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RIC 0025 Titus DenariusIMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG PM
Laureate head right
TR P VIIII IMP XIIII COS VII P P
Quadriga left, with corn ears
Rome; after July 1 79 CE
3.30 g
RIC 25 (C)
Ex-Tom Vossen
Improperly attributed as RIC 1073 under Vespasian, this is a denarius from Titus 2nd issue as Augustus. Wonderful toning in hand. Jay GT404/06/24 at 02:21orfew: Wow. Great coin!
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RIC II 1² Domitian 0330Obv.: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P IIII
Rev.: IMP VIIII COS XI CENS POTES P P
Domitian 81-96, Aureus 85, Rom, 21mm 7,70g, +ss, (R2), RIC II 1² this coin cited
Calicó 864 this coin, Ex. Naville II 1922 L539, INV:R263
Ex. Aureo & Calicó A418 Lot 498, 18.10.23Dirk J12/15/23 at 22:10orfew: Incredible coin!!
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RIC 0102 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 23.43g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG P M T P P P COS III; Bust of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: RO-MA across field; S C in field; Roma stg. r., with Victory and spear
RIC 102 (R2). BMC -. BNC -.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 6. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex Heidelberger Münzhandlung Herbert Grün e.K Auction 32, 5 May 2001, lot 552.
An early Vespasian sestertius from 71 featuring a fine style idealised portrait paired with a reverse die recycled from Galba's reign. All of the coins from this first sestertius issue of 71 are rare with most being monumental in design. Missing from both the BM and Paris collections. RIC cites one specimen from Oxford.David Atherton11/06/23 at 20:14orfew: Wow. An Amazing coin! Congrats
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RIC 1029 Titus DupondiusT CAESAR VESPASIANVS TR P COS VI
Laureate head left
PRINCIP IVVENT SC across lower field
Domitian Caesar on horse prancing left, raising right hand and holding scepter in left.
Rome; 77-78 CE
10.66g
RIC 1029 (R3)
HJB 225th Bid or Buy lot 63 from the Curtis L. Clay Collection; ex CNG E329, 25 June 2014, 409.
The reverse depicts Domitian participating in the Judaea Capta triumph of 71 A.D. He is, as Josephus described him, riding alongside in magnificent apparel and mounted on a horse that was itself a site worth seeing.
RIC notes that this is "presumably a mule, with the reverse of Domitian from the parallel issue." David Atherton believes the reverse die is intentional for both Titus and Domitian, making this an official pairing of dies for Titus. Regardless, the type is very rare. None in Forum galleries.Jay GT411/02/23 at 18:00orfew: Great coin Jay! I love the reverse
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RIC 1557 Vespasian denariusIMP CAES VESP AVG PM COS IIII
Laureate head right
VICTORIA AVGVSTI
Victory standing right, crowning standard and holding palm
Antioch, 72-73 CE
3.43g
RIC 1557 (R2); RPC 1929
Ex-Harlen J. Berk Buy or Bid 224 lot 137 from the Curtis Clay Collection with his tag, Ex-Dionysos Feb 2012,
While this type is common for the mint in Rome it is very rare for Antioch, only 2 in Forum galleries (Atherton, Lucas). Nice centering line still visible Jay GT408/17/23 at 18:06orfew: Wow! What a wonderful rarity! The portrait is very...
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RIC II 1² Domitian 0658 expl1Obv.: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG GERM P M TR P VIII
Rev.: IMP XVII COS XIIII CENS P P P
Domitian 81-96, Denar 88-89, Rom, 19mm 3,09g, -ss, (R2), INV:R025Dirk J08/11/23 at 08:33orfew: Very nice! Love the toning
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RIC II 1² Vespasian 1542Obv.: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG
Rev.: VIRTVS AVGVST
Vespasian 69-79, Denar 70, Antiochia, 18mm 3,48g, +ss, (R2), INV:R064Dirk J07/30/23 at 04:05orfew: Superb portrait!
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RIC II 1² Vespasian 0939Obv.: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG
Rev.: COS VIII
Vespasian 69-79, Denar 77-78, Rom, 18mm 3,09g, s-ss, (R), INV:R011Dirk J07/30/23 at 04:04orfew: A very nice example of the more unusual wheat stal...
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RIC II 1² Vespasian 0848Obv.: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG
Rev.: COS VII
Vespasian 69-79, Denar 76, Rom, 19mm 3,47g, -ss, (C), INV:R007Dirk J07/30/23 at 04:01orfew: A beautifully rendered reverse
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RIC II 1² Vespasian 0777Obv.: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG
Rev.: PON MAX TR P COS VI
Vespasian 69-79, Denar 75, Rom, 19mm 3,04g, ss, (C2), INV:R103Dirk J07/30/23 at 04:00orfew: Exceptional portrait!
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RIC II 1² Vespasian 0773Obv.: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG
Rev.: PON MAX TR P COS VI
Vespasian 69-79, Denar 75, Rom, 17mm 3,31g, ss, (R3), INV:R183Dirk J07/30/23 at 04:00orfew: A really nice example of a very rare coin
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RIC II 1² Vespasian 0019Obv.: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG
Rev.: COS ITER FORT RED
Vespasian 69-79, Denar 70, Rom, 18mm 3,47g, vz-, (C), INV:R126Dirk J07/30/23 at 03:59orfew: Gorgeous example!
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RIC 0985(V) Titus denariusT CAESAR VESPASIANVS
Laureate head right
IMP XIII
Goatherd, seated left, milking goat left
Rome, July 77-December 79 CE
RIC 985V (R)
3.08g
Ex-Germania Inferior Numismatics
Part of the agrarian series under Vespasian, perhaps promoting a more simpler way of life or the bounty that is provided by the Emperor. This one being minted for Titus. While only listed as Rare in RIC, this type is exceedingly difficult to find in trade, even more so than the one for Vespasian, and is a favorite of collectors. Only 3 others in Forum galleries (orfew, 2 Atherton). Wonderful toning in hand. Jay GT404/14/23 at 04:50orfew: Wonderful! I love this type. You are quite right R...
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RIC 0809 (V) Titus QuinariusT CAESAR IMP VESPASIAN
Laureate head right
VICTORIA AVGVST
Victory seated left with wreath and palm
Rome, 75 CE?
1.47g
RIC 809 (R3) die matched to the Sneh coin
Legends begin from high left.
Ex-ANE
From RIC:
"Assigned to this year because there are no dated quinarii of 75, and the appearance of either AVGVST or AVGVSTI on the reverse suggests transition between the earlier series, up to 74 (with AVGVSTI) and later series, 76 onwards (with AVGVST).Jay GT402/26/22 at 23:21orfew: Very nice catch Jay. I love it.
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RIC 1265 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Dupondius, 11.10g
Lyon mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: T CAES IMP AVG F TR P COS VI CENSOR; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.; globe at point of bust
Rev: SECURITAS AVGVSTI; S C in field; Securitas std. r., head resting on raised arm, with sceptre; to r., altar
RIC 1265 (R). BMC 861. BNC 867.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, October 2021.
Lugdunum (modern Lyon) after a brief hiatus struck a fairly large issue of aes coinage under Vespasian in 77 or 78, likely in response to a coin shortage in the Western provinces. Most of the reverse types copy those produced at Rome, however, unique to the mint is this variant of the seated Securitas type showing Securitas resting her head on her hand in a relaxed pose - no doubt based on a cult image. Mattingly observed in the BMCRE 'The type of Securitas was not without reason popular in Gaul after the terrors of the revolt.' (p. lxi)David Atherton11/12/21 at 05:28orfew: Love the reverse. Great pickup
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RIC 0020 Titus DenariusIMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG PM
Laureate head of Titus right
TR P VIIII IMP XIIII COS VII P P
Capricorn left, globe below
Reverse based on the coinage of Augustus
Rome 79 CE
3.06g
RIC 20 (R2)
Ex-Dara Museum E-Auction 2 lot 979
A very rare left facing Titus with an attractive portrait. Some encrustations remain on reverse.
Jay GT410/23/21 at 04:43orfew: That is a tough one. It took me years to find mine...
