

RIC 020 TitusAR Denarius, 3.27g
Rome Mint, 79 AD, after July 1st
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: TR P VIIII IMP XIIII COS VII P P; Capricorn l.; below, globe
RIC 20 (R2). BMC p. 227 note. RSC 282. BNC 17.
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection.

Much rarer than the right facing portrait.

The reverse is a copy of a well known Augustan type. Although considered by Suetonius as 'the darling of the world', Titus is scowling in this portrait.

3 commentsDavid Atherton08/15/09 at 16:52Noah: lovely

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 Atherton07/15/09 at 23:32SULLAIMP: One of the most interesting denarii I've ever ...

RIC 103 TitusAR Denarius, 2.89g
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; Captives, two, back to back, seated either side of trophy (woman on l., man on r.)
RIC 103(R2). BMC p. 230 note. RSC 307. BNC -. Hendin 1584a
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection.

A coin issued to either commemorate Titus' Judean victory in 70 or a contemporary Agricolan victory in northern Britain, possibly in connection with Titus' 15th imperial acclamation upon reaching the Tay river. 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 if the propaganda messages on the precious metal coinage diverged so significantly from the bronze! This is a rare left facing portrait variety of the type, rarely encountered in trade.

Interestingly enough, this coin is an English metal detectorist find.

2 commentsDavid Atherton06/23/09 at 17:57Marsman: Please say no the next time and let me buy it ;-...

RIC 103 TitusAR Denarius, 2.89g
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; Captives, two, back to back, seated either side of trophy (woman on l., man on r.)
RIC 103(R2). BMC p. 230 note. RSC 307. BNC -. Hendin 1584a
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection.

A coin issued to either commemorate Titus' Judean victory in 70 or a contemporary Agricolan victory in northern Britain, possibly in connection with Titus' 15th imperial acclamation upon reaching the Tay river. 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 if the propaganda messages on the precious metal coinage diverged so significantly from the bronze! This is a rare left facing portrait variety of the type, rarely encountered in trade.

Interestingly enough, this coin is an English metal detectorist find.

2 commentsDavid Atherton06/23/09 at 12:01Titus Pullo: Always a pleasure to see your Flavians!

RIC 102 TitusAR Denarius, 3.46g
Rome mint, 80 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG PM; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P; Two captives seated l. and r., back to back: between them, trophy composed of cuirass, helmet, and oblong shields : the captive on l. is a woman, draped, hooded, and rests head on r. hand; the captive on r. is a man, naked, and has his hands bound behind his back
RIC 102 (C). BMC 37. RSC 306. BNC 34. Hendin 1584.
Ex Harlan J. Berk BBS 143, 18 May 2005, lot 176.

A coin issued either to commemorate Titus' Judean victory in 70 or a contemporary Agricolan victory in northern Britain, possibly in connection with Titus' 15th imperial acclamation upon reaching the Tay river. 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 if the propaganda messages on the precious metal coinage diverged so significantly from the bronze!

Another scarcer reverse type that can be quite expensive.2 commentsDavid Atherton04/18/09 at 19:05neander: Probably, this is a prototype for a few Septimius ...

RIC 050 TitusAR Denarius, 3.29g
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; Trophy; below, captive kneeling r.
RIC 50 (R2). BMC 32. RSC 297. BNC -. Hendin 1583c.
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection.

Titus minted quite a flurry of coins after his father Vespasian's death in June of 79 AD. Many are quite common and are a continuation of themes and types issued for Titus as Caesar under Vespasian. The left facing portraits on the denarii are much scarcer than right facing. Normally the left facing types were issued at ratio of 1:10 against right facing, this one seems to have been minted on an even smaller scale. This 'Capta' type 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?

