RPC 1968 Titus

ΑΥΤΟΚΡ ΤΙΤΟΣ ΚΑΙΣ ΟΥΕΣΠ
Laureate head right with aegis

ΕΤΟΥΣ Γ ΙΕΡΟΥ
Eagle standing left with wreath in beak on palm branch; club in left field

Caesarea Maritima

70 CE (Group 6, year3)

14.25g

RPC 1968/2 (this coin); McAlee 380 (this coin) noted as "MC" (My coin) from his own collection; Prieur 141,

A rare coin!

Ex-CGB: Ex-McAlee plate coin from his own collection; Ex-Empire 3, May 5th 1985; ex-Schulten, Nov 8, 1982, lot 301)

Part of a small series of tetradrachms struck in Caesarea Maritima shortly after the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE.
After its fall, Titus spent three days outside the city handing out rewards and spoils to his troops.

"Then descending with his army to Caesarea Maritima, he there deposited the bulk of his spoils and directed that his prisoners should be kept in custody; for the winter season prevented his sailing for Italy" (Josephus)

It has been suggested this series of tetradrachms was struck during Titus' time in Caesaera. The style is fairly crude and is similar to other bronze coins attributed to Caesarea Maritima. Silver quality is not standardized, which gives evidence of a military issue. Being stuck just days or weeks after the fall of Jerusalem, surely these were part of the rewards Titus distributed to the troops.

Thanks to David Atherton for additional info.