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Judaea First Revolt 1/8 Shekel Æ Soldלגאלת ציון (Palaeo-Hebrew inscription: "For the redemption of Zion"), omer cup
שנת ארבע (Paleo-Hebrew inscription: "Year four")
lulav bunch flanked by etrogs.
Jerusalem; 69-70 CE
4.83g
Hendin 1369; Meshorer 214
Ex-Savoca Blue Auction 115 lot 820 from the Tareq Hani collection
SOLD! To the Paterson collectionJay GT410/23/21 at 04:42orfew: An amazing coin. So much history
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RIC 0661 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian] VariantÆ Dupondius, 10.98g
Rome mint, 73-74 AD
Obv: CAESAR AVG F DOMITIAN COS II; Bust of Domitian, laureate, draped, bearded, l.
Rev: PAX AVGVST; S C in field; Pax stg. l., leaning on column, with caduceus and branch
RIC 661 var. (rev. legend). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from eBay, September 2021.
The propaganda value of Pax for the Flavian dynasty after the Civil War, the revolt of Civilis, and the Jewish War cannot be overestimated. In her various guises she is one of the most popular types on Vespasian's coinage and shows up quite frequently during the reign on the coins struck for both himself and his sons. This early dupondius struck for Domitian as Caesar under Vespasian shows Pax leaning on a column, which likely copies a well known cult image of the goddess. Domitian's dupondii in these initial issues can be distinguished from the asses by their metal and draped busts. RIC records a unique specimen of the Pax type with AVGVSTI as RIC 661 but does not list this variant with AVGVST. It is also unlisted in the Addenda and Corrigenda. So, apparently unpublished and unique!David Atherton10/04/21 at 14:24orfew: Wow. That is a great catch. I love the Nero-like p...
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RIC 1071 VespasianAR Quinarius, 1.55g
Rome mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS COS IX; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: VICTORY AVGVSTI; Victory adv. r., with wreath and palm
RIC 1071 (R2). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Numismeo, September 2021. Ex ALDE, 19 October 2016, lot 240.
Vespasianic quinarii are extremely rare, and none more so than those struck in 79. When the new RIC II.1 was published only one specimen was known residing in the Budapest collection. In 2016 the present coin came up for auction and later was cited by the RIC authors in the Addenda & Corrigenda as the second known example. Owing to their extreme rarity, it's likely these quinarii may have been struck just prior to Vespasian's death in June. Vespasian revived the quinarius after a long hiatus going back to the time of Augustus. Striking this denomination was quite in keeping with the antiquarian flavour of the Rome mint during his reign.David Atherton10/02/21 at 06:18orfew: An excellent acquisition.Congrats
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RIC 066 TitusÆ Sestertius, 22.71g
Rome mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESP AVG P M TR P P P COS VII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: VESTA in exergue; S C in field; Vesta std. l., with palladium and sceptre
RIC 66 (R2). BMC -. BNC 146.
Acquired from Marti Numismatics, September 2021.
The coins from Titus' first bronze issue as emperor are so rare that many are known from only one or two examples. This Vesta type struck for the sestertius is no exception. In the new RIC II catalogue the only specimen known to the authors is footnoted with the following caveat: 'Paris 146 has evidence of re-engraving to the date, so the entry requires confirmation.' Since RIC's publication two others have shown up in trade that indeed clearly verify the reading of COS VII, thus confirming the existence of the type for the first bronze issue. The first new specimen turned up in Bertolami 29 in 2017 and the second is the present coin, both are unsurprisingly reverse die matches with the Paris specimen.
Vesta frequently appears on the bronze coinage with her message of religious piety and security. Her main attribute here is the palladium - a wooden cult image of Pallas Athena which oversees the safety and well being of Rome. Ironically, not long after this coin was struck Mount Vesuvius erupted, a fire broke out in Rome, and a plague befell the city. Perhaps Titus' moneyer's should have struck more of the type?David Atherton10/02/21 at 06:17orfew: Very nice portrait on a great coin
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RPC 1955 Vespasian TetradrachmΑΥΤΟΚΡΑ ΟΥΕϹΠΑϹΙΑΝΟϹ ΚΑΙϹΑΡ ϹƐΒΑϹΤΟϹ
Laureate head right
ƐΤΟΥϹ ΝƐΟΥ ΙƐΡΟΥ Γ
Eagle with wreath in beak standing left, on club.; in left field, palm branch
Antioch, Syria
70-71 CE (Group 4, year 3)
14.46g; 30mm
RPC 1955; 12 specimens.
A scarcer type
Ex-Barakat
Minted just after the destruction of Jerusalem.
Fine style Syrian portrait in good silver. Nice toning in hand.
Jay GT409/03/21 at 01:29orfew: Wow Jay, that is a beautiful example!
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RIC 665 DomitianAR Denarius, 3.12g
Rome mint, 88-89 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VIII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IMP XVIII COS XIIII CENS P P P; Minerva stg. l., with thunderbolt and spear; shield at her l. side (M3)
RIC 665 (R2). BMC p. 331, *. RSC 247b. BNC 144.
A very rare denarius from Domitian's third issue of 88-89 recording his 18th imperial acclamation. Domitian was campaigning against the Dacians in 88 and presumably that is the likely explanation for most of the imperial acclamations during the time period. Those denarii with IMP XVIII are some of the rarest and were probably struck for just a few days. A military diploma dated 7 November, 88 records Domitian as IMP XVII, therefore this tiny issue must have been struck soon after that date at the end of 88 and/or very early in 89. RIC speculates mid December 88. All the denarii from this issue are quite scarce.
Struck in good metal in average style.David Atherton08/31/21 at 07:29orfew: Very cool coin.
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1481 Hadrian Denarius Roma 130-38 AD EgyptReference.
RIC II, 297; Strack 294; RIC, 1481
Bust A1
Obv. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P
Laureate head
Rev. AEGYPTOS
Egypt reclining left, holding sistrum and leaning on corn-basket, ibis on left on low column
3.29 gr
18 mm
12hokidoki08/27/21 at 01:18orfew: Wow, that is very nice!
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RPC 2584 DomitianÆ Diobol, 6.38g
Alexandria mint, 90-91 AD
Obv: ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙϹΑΡ ΔΟΜΙΤ ϹƐΒ ΓƐΡΜ; Head of Domitian, laureate, r.
Rev: LΙ; Serpent on back of horse, r.
RPC 2584. Emmett 277.10. Dattari-Savio 6801 (this coin).
Ex Naville 67, 1 August 2021, lot 188.
The Alexandrian mint under Domitian around regnal year 10 or 11 experienced a 'dramatic improvement in style' and the 'adoption of a wide range of new types' (Milne). One of those new types features an Agathodaemon serpent (the 'Good Spirit' of grain fields and vineyards) riding a horse. The 'Good Spirit' was venerated in both Greek and Roman religions, depicted as a serpent on Roman shrines and lararia and honoured as an omen of good luck among the Greeks. The Agathodaemon serpent's most developed form flourished in Roman Egypt where it became an exalted deity, far beyond the status of a mere household god. Emmett says of this unusual type 'The horse represents the changing of the seasons, and the serpent represents rebirth and regeneration of the crops upon which Egyptian life and prosperity depended.' Domitian's regnal year 10 was the first appearance of this incredible reverse - truly one of the more memorable types from the Roman world!David Atherton08/15/21 at 20:22orfew: A fantastic coin. Congrats!
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Judaea First Revolt 1/8 Shekel Æ(לגאלת ציון) (Palaeo-Hebrew inscription: "For the redemption of Zion"), omer cup
(שנת ארבע) (Paleo-Hebrew inscription: "Year four")
lulav bunch flanked by etrogs.
Jerusalem; 69-70 CE
4.95g
Hendin 1369; Meshorer 214
Ex-Holyland (Shick) e-auction 16 lot 173 with export permit, ex-Menashe Landman collectionJay GT408/06/21 at 22:42orfew: Very nice
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RIC 1185 VespasianIMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG PM TR P P P COS IIII
Laureate head right
T IMP AVG F COS II CAESAR DOMITIANVS AVG F COS DESG II SC
Titus and Domitian standing front, each with spear and parazonium
Lugdunum (Lyons); 72 CE
25.00g
RIC 1185 (R2) very rare, only 2 on acsearch.