This is an extremely rare left facing portrait variety of the type. Curtis Clay provided the following information concerning the rarity: "Not in Cohen with portrait left, nor acquired by Paris in the meantime; their two specimens, nos. 28-9, both have portrait right. Reka Devnia hoard: 3 spec. with bust right, none with bust left. BM 32 has a specimen with head left, acquired in the remarkably rich Hamburger Collection of Jewish coins in 1908. BM 32 is the only specimen listed, and also illustrated, by RIC 50. It is from different dies than David's specimen, and is less well preserved. Carradice and Buttrey must have known at least one other specimen of this denarius to justify rating it R2 rather than R3. I think it would have been helpful if, for every R2 coin, they had listed every specimen known to them!"

A decent example of the type with good toning and fine style.
2 commentsDavid Atherton04/16/09 at 21:12mars1112: Where do you find your coins! Very rare indeed. Ni...

RIC 050 TitusAR Denarius, 3.29g
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; Trophy; below, captive kneeling r.
RIC 50 (R2). BMC 32. RSC 297. BNC -. Hendin 1583c.
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection.

Titus minted quite a flurry of coins after his father Vespasian's death in June of 79 AD. Many are quite common and are a continuation of themes and types issued for Titus as Caesar under Vespasian. The left facing portraits on the denarii are much scarcer than right facing. Normally the left facing types were issued at ratio of 1:10 against right facing, this one seems to have been minted on an even smaller scale. This 'Capta' type 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?

This is an extremely rare left facing portrait variety of the type. Curtis Clay provided the following information concerning the rarity: "Not in Cohen with portrait left, nor acquired by Paris in the meantime; their two specimens, nos. 28-9, both have portrait right. Reka Devnia hoard: 3 spec. with bust right, none with bust left. BM 32 has a specimen with head left, acquired in the remarkably rich Hamburger Collection of Jewish coins in 1908. BM 32 is the only specimen listed, and also illustrated, by RIC 50. It is from different dies than David's specimen, and is less well preserved. Carradice and Buttrey must have known at least one other specimen of this denarius to justify rating it R2 rather than R3. I think it would have been helpful if, for every R2 coin, they had listed every specimen known to them!"

A decent example of the type with good toning and fine style.
2 commentsDavid Atherton04/16/09 at 00:57Titus Pullo: Now you've got me looking for left facing Titu...

RIC 019 TitusAR Denarius, 3.40g
Rome mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG PM; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P VIIII IMP XIIII COS VII P P; Capricorn l. : below, globe
RIC 19 (C). BMC 22. RSC 280. BNC 16.
Acquired from Old Roman Coins, March 2004.

A reverse that copies a similar type struck by Augustus and later as a restoration type by Vespasian in his last issue before his death in June 79. The BMCRE conjectures that the Capricorn may have been Titus' natal sign, but it seems more likely this can be viewed as a restoration type.

A very beautiful coin in hand that suffers only from some flatness on the portrait, evidenced around the ear.2 commentsDavid Atherton06/05/08 at 01:23Tiathena: What a treasure! Smile

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 Atherton06/05/08 at 00:12Noah: Stupendous example

RIC 131 TitusAR Denarius, 3.40g
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; Tripod with fillets; above, ravens, l. and r., and dolphin over wreath
RIC 131 (R). BMC 82. RSC 323a. BNC 66.
Acquired from Beast Coins, April 2007.

This denarius was part of a series struck for the lectisternium (religious ceremony) celebrating the opening of the Colosseum in 80 AD.

Each god had its own sacred couch, in latin they are known as 'pulvinaria', brought out in pairs, probably in the Forum. The coins in question commemorates the sacred couches which were set out with 'exuviae' (emblems) representing the gods. This example is most likely the 'pulvinar' of Apollo.

There are two different types of the Tripod reverse: The common one with just a dolphin above the Tripod, another with a wreath and ravens added. The Reka Devina hoard records 24 specimens of the more common type and only 3 of the raven/wreath variant. Cohen and the RIC do not have seperate listings for the scarce variant, the BMCRE and RSC do record it however.

Needless to say it took a bit longer for me to acquire this less common specimen, but it was worth the wait. Wonderfully centered with gunmetal toning.4 commentsDavid Atherton02/13/08 at 18:10ROMA: Nice example, and a pleasing photo!

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