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RIC 349 Domitian as Caesar [Titus]
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Æ Dupondius/As, 13.52g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIAN COS VII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: S C in field; Spes stg. l., with flower
RIC 349 (C). BMC -. BNC 249.
Acquired from Savoca, September 2023.
The dupondii struck for Domitian Caesar under Vespasian and Titus have portraits that lack the radiate crown normally associated with that denomination. At times it can be a bit confusing determining if individual specimens are a dupondius or an as. This coin's heavier weight and yellowish hues suggests it is a dupondius. Struck under Titus in 80 or 81 after Vespasian's deification, Spes was a fairly common reverse type under Vespasian, connected to future dynastic hope and harmony. It continued to be struck by Titus and can be viewed as his hope for the future with his chosen heir Domitian. As Mattingly put it: '...the recurring types of Spes suggests that Titus gave Domitian full due as heir to the throne.' Although rated as 'common' in RIC, this variety is missing from the BM's collection.
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