Ex-Roma e-Sale 87 lot 729 From the Antonio Carmona Collection. Improperly attributed to RIC 1186
Old cleaning scratches not as pronounced in hand. The lighting makes them appear deeper than they are.Jay GT408/06/21 at 22:40orfew: Wow that is a great coin
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RIC 446 DomitianAR Denarius, 3.09g
Rome mint, 86 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VI; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IMP XII COS XII CENS P P P; Minerva stg. r. on capital of rostral column, with spear and shield; to r., owl (M2)
RIC 446 (R2). BMC 96. RSC 204c. BNC -.
Ex Andrew Short Collection, purchased from Kölner, June 2021.
A very rare M2 type from the third issue of 86. This rare dating combination could not have been struck for very long after Domitian became TR P VI in mid September due to the the issue's extreme rarity, probably produced for just a few short weeks at the end of September. Imperial acclamations were awarded to Domitian at a fairly quick pace during 86 because of the Dacian campaign with many issues being struck rather briefly before news arrived of a new imperial salutation. The portrait is of an extremely fine style typical of Domitian's coinage during this time period. Hints of iridescent toning add to the piece's appeal.David Atherton07/27/21 at 01:14orfew: Excellent!
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RIC 0506 Titus quadransIMP T CAES DIVI VES F AVG
Laureate head right
IVLIA AVGVSTA
Julia seateded left with patera and sceptre
Eastern mint (Thrace?) 80-81 CE, after the deification of Vespasian
4.05g
RIC 506 (R2)
Ex-Zeus Web Auction 18 lot 355
Mattingly thought the mint for these coins with Latin legends was Lugdunum, but now it is believed to be in the Eastern Provinces, probably Thrace.
Jay GT407/17/21 at 05:36orfew: Very nice Jay!
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RIC 844 DomitianAR Cistophorus, 10.66g
Rome mint (for Asia), 82 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR DOMITIANVS AVG; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: Aquila between two standards, one surmounted by a banner, the other by a hand
RIC 844 (R). BMC p. 352. RSC 668. RPC 868 (3 spec.). BNC 224.
Ex. Harlan J. Berk BBS 144, 13 July 2005, lot 572.
Rare with undated obverse legend. Struck contemporaneously or subsequently with COS VIII dated cistophori. Style and 6h die axis point to a Rome mint issue.
Good Titus-like portrait in fine early style. David Atherton07/15/21 at 19:43orfew: Lovely example
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RIC 144c DomitianAR Denarius, 3.53g
Rome mint, 82-83 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IVPPITER CONSERVATOR; Eagle stg. front on thunderbolt, wings outspread flat, head l.
RIC 144c (R). BMC 52 var. (eagle's wings hunched). RSC 320 var. (same). BNC 53 var. (same).
Acquired from Kölner, June 2021. Ex Obolos 19, 8 May 2021, lot 835, Ex Brett Telford Collection. Ex CNG E302, 8 May 2013, lot 359.
In 82 AD Domitian banished his a rationibus Tiberius Julius and then proceeded to increase the fineness of both the silver and gold coins to pre-Neronian standards. The portraits also became more refined and stylish. This denarius from the first post reform issue features a reverse which possibly commemorates Domitian's escape from Vitellian forces after hiding in the Temple of Jupiter during the last days of the Civil War of 69 AD. There are three variants of this reverse type with the eagle's wings either: a. upright, b. hunched, or c. flat. This type c. is extremely rare - out of 76 specimens in the asearch.com database only 6 feature 'flat' wings, the remainder are the common 'hunched' variant. Type a. is only known on the aureus.David Atherton07/02/21 at 02:45orfew: Love this rare variant and a great provenance as w...
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RPC 1938 Vespasian TetradrachmAYTOKPAT KAIΣA OYEΣΠAΣIANOY
Laureate Head of Vespasian right
ETOYΣ NEOY IEPOY B
Eagle standing right, on thunderbolt; in right field, palm branch
Antioch, Syria; 69-70 CE
Group 1 year 2
14.34g
RPC 1938 (3 spec.). Prieur 105 (6 spec.). Rare
Nice toning with some encrustations remaining
Group 1 Tetradrachm from Antioch with distinctly "Alexandrian" style. The dies either engraved by the Alexandrian mint and shipped to Syria or the coins were struck in Alexandria for Syrian distribution. An interesting series.Jay GT406/09/21 at 09:55orfew: Very nice!
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RIC 0556 (V) Titus denarius T CAES IMP VESP CENS
Laureate head right
PONTIF TRI POT
Titus seated right on curule chair, with sceptre and branch
Rome, 73 CE
2.69g
RIC 556 (C), (Vespasian)
Ex-Aegean
Jay GT406/04/21 at 23:20orfew: Wow Jay, that is an excellent example!
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RIC 0113 Titus denariusIMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG PM
Laureate head left
TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P
Dolphin coiled around anchor
Rome
January 1-June 20, 80 CE
2.81g
RIC 113 (R)
Ex-NBS Web auction 5 lot 684 (misattributed as Domitian)Jay GT406/02/21 at 16:50orfew: Very nice portrait
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SOLD! Mylasa, CariaCARIA. Mylasa
Forepart of a roaring lion to right, head turned back to left.
Bird standing left; pellets to lower left and upper right; all within incuse square.
Mylasa, Caria Circa 420-390 BC.
AR Tetartemorion
4-5mm; 0.21g
SNG Kayhan 940-43 (Caria uncertain); SNG Keckman I 926-7; SNG Tübingen 3001 (Miletos).
SOLD Torex Feb 2022
Gold toning makes it appear like electrum
Ex- NBS Web Auction 5, lot 145 (incorrectly weighed 0.1g)Jay GT406/02/21 at 01:47orfew: Wow that is a cool electrum piece
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Persian Tarsos, Mazaios Satrap of Cilicia𐡁𐡏𐡋𐡕𐡓𐡆 ('B'LTRS' in Aramaic)
Baal of Tarsos seated left, holding lotus-tipped scepter; grain ear and grape bunch to left.
MZDY (Maziaos)
Lion attacking stag left; O to lower left; all within incuse square.
Tarsos, Cilicia
361-334 BCE
9.95g
AR Stater
Sold as SNG France 2/319 (to be researched)
Ex-Colmar Collection FranceJay GT406/02/21 at 01:46orfew: Excellent!
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04 Attica, Athenian TriobolAthenian Pi-Style Triobol
Obv: head of Athena facing r., crested Attic helmet ornamented with olive leaves and a pi-style palmette, eye in profile.
Rev: owl standing facing; an olive branch coming down from above to the l. and r. with five or more leaves, [A☉Ǝ, with A above and ☉ lower l. and Ǝ lower r.].
Denomination: silver triobol (or hemidrachm); Mint: Athens; Date: c. 353 - 294 BC1; Weight: 2.015g; Diameter: 12.5mm; Die axis: 270º; References, for example: BMC vol. 11, 169; SNG Cop vol. 14, 68; Svoronos Athens pl. 21, 48; Kroll 19d; HGC 4, 1642.
Notes:
1This is the date range given in HGC 4.
Provenance: Ex. Forum Ancient Coins March 26, 2021, from the Errett Bishop collection (assembled from about 1960 - 1982).
Photo Credits: Forum Ancient Coins
CLICK FOR SOURCESTracy Aiello05/30/21 at 10:45orfew: Nice!
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Nerva / Palm IVDAICINerva Æ Sestertius. 27.84g, 33mm, 6h. Rome, AD 96.
O: IMP NERVA CAES AVG P M TR P COS II P P, laureate head to right
R: FISCI IVDAICI CALVMNIA SVBLATA, palm-tree, with two clusters of dates; S-C across fields.
- RIC II 58; BMCRE 88. From the Antonio Carmona Collection.
According to the Roman historian Suetonius: "More than any other, the Fiscus Iudaicus was administered very severely; and to it were brought, or reported, those who either had lived the life of a Jew unprofessed, or concealing their origin, had not paid the tax imposed upon by the people. I remember that it was of interest to me during my youth when a ninety-year-old man was brought before the procurator and a very crowded court to see wheather he was circumcised."
Marius Heemstra challenged the earlier interpretation of the reverse inscription. "The embarrassment (CALVMNIA) of the Jewish Tax (FISCI IVDAICI) is removed," ie., that the Jewish tax, which had been introduced by Vespasian after the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, was repealed by Nerva, in whole or in part. Heemstra also disagrees with the theory that the CALVMNIA, was "the circumcision test" described by Suetonius (Dom. 12.1-2).
Rather, Heemstra maintains that the tax was not repealed, but, rather, that the legend should be translated: "The removal of the wrongful accusation (CALVMNIA) of the Fiscus Judaicus (the imperial tax collection agency)."
What was the CALVMNIA? Meestra explains that before the "removal" of the "wrongful accusation," by Nerva, it is highly plausible that the charge of 'leading a Jewish life without publicly acknowledging that fact' could have been levied against high-ranking Romans who could then have been victims of the Fiscus Judaicus, which would confiscate their wealth.
Conviction could occur either on political grounds, instigated by the emperor himself (Domitian), or because any affiliation with Judaism, however, small could lead to an accusation of "atheism," which to Romans meant not recognizing their pagan gods.
Meestra points out that an important impact of the new law was that it necessitated a clarification in the definition of who was the taxpayer, and, thus who was considered to be a Jew. Instead of "each one of the Jew"s (Josephus), or, "those belonging to the Jewish gens" (Suetonius), the definition changed to "those Jews who continued to observe their ancestral customs" (Dio). In practice, these were the Jews that had been paying the tax in the first place.
By removing the CALVMNIA "the wrongful accusation," Nerva succeeded in transforming the definition of 'Jew' from an ethnic one into a religious one, which both the Romans and Jews adopted.
The coin represents Nerva's order not to abolish the tax itself but of the insulting method of collecting the Jewish tax. - See discussion in: Marius Heemstra, "The interprretation and Wider Context of Nerva's Fiscus Judaicus Sestertius, Judaea and Rome in Coins 65 BCE - 135 CE, London: Spink and Sons, 2010, 187-201.
David Hendin quotes David Vagi for another theory for the Fiscus Judaicus in his Guide to Biblical Coins, Fifth Edition.
"In all likelihood (this reverse type) celebrates Vespasian's requirement of 71/2 CE that the annual didrachm Temple Tax, the Fiscus Iudaicus, be paid to Rome rather than to the Jewish Temple.
This tax was extended to every Jew, male and female, from the age of three, and even to slaves of Jewish households. The proceeds were earmarked for the rebuilding of the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus Captiolinus in Rome, which had been destroyed in the last days of the Roman Civil War of 68-69."
"Thus, FISCI IVDIACI CALVMNIA SVBLATA ('the insult of the Jewish Tax has been removed') would refer to Vespasian's removal of the insult that prior to 71/2 the Jewish Temple Tax had been collected by Jews for their own use. After all, Romans considered themselves the only legitimate taxing authority within the empire, and the only rightful beneficiary of tax revenues."
"In summary, the idea that this coin represents a Roman apology, or a Roman acknowledgment of its own callous behavior, must be abandoned" (p. 458).Nemonater05/26/21 at 09:40orfew: Wow that is very nice indeed
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Macedon: Alexander III Arados Tetradrachm Price 3309Head of beardless Heracles right wearing lion skin headdress
AΛEΞANΔPOY BAΣIΛEΩΣ
Zeus seated on stool-throne left, eagle on outstretched right hand, sceptre in left hand AP monogram below throne
Arados,
328-320 BCE
17.14g
Price 3309
Late lifetime or early posthumous issue.
Ex-Barakat Jay GT405/24/21 at 22:37orfew: Wow that is really nice
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RIC 0672 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ As, 9.87g
Rome mint, 73-74 AD
Obv: CAESAR AVG F DOMITIAN COS II; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: S C in field; Domitian riding l., r. hand raised, holding sceptre
RIC 672 (R). BMC 689. BNC 704.
Acquired from Kölner, April 2021.
This rare bronze As copies a triumphal reverse more commonly found on Domitian Caesar's early denarii at Rome. It commemorates his participation in Vespaisan and Titus's joint Judaean War Triumph in 71 - 'while taking part in the Judaean triumph, he rode on a white horse' (Suetonius, Domitian, ii). Bizarrely, H. Mattingly in BMCRE II describes the sceptre Domitian is holding on the reverse as sporting a human head(!) and RIC notes (p. 106) that on some examples 'the sceptre knop clearly has a human head'.David Atherton04/30/21 at 16:21orfew: Excellent addition
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RIC 281 DomitianÆ Sestertius, 26.14g
Rome mint, 85 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG GERM COS XI; Bust of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., with aegis
Rev: S C in exergue; Domitian stg. r., clasping hands over altar with officer stg. l.; behind officer, one soldier with standard and one soldier at r. with spear and shield
RIC 281 (R). BMC 301. BNC 321.
Acquired from Olding, MA Shops, June 2019 = Olding, List 96, March 2019, Sammlung Fritz Reusing, no. 182. From the collection of Fritz Reusing (1874-1956), acquired from the Heynen Collection; inherited and continued by Reusing's nephew Paul Schürer (1890-1976).
In 85 Domitian struck a fairly impressive issue of sestertii, M. Grant hyperbolically called it the most 'ambitious' of any one reign or year. The series is the first major aes issue of Domitian's reign and is dominated by panoramic types commemorating his greatest military victory over the Germanic tribe the Chatti. The Germanic triumph received a certain amount of ridicule from ancient writers who thought the whole thing was a sham (Dio goes so far as to say Domitian raided the palace's furniture stores for his fake spoils!), no doubt the numismatic propaganda for the victory was likely viewed in the same manner by contemporary senatorial elites. This rare sestertius depicts a rather ambiguous scene showing Domitian, the much larger figure on the left, clasping hands with a legate over an altar while two legionaries stand by. What exactly is going on here is a mystery. Mattingly in BMCRE II believed it to be 'the taking of the sacramentum, the military oath'. Others have postulated the scene shows Domitian greeting Agricola upon his return from Britannia. The Agricola connection is highly unlikely. The type is struck for several more years, so it cannot be referring to one single 'event'. It's an intriguing scene in the context of the Germania Capta series, perhaps depicting a post victory ceremony. Whatever the meaning, the reverse strongly underscores Domitian's bond with the military.
This wonderful old cabinet toned piece is from the collection of the German portrait painter Fritz Reusing.
David Atherton04/30/21 at 03:22orfew: Wow that is very nice indeed
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RIC 393 DomitianAR Denarius, 3.55g
Rome mint, 85 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P V; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IMP XI COS XI CENS P P P; Minverva stg. l., with spear (M4)
RIC 393 (R). BMC 87. RSC 189. BNC -.
Ex Asta 91, 15-16 December 2020, lot 173.
All the denarii from Domitian's sixth issue of 85 are extremely rare. It is the first denarius issue which marks Domitian's assumption of the perpetual censorship (CENS P). Of note, both obv. and rev. legends are riddled with spacing dots, a trademark of these issues.David Atherton04/28/21 at 22:13orfew: Excellent coin!
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3062 var. Hadrian Denarius Roma 130-38 AD Salus Eastern mintReference.
cf RIC II, 267; Strack --; cf C 1331; RIC III, --
Bust A1+
Obv. HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P
Bare head
Rev. SALVS AVG
Salus standing right, holding patera before snake entwined altar
3.10 gr
17 mm
6h
Note.
Published in moneytrend 4, 2008, p. 138f. # 30 (this coin illustrated)okidoki04/28/21 at 13:22orfew: An interesting portrait and great coin
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Julia Soaemias (219 - 222 A.D.)AR Denarius
O: IVLIA SOAEMIAS AVGVSTA, draped bust right.
R: IVNO REGINA, Juno standing right, holding scepter & palladium.
Rome Mint
20mm
3.89g
RIC 237, RSC 3, BMC 41Mat04/28/21 at 13:22orfew: Wow, what a lovely coin
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RPC 2097 Titus Gadara, DecapolisTITOΣ KAIΣAP
Laureate head right
ΓΑΔΑΡΑ L ΖΛΡ (year 137)
Turreted head of Tyche right
Gadara, Decapolis
73-74 CE
3.96g, 16mm
RPC II 2097
Ex-ZurqiehJay GT404/26/21 at 23:54orfew: A very lovely addition
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Titus / VictoryTitus as Caesar (AD 69-79). AR denarius, 16mm, 3.22g, Ephesus, ca. AD 71.
O: IMPERATOR T CAESAR AVGVSTI F, bare head of Titus right
R: PACI-AVGVSTAE, Victory advancing right holding wreath and palm, ligate EPHE in lower right field.
RIC 1441 (R2) (Vespasian). RPC 838 (Paris only). BM 468 note. Paris 360. Cohen 124 (15 Fr.).
Rare Eastern issue with Titus depicted bareheaded rather than laureate.Nemonater04/25/21 at 04:28orfew: wonderful coin!
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Titus / QuadrigaTitus. Silver Denarius (3.41 g 19mm), as Caesar, AD 69-79. Judaea Capta type. Antioch, under Vesapasian, AD 72/3.
O: T CAES IMP VESP PON TR POT, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Titus right.
R: Titus, togate, holding palm branch and scepter, standing right in triumphal quadriga advancing right.
- RIC 1563; BMC 521; RSC 395; Hendin 1493.Nemonater04/25/21 at 04:27orfew: Very nice!
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RIC 1274 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ As, 9.30g
Lyon mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: T CAES IMP AVG F TR P COS VI CENSOR; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.; globe at point of bust
Rev: VICTORIA NAVALIS; S C in field; Victory stg. r. on prow, with wreath and palm
RIC 1274 (C). BMC 870. BNC 883.
Acquired from CGB.fr, April 2021.
This Victory type would be repeatedly struck throughout Vespasian's reign for both father and son, perhaps indicating how important it was to their military gravitas. The reverse legend variant of 'VICTORIA NAVALIS' has been traditionally attributed to the naval victory Vespasian and Titus won on Lake Gennesaret (the Sea of Galilee) during the Jewish War. This Titus Caesar As was struck in Lyon (Lugdunum) and is scarcer than the Rome mint varieties. RIC's frequency rating of 'Common' underplays the rarity.David Atherton04/24/21 at 04:04orfew: Love the green patina
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RIC 1201 VespasianÆ As, 9.59g
Lyon mint, 72 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVG COS IIII; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.; globe at point of bust
Rev: PROVIDENT in exergue; S C in field; Garlanded Altar
RIC 1201 (R). BMC spec. acquired 1936. BNC -.
Acquired from CGB.fr, April 2021.
Originally, Tiberius struck the Provident altar type for Divus Augustus. The altar depicted is dedicated to Providentia, the personification of the emperor's divine providence. Although the type is commonly described as an altar, Marvin Tameanko has convincingly argued it is actually a sacellum, or small shrine. This popular type was later revived during the Civil War by Galba and Vitellius. Vespasian began striking it early in his reign both at Rome and Lyon. This rare ornate variant depicts the altar as garlanded.David Atherton04/24/21 at 04:03orfew: Yes, a great reverse
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RIC 1118 VespasianAR Denarius, 2.98g
Lyon Mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG TR P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: IVDAEA; Palm tree; to r., Judaea std. r., hands bound behind
RIC 1118 (R2). BMC Spec. acquired 1980. RSC 231. BNC 298. Hendin 1487.
Acquired from eBay, April 2021.
Lugdunum produced a small issue of undated denarii in 71 which copied contemporary Rome mint types. Curiously, this is the only Judaea Capta denarius reverse the Lugdunum mint duplicated from Rome. The depiction of a bound personification of Judaea is similar to the unique IVDAEA DEVICTA denarius type from this same issue. Very rare at Rome, this Lugdunese variety is exceedingly so and scarcely shows up in trade.David Atherton04/24/21 at 03:59orfew: A superb pickup, congrats!
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Ric 333Domitian 81-96
AR denarius
Struck 85 AD (Fourth issue)
IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P IIII
Head of Domitian, laureate
IMP VIIII COS XI CENS POT PP
Minerva standing right on capital of rostral column, holding spear and shield, owl at foot right (M2)
3,19g/20mm
Ric 333(R2)
Ex Ibercoin, E-auction 48, Lot 134Parthicus Maximus04/17/21 at 22:56orfew: Very nice
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RPC 1938 VespasianAR Tetradrachm, 13.88g
Antioch mint, 69-70 AD
Obv: AYTOKPAT KAIΣA OYEΣΠAΣIANOY; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: ETOYΣ NEOY IEPOY B; Eagle standing r., on thunderbolt; in r. field, palm branch
RPC 1938 (3 spec.). Prieur 105 (6 spec.).
Acquired from Romae Aeternae, July 2015.
A very rare RPC Group 1 tetradrachm from Antioch. The style is "Alexandrian". It's highly probable the coin was engraved and struck at Alexandria and then sent to Syria for circulation. Kevin Butcher speculates these "Alexandrian" styled tetradrachms were sent to southern Syria to fulfil coin orders the cities in that region may have placed with the mint at Alexandria. (Coinage in Roman Syria, London, 2004, p. 250)
Unusually for a Group 1 tetradrachm, the portrait is without aegis and resembles Titus more than Vespasian.
David Atherton04/08/21 at 04:31orfew: Very nice!
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RPC 2750 DomitianÆ Dichalkon, 1.58g
Alexandria mint, 91-92 AD
Obv: No legend; Head of Domitian, laureate, r.
Rev: LΙΑ; Crocodile, r., with sun disc
RPC 2750. Emmett 333.11. Dattari-Savio 6815-16.
Acquired from Athena, March 2021.
A series of small bronzes were struck at Alexandria without obverse inscriptions. Identifying which reign they belong to is down to identifying the obverse portrait and the regnal year date on the reverse. We are on firm ground with this dichalkon which unmistakably features a portrait of Domitian on the obverse and regnal year 11 on the reverse. This ethnic type featuring a Nile crocodile is fairly rare, being struck for just a handful of regnal years. It almost certainly depicts the ancient Egyptian crocodile god Sobek, god of the Nile and fertility. Sobek was particularly venerated during the Roman period in the Fayum, a swampy area west of the Nile Valley that was a natural home for crocodiles.
One of the finest known specimens of this rare type.David Atherton04/07/21 at 01:57orfew: Excellent
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Roman, Titus Denarius Reign: Emperor, A.D. 79-81.
Denomination: AR Denarius.
Diameter: 18 mm.
Weight: 3.36 grams.
Mint: Rome, after 1 July A.D. 79.
Obverse: Laureate head right.
Reverse: Venus, seen half from behind, naked except for drapery around hips, standing right, resting elbow on column, holding transverse spear and helmet.paul188804/03/21 at 03:25orfew: A lovely sympathetic portrait 
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RIC 1161 VespasianIMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III
Laureate head right
AEQVITAS AVGVSTI SC
Aequitas standing left with scales and rod
Lugdunum (Lyons), 71 CE
10.16g
RIC 1161 (R)
Ex-ForumJay GT403/14/21 at 20:53orfew: Wow that is very nice indeed
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RIC 0026 Domitian denariusIMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M
Laureate head right
COS VII DES VIII P P
Dolphin coiled round anchor
Rome 81 A.D. (3rd group)
3.3g
RIC 26 (R), RSC 63
Ex-Enrico collection
Extra fine portrait!
Jay GT402/24/21 at 04:20orfew: amazing coin!
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RIC 026 DomitianAR Denarius, 3.53g
Rome mint, 81 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: COS VII DES VIII P P; Dolphin coiled round anchor
RIC 26 (R). BMC spec. acquired 1987. RSC 63. BNC -.
Acquired from CGB, November 2017. Ex CGB Live Auction, 1 August 2017, lot brm_440753 (unsold).
An interesting denarius from Domitian's Group 3 denarii, a carry-over type from Titus' pulvinaria series. Curiously, the reverse legend lacks a TRP date (a title Domitian was awarded upon accession), yet it is matched with an obverse legend employed later in the year. This reverse legend is more appropriate chronologically paired with the early 'PONT' obverse dies with which it also shares a link. RIC notes the chronology is not precise with these issues from 81 and they are grouped only for 'convenience'. A possible explanation for such an odd legend pairing would be the mint workers continuing to use old reverse dies with newly engraved obverses. With that in mind, it is not surprising die links between Groups 2, 3, and 4 are known. Generally, denarii with the reverse legend lacking TRP are quite scarce - all of the types in the group have a frequency rating of rare or very rare. The dolphin and anchor reverse is probably the most common one in the issue.
A pleasing 'pinched' portrait in fine metal.David Atherton02/24/21 at 04:20orfew: Lovely example
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RIC 0026 DomitianusObv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M, Laureate head right
Rev: COS VII DES VIII P P, Dolphin coiled round anchor
AR/Denarius (17.87 mm 3.47 g 1h) Struck in Rome 81 A.D. (3rd group)
RIC 26 (R), RSC 63FlaviusDomitianus02/24/21 at 04:19orfew: Awesome
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RIC 0706 Domitian DupondiusIMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XV CENS PER PP
Radiate head right
VIRTVTI AVGVSTI SC
Virtus standing right, foot on helmet with spear and parazonium
Rome, 90-91 CE
13.46g
RIC 706 (C2)
Ex-iNumis
Holed in antiquityJay GT402/10/21 at 21:47orfew: Wow that is very nice indeed
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RIC 1396 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.15g
Rome mint, 69-70 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPAS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PACI AVGVSTAE; Victory, advancing l., holding wreath in extended r. hand and palm curving up in l.
RIC 1396 (R2). BMC 431. RSC 280b. RPC 806 (2 spec.). BNC -.
Acquired from Pars Coins, September 2017. Ex Hirsch 326, 16 February 2017, lot 1924. Ex Savoca Live Auction 9, 21 August, 2016, lot 532.
Ephesus struck a small issue of denarii for Vespasian between 69 and 74. The vast majority of these Ephesian denarii have a mintmark of one sort or another. Those without one are preciously rare.
The earliest and rarest are undated with no mint mark and were minted in late 69 or early 70. This unmarked type with Victory on the reverse has been a most elusive one to acquire! Very scarce in trade.
Struck in fine Ephesian style.David Atherton01/31/21 at 19:00orfew: Amazing portrait
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Vespasian / Neptune DenariusVespasian. 69-79 AD. Denarius, 3.10g. 18mm. Lyon Mint, 70 AD.
O: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG TR P; Laureate head of Vespasian right.
R: COS ITER TR POT; Neptune standing left, foot on prow, holding dolphin.
- RIC 1109 (R), BMC 375 note, RSC 93.Nemonater01/24/21 at 03:58orfew: Very nice rarity
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Judaea First revolt Prutah𐤔𐤍𐤕 𐤔𐤕𐤉𐤌
(Year Two) in ancient Hebrew script, amphora with broad rim and two handles.
𐤇𐤓𐤕 𐤔 𐤉𐤅𐤍
Freedom of Zion in ancient Hebrew, vine leaf on a small branch.
Jerusalem, April 67-March 68 CE
2.42g
Hendin 6389 (6th); Hendin 1360 (5th)
Ex-Barakat
Jay GT401/18/21 at 19:59orfew: Very nice. I might just grab a few of these myself...
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Vespasian / Titus and Domitian on HorsebackVespasian AR Denarius, Rome Mint, 69-70 AD
O: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
R: TITVS ET DOMITIAN CAES PRIN IV; Titus and Domitian riding r., hands outstretched
- RIC 5 (R). BMC p. 7, RSC 539.
One of the rarest of the dynastic types.Nemonater01/03/21 at 18:48orfew: Lovely example
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Vespasian / Titus and DomitianAR Denarius
Vespasian Rome mint, 3,26g 69-70 AD
O: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Laureate head right.
R: TITVS ET DOMITIAN CAES PRIN IV; Titus and Domitian, togate, seated on curule chairs, each holding branch extended in right hand, left hands at sides.
- RIC 6, BMC 46, RSC 541Nemonater01/03/21 at 18:47orfew: Very nice!
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RIC 0334 DomitianusObv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P IIII, Laureate head right, with aegis
Rev: IMP VIII COS XI CENS POT P P, Minerva standing right on capital of rostral column, with spear and shield; owl to right at her feet
AR/Denarius (21.15 mm 3.238 g 6h) Struck in Rome 85 A.D. (4th issue)
ex Inasta Auction 91 lot 171FlaviusDomitianus01/01/21 at 06:50orfew: Very nice!
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Titus Ceres DenariusSilver denarius, Rome mint, weight 3.1g, c. 24 Jun - mid July 79 A.D.
O: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M, laureate head right; reverse TR P VIIII IMP XIIII COS VII
R: Ceres seated left, grain stalks and poppy head in extended right hand, flaming torch in left hand.
- RIC II 6 (R2, same reverse die), BnF III 1 (same rev. die), RSC II 270a, BMCRE II -, Hunter I -, SRCV I -, Only three sales of this type recorded on Coin Archives in the last two decades.
This type is from a very rare early issue of Titus as Augustus, not yet naming him P P (Pater Patriae - Father of the Country). Titus apparently accepted this title quite soon after the beginning of his ninth tribunician year on 1 July 79 and P P was quickly added to the end of the reverse legend.Nemonater01/01/21 at 06:39orfew: amazing coin!
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Vespasian Pegasus DenariusVespasian AR Denarius. Uncertain mint possibly Ephesus. AD 76.
O: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head right, small O below neck truncation
R: COS VII, Pegasus standing to right with left foreleg raised.
- RIC 1473; BMCRE 482; RPC II 1451Nemonater12/31/20 at 15:36orfew: incredible! very nice acquisition
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RIC 0002 Domitian DenariusIMP CAESAR DOMITIANVS AVG
Laureate head right
TR P COS VII
Dolphin coiled around anchor
Rome, September 13-December 31 81 CE
3.38g
RIC 2 (R)
Ex-Gatewest coins Winnipeg
Jay GT411/06/20 at 22:19orfew: Great coin Jay!
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RPC 2728 DomitianÆ Drachm, 21.82g
Alexandria mint, 95-96 AD
Obv: ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙϹ ΘƐΟΥ ΥΙΟϹ ΔΟΜΙΤ ϹƐΒ ΓƐΡΜ; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: Triumphal arch; date LΙΕ
RPC 2728 (9 spec.). Emmett 257.15. Dattari-Savio 544.
Acquired from Glenn Terry, eBay, October 2020.
This remarkable drachm struck at Alexandria during Domitian's final regnal year features a grandiose triple-span triumphal arch. The exact location of the structure is unknown. Some scholars have argued it represents a local Alexandrian arch (Price-Trell 1977, Vogt 1924, Handler 1971). F. Kleiner on the other hand convincingly proposes it to be a triumphal arch erected in Rome commemorating Domitian's victory over the Germanic Chatti. That it's a triumphal arch is fairly sound. The rooftop central figure of the emperor driving a triumphal quadriga pulled by six horses, flanked by twin trophies with defeated captives makes it fairly clear the arch was erected with a triumph in mind. The type first appeared on Alexandrian tetradrachms in 86, just a few years after the victory over the Chatti making a connection to that triumph very appealing. How accurate is the depiction? We simply do not know. Quite possibly the Alexandrian engravers based the composition on generic stock triumphal types, perhaps augmented by written descriptions, paintings, or sketches. The arch did not survive antiquity but is replicated on drachms of Trajan and Hadrian, likely repurposed for their own needs. The fact the structure was not pulled down and suffered damnatio memoriae, the fate of many Domitianic arches, is surprising. Luckily the coins survive to give us an idea of what this impressive monument may have looked like.
Fine style with fetching mottled olive green patina.David Atherton10/20/20 at 13:25orfew: Great catch
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RIC 0948 (V) Titus DenariusT CAESAR IMP VESPASIANVS
Laureate head right
COS VI
Mars standing left with spear and trophy
Rome 77-8 CE
2.8g
RIC 948 Vespasian (C)
Ex-Cameleon coinJay GT410/14/20 at 22:05orfew: Excellent
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RIC 1539A Vespasian AR Denarius, 3.30g
Antioch mint, 70 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PONT MAX TRIB POT; Pax std. r., with sceptre and branch
RIC 1539A. BMC -. BNC -. RPC -.
Acquired from CGB.fr, April 2020.
An extremely rare unlisted Antiochene denarius which copies a type previously only recorded for Antiochene aurei (RIC 1539). This is the second known example of this Pax type in silver, the other was previously at auction in 2018 (NN 71, lot 449). The 'TRIB POT' reverse legend is unique to Antioch and only appears with this Pax type. The coin is in very early style with Vespasian unusually sporting a full head of hair. All the coins from this first Antiochene issue are quite rare and do not come up in trade very often.
This denarius type has been newly added to the upcoming RIC II.1 A&C as RIC 1539A.David Atherton10/13/20 at 04:39orfew: Really wonderful
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RIC 0115 Titus DenariusTitus Denarius
IMP TITVS CAES VESPSIAN AVG P M
Laureate head right
TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P
Elephant, wearing armor, walking left
3.00g
Rome 80 CE
RIC 115 (C2); Cohen 303; BMC 44
Ex-Pella Coins and Antiquities
Heavy black toning
Commemorates the completion and dedication of the Colosseum and the opening of games in 80 AD, after ten years of construction.Jay GT408/29/20 at 23:31orfew: The elephant is great
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RIC 0974 (V) Titus denariusT CAESAR VESPASIANVS
Laureate head of Titus right
CERES AVGVST
Ceres standing left holding corn-ears and long torch
Rome 78-79 CE
2.72g
RIC 974 Vespasian (R); Sear 2437
Only seven specimens in Reka Devnia hoardJay GT408/29/20 at 23:31orfew: Nice portrait
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RIC 1508 VespasianÆ20, 4.37g
Ephesus (?) mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVGVST; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PON MAX TR P P P COS VIII CENS; S C low in field; Caduceus, winged, between crossed cornuacopiae
RIC 1508 (R2). BMC -. BNC -. RPC 1477A.
Acquired from eBay, July 2020.
A year or so after a mysterious mint in Asia Minor (dubbed the 'o' mint) struck a rare series of denarii an even rarer issue of bronze appeared in the same region. The two issues are linked by similar circulation patterns and somewhat similar styles. The bronzes are imprecisely dated to the 77-78 time period but were likely struck for only a brief period, judging by their extreme rarity. Three denominations were produced in orichalcum apparently using a provincial weight system. The unique legends are in Latin and the reverse types copy those struck in Rome, but many have obvious 'Eastern' themes. The crossed cornucopiae seen on this coin likely echos a similar 'Eastern' themed reverse struck in Rome and on other eastern civic issues.
Admittedly, the link to the infamous 'o' mint is tenuous at best, but it is the most sound theory proposed so far (M. Grant, 'Asses of Orichalcum', Centennial Publication of the American Numismatic Study, pp. 285-302).
Dark black and green patina and nicely centred.David Atherton08/05/20 at 01:49orfew: Great rarity
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RIC 0099 DomitianIMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG PM
Laureate head right
TR POT COS VIII PP
Minerva stg left with victory and spear, at feet shield
Rome 82 CE
3.10g
RIC 99 (R)
Duplicate from the Andrew Short collection.
Pitted with encrustations remaining.
Jay GT407/13/20 at 21:25orfew: A lovely portrait
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Vespasian (69 - 79 A.D.)AR Denarius
O: IMP CAES VESP AVG P M COS IIII, Laureate head right.
R: CONCORDIA AVGVSTI, Concordia seated left on throne, holding cornucopia and patera.
Antioch Mint, AD 72-73
3.28g
17mm
RIC² 1554 ( R2 ) , RSC 74 , 1927Mat06/24/20 at 01:32orfew: I love these portraits. Great coin.
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RIC 037 DomitianAR Denarius, 2.96g
Rome mint, 81 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG PONT; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded r.
Rev: COS VII DES VIII P P; Tripod with fillets; above, dolphin
RIC 37 (R2). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex Private Collection.
An early rare 'PONT' denarius struck from Domitian's 3rd denarius issue of 81. The abbreviation 'PONT' for Ponitfex Maximus must have come early in the sequence of titles Domitian employed on his denarii and likely was short lived if its rarity is any indication. The records of the Arval brothers do not show Domitian as Pontifex Maximus by 30 October, so presumably he acquired the title in either November or December. The tripod and dolphin reverse is a carry-over pulvinaria type struck originally for Titus and perhaps connected to the religious ceremonies for the opening games of the Colosseum. Domitian finished the structure early in his reign which perhaps explains the continued striking of the pulvinar issue.
Some bumps and scrapes common to detectorist finds.David Atherton05/31/20 at 23:40orfew: A nice rarity. Congrats.
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RIC 0376 DomitianusObv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XI CENS POT P P, laureate head right, with aegis
Rev: AETERNITATI AVGVSTI / S C (across field), Aeternitas standing left, with head of Sun and Moon
AE/As (28.37 mm 10.687 g 6h) Struck in Rome 85 A.D. (2nd issue)
RIC 376 (R3), BMCRE-BNF unlisted
Purchased from Numis Corner on VCoinsFlaviusDomitianus04/23/20 at 16:09orfew: Lovely
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SOLD! Lucania Sybaris drachmBull standing to left on dotted ground line, head turned back to right; all within border of dots VM in exergue
Bull standing to right, on dotted ground line; around, border of dots; all incuse.
LUCANIA, Sybaris
Circa 550-510 BC.
2.26g
HN III 1736. SNG ANS 847 ff.
Ex-Calgary Coin from an old collection in Ottawa
Old cleaning scratches and encrustations removed.
Sold to ANE February 2023Jay GT404/10/20 at 23:14orfew: Very nice.
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RIC 0023 VespasianIMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG
Laureate head right
COS ITER TR POT
Mars advancing right wiht spear and aquila
Rome, January- June 70 CE
RIC 23 (C)
3.36g
Ex-Gert Boersema; Ex-Col. Franz Pouwel, Netherlands
Early portrait style
Jay GT404/10/20 at 23:13orfew: Wow Jay, that is a lovely example!
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RIC 0573 DomitianusObv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERMAN P M TR P VII, Laureate head right
Rev: IMP XIIII COS XIIII CENS P P P, Minerva advancing right, with spear and shield
AR/Denarius (19.90 mm 3.490 g 6h) Struck in Rome 88 A.D. (1st issue)
RIC 573 (R2), RSC-BMCRE-BNF unlisted
ex Kunker Auction 333 lot 963FlaviusDomitianus04/08/20 at 15:32orfew: Very nice Alberto
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009. Vespasian 69-79. AR Denarius. Victory - Judaea CaptaVespasian. AD 69-79. AR Denarius (18.5mm, 3.48 g, 6h). “Judaea Capta” commemorative. Rome mint. Struck AD 75. Laureate head right / Victory standing left on prow, holding wreath and palm frond. RIC II.1 777; cf. Hendin 1484; RSC 368. Toned, delamination on obverse, area of slight flatness of strike on reverse.LordBest02/29/20 at 00:15orfew: Love the portrait
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RIC 0768 DomitianusObv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P XIIII, Laureate head right
Rev: IMP XXII COS XVI CENS P P P, Minerva standing left, with thunderbolt and spear; shield at her left side
AR/Denarius (19.38 mm 3.221 g 6h) Struck in Rome 94 A.D
RIC 768 (C), RSC 284b, BMCRE Note p. 341, BNF unlisted
Purchased from Den of Antiquity on VCoinsFlaviusDomitianus02/07/20 at 00:17orfew: very nice Alberto
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RIC 760 Diva Julia Titi [Domitian]Æ Sestertius, 24.33g
Rome mint, 92-94 AD
Obv: DIVAE IVLIAE AVG DIVI TITI F above; S P Q R in exergue; Carpentum drawn r. by two mules
Rev: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XVI CENS PER P P; S C, large, in centre
RIC 760 (R). BMC 471. BNC 502.
Acquired from Ken Dorney, January 2020. Ex Agora Auctions Sale 84, 4 September 2019, lot 187. Ex CNG E314, 6 November 2013, lot 364.
Titus' daughter Julia Titi was granted the title Augusta sometime in 80 or 81 during his reign. After Titus' death she lived with her uncle Domitian at the imperial residence. In 90 or 91 AD she died and was deified by Domitian, this was commemorated on the coinage. The ancient sources are quick to malign her reputation in the name of smearing Domitian. It is said she had an ongoing affair with Domitian and became pregnant. She then was forced by Domitian to abort the baby and died during the attempted abortion sometime in 90 or 91. The Flavian historian Brian Jones has called the supposed affair between Domitian and his niece Julia (some ten or eleven years his junior) and the subsequent forced abortion which killed her as "implausible" and "nonsense". Further he wrote "Scholars seem not to have stressed one of the most significant factors in assessing the rumour's accuracy - Martial's epigram 6.3, written not long after Julia's death and deification. In it, he expresses the hope that Domitian will produce a son, implies that the baby's name will be Julius (6.3.1) and states that (the now deified) Julia will be able to watch over him (6.3.5). Martial was neither a hero or a fool. Had there been the slightest hint of an affair between emperor and niece, he would hardly have written those lines; had Julia's recent death been caused by an abortion forced on her by Domitian, would Martial have so far neglected the bounds of 'safe criticism' and common sense as to humiliate Domitia publicly, urging her to become pregnant, to give the child a name reminiscent of her husband's mistress and finally to remember that same mistress, now dead and deified (thanks to her husband), would be able to protect the child?" No doubt, the Diva coins testify that Domitian felt great affection towards his niece, however, there is no evidence that they had an illicit love affair. The incestuous rumour was spread after Domitian's death.
This sestertius struck for Diva Julia Titi between 92 and 94 copies an early carpentum and mules type struck under Tiberius for Diva Livia and another under Titus struck for her grandmother Domitilla. It is the second issue of this type struck under Domitian and is slightly rarer than the earlier one produced in 90-91. In the early empire the carpentum was granted to ladies of the imperial house by the Senate as an imperial honour. It was frequently used to convey an image of the deceased Divae and to symbolise the event on the coinage. The style of the Diva Julia Titi sestertii are so similar to those of the earlier Memoriae Domitilla sestertii that the RIC authors speculate a few of the older Domitilla dies were recut for Julia's issues (p. 317, note). It's astonishing to think that the mint still had access to dies that were nearly a decade old and were able to re-use them for a new issue!
Dark brassy tone with some minor pitting.David Atherton01/18/20 at 01:48orfew: An iconic type
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RPC II 2567 DomitianusObv: AYT KAIΣAP ΔOMIT ΣEB ΓEPM, Laureate head right
Rev: ETOYΣ ENATOY, Bust of Zeus Ammon right
AE/Diobol (25.82 mm 6.089 g 12h) Struck in Alexandria (Egypt) 89-90 A.D.
RPC II 2567.3 (this coin), Dattari 536, Emmett 299.9
ex Roma Numismatics E-Sale 66 lot 707FlaviusDomitianus01/15/20 at 21:21orfew: Great!
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RPC II 2549 DomitianusObv: KAIΣAP ΔOMITIANOΣ ΣEB ΓEPM, Laureate head right
Rev: LH (date) across field; bust of Nilus, right, lotos on shoulder; before, small genius
BIL/Tetradrachm (27.62 mm 13.155 g 12 h) Struck in Alexandria (Egypt) 88-89 A.D.
RPC 2549.6 (this coin), Dattari-Savio 6715 (this coin), Emmett 245
From the Giovanni Dattari Collection
ex Naville Live Auction 54 lot 270FlaviusDomitianus01/10/20 at 00:16orfew: Lovely
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RIC 259 Divus Vespasian [Titus]Æ Sestertius, 25.01g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: DIVO AVG VESPAS above; S P Q R in exergue; Deified Vespasian std. r. holding sceptre and Victory in car drawn by four elephants with riders
Rev: IMP T CAES DIVI VESP F AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; S C, large, in centre
RIC 259 (R2). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Wallin Mynt, November 2019.
The coinage struck by Titus commemorating Divus Vespasian is closely modelled on those struck for Divus Augustus by Tiberius. The obverse of this coin shows a cult image of the defied Vespasian seated on a car drawn by four elephants, mounted by their riders (mahouts?). Presumably, this spectacular display was part of Vespasian's funerary pompa (would such a car drawn by elephants be realistically feasible?). The carnavalesque atmosphere of a Roman imperial funeral procession is readily apparent by this coin's obverse design. The reverse legend date with Titus as COS VIII places the coin between 80-81, at least a full six months after Vespasian's death on 24 June 79 (assuming the coins were produced contemporaneously with Vespasian's deification). Epigraphic evidence shows Vespasian had been deified sometime before 29 May 80. Why they were struck so late remains a mystery. Perhaps the delay for deification was an attempt on Titus' part to avoid his father becoming a court joke as Claudius had become, or so B. Levick has asserted. She believes the famous 'Woe's me ...' quip attributed to Vespasian is likely a later cruel jest parodying Claudius' last utterance 'Woe's me, I think I've messed myself'. Regardless, the political expediency of having a deified father likely overruled any such qualms. All of the sestertii of the Divus Vespasian series are rare - this particular specimen showcases a rare variant obverse legend (VESPAS instead of the slightly commoner VESP) and the reverse legend starting from the lower left.
Fine details with a slightly grainy surface.David Atherton11/21/19 at 05:24orfew: A very nice acquisition
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RIC 0700 VespasianAR Denarius, 2.68g
Rome Mint, 74 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: OB CIVES SERVATOS around oak wreath
RIC 700 (R2). BMC p. 7 †. RSC 275. BNC -.
Ex Private Collection.
A very rare variant of the oak wreath type struck for Vespasian in 74. The much more common variants of this type have SPQR within the oak wreath. Alternately, here we have the legend OB CIVES SERVATOS around the wreath: OB CIVES above; SERVATOS below. This variant is so rare Mattingly citing Cohen in BMCRE stated in a footnote that this type needed verification. Curiously, in the RIC concordance with the first edition, this type is listed as old RIC 17 'Unverified: plated hybrid?' (again citing Cohen) without a new corresponding RIC number even though it is in the catalogue as RIC 700 with no such disclaimers. My example possibly has evidence of being plated; however, the flaking and cracking on the surface could just be due to preservation issues, the style is consistent with official denarii, and it is a double die match with the similarly worn RIC plate coin which shows no signs of plating. Additionally, Curtis Clay has an example from different dies that is solid silver.
The corona civica was originally a military honour bestowed upon a Roman who had saved a fellow citizen's life in battle. It was one of the greatest public honours. In the imperial era the honour developed from a coveted military decoration into an imperial emblem granted by the Senate to the emperor. The wreath was made of oak leaves and is sometimes called a corona quercea after the common name for the oak. The Wreath was awarded to Vespasian by the Senate for rescuing the Roman people from civil war and bringing about peace.
NB: The coin was originally posted here in 2015: https://www.forumancientcoins.com/board/index.php?topic=103696.0David Atherton10/24/19 at 00:58orfew: A great rarity
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RIC 295 DomitianÆ Dupondius, 13.50g
Rome mint, 85 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG GERM COS XI; Head of Domitian, radiate, bearded, r., with aegis
Rev: S C in field; Trophy; to l., German captive std. l.; to r., Germania std. r.
RIC 295 (C). BMC 310. BNC 332.
Acquired from Forvm Ancient Coins, October 2019. Ex Edgar L. Owen.
A 'Germania Capta' dupondius struck during Domitian's first issue of 85, the first bronze issue that fully celebrated the German victory. The war with the German tribe the Chatti likely took place in either 82 or 83. Domitian acquired the title 'Germanicus' in 83, the year of his German triumph. Why it took so long for these achievements to be commemorated on the bronze coinage is a mystery. Perhaps the bronze mint was not in full operation until 85? The motif of the reverse design closely follows the 'Judaea Capta' types of Vespasian (who in turn copied it from well known republican types). The trunk of the trophy even resembles a palm. The 'Germania Capta' types would be struck for only a few short years between 85-88.
Beautiful dark olive green patina.David Atherton10/20/19 at 04:11orfew: A very nice example
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RIC 0023 DomitianusObv: IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG PONT, Laureate head right
Rev: COS VII DES VIII P P, Curule chair; above, wreath
AR/Denarius (18.58 mm 3.366 g 6h) Struck in 81 A.D. (3rd Group)
RIC 23 (R3), RSC-BMCRE-BNF unlisted
ex Bertolami Fine Arts E-Live Auction 36 lot 544FlaviusDomitianus10/04/19 at 00:12orfew: Nice one Alberto
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