2. The Reign of Titus - Imperial Coins
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RIC 226 TitusÆ As, 10.75g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: GENI P R; S C in field; Genius stg. l., with patera over altar and cornucopiae
RIC 226 (R). BMC 210. BNC -.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, September 2018.
Genius - 'The spirit of the Roman people' is not a common motif in Flavian coinage. It occurs under Vespasian on rare Spanish military denarii struck early in his reign and briefly during the reign of Titus on asses struck in 80-81. Mattingly connects the type under Titus with 'the vows undertaken for the first five years of the new reign'. The coin is dated COS VIII which Titus held in 80 (he did not renew the consulship in 81). Unlike the parallel silver issue the bronze lack an IMP number and cannot be more precisely dated. Most likely they were struck in the first half of 80 along with the silver.
Neatly centred with a fantastic portrait.
David Atherton
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RIC 168 TitusÆ Sestertius, 23.01g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: S C in field; Spes stg. l., with flower
RIC 168 (C2). BMC 186. BNC 173.
Ex Felicitas-Perpetua, eBay, 23 September 2018.
Spes is a 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.' Suetonius would have us believe this public fraternal affection was a sham and Domitian did everything he could to plot against Titus. Dio goes so far as to say Domitian hastened Titus death by having him packed in ice! All of this can be dismissed as nothing more than post Domitianic gossip intended to blacken Domitian's name. The Flavian historian Brian Jones speculates the brother's relationship was one of 'mutual indifference and ignorance' due to their age and personality differences. Regardless, as the numismatic evidence shows, Titus looked upon Domitian as his legitimate heir until his natural death in mid September 81.
The reverse is quite worn, but no matter, the portrait makes up for any of the reverse's deficiencies. A wonderful coin in hand! David Atherton
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RIC 085 Domitian as Caesar [Titus] Engraver's ErrorÆ As?, 11.03g
Rome mint, 79 AD
Obv: CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS COS VI; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PAX AVGST (sic); S C in field; Pax stg. l., leaning on column, with caduceus and branch
RIC 85 (R2, note p. 204, this coin). BMC 747 (Vesp.). BNC -.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 82. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex Roman Lode VAuction, 2004.
Titus' first issue of bronze coinage in 79 was quite meager, all are fairly rare today. This first issue Domitian as Caesar bronze is either a dupondius or as - the weight suggests the former, the colour of the metal (copperish) the latter. RIC catalogues this issue under Titus, though it is possible it was struck prior to Vespasian's death in June. The reverse legend features an engraver's error - AVGST instead of AVGVST, cited in RIC.
NB: It must be mentioned that engraving errors during Titus' reign were extremely rare.David Atherton
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RIC 503A TitusÆ Dupondius, 12.03g
Eastern Mint (Thrace?), 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAESAR DIVI VESP F AVG P M; Head of Titus, radiate, bearded, r.
Rev: ROMA; S C in exergue; Roma std. l. on cuirass, with wreath and parazonium
RIC 503A (R2). BMC -. RPC -. BNC -.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 96. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex Savoca Blue E9, 15 July 2018, lot 965.
A mystery mint struck coins for Titus sometime between 80-81. The style (heavily seriffed letters, large portraits, and massive reverse figures), unique obverse legends, and uncommon fabric (flat, almost convex flans) all suggest a mint other than Rome. Attributing exactly where these coins were struck has historically been a moving target - Mattingly in BMCRE thought Lugdunum, H.A. Cahn believed somewhere in Bithynia. More recent scholarship has looked towards Thrace as a possible location for production based on the Balkan distribution pattern of found specimens. Although the region of mintage has been narrowed down, the city itself remains elusive. RPC has suggested possibly Perinthus. Presumably a shortage of bronze coins in the region during Titus' reign prompted a localised imperial issue. The striking of imperial bronze outside of Rome was an exceptional step at the time considering the last imperial branch mint at Lugdunum had shuttered late in Vespasian's reign. The issue consisted of sestertii, dupondii, asses, and semisses which copied types struck at Rome. This rare dupondius features a variant obverse legend previously unattested at this mint. A recent discovery, just two specimens are cited by the RIC II.1 Addenda, Curtis Clay had two others ... so possibly only four known. Clay proposes his two former specimens, which share an obverse die, were struck at a separate eastern mint rather than the 'Thracian' one.
David Atherton
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RIC 200 TitusÆ Dupondius, 10.39g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII; Head of Titus, radiate, bearded, l.
Rev: PAX AVGVST; S C in field; Pax stg. l., with branch and cornucopiae
RIC 200 (R2). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Lukas Kalchhauser, December 2023.
The various stock Pax types struck for Titus are carry-overs from Vespasian's reign and are normally seen on Titus' sestertii and asses. This is a rare variety of the standing Pax type struck for the dupondii. She is seen here holding a cornucopiae instead of the much more common caduceus. The left facing portrait variant is much scarcer than the right facing variety. Missing from both the BM and Paris collections.David Atherton
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RIC 331 Domitian as Caesar [Titus]Æ Sestertius, 18.64g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIANVS COS VII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: S C in field; Minerva adv. r., with spear and shield
RIC 331 (R2). BMC -. BNC 241.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 138. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex Lanz eBay, 18 July 2009.
A sestertius struck for Domitian as Caesar under Titus featuring his patron deity Minerva. DIVI VESP F tells us the coin was struck after Vespasian's deification. The date of Vespasian's consecratio is dated by the epigraphic evidence sometime between 8 September 79 and 29 May 80. Nathan T. Elkins has proposed that the opening games of the Colosseum were in honour of Vespasian's deification. If so, this sestertius could not have been struck much earlier than June 80. This Minerva reverse from 'Group 3' is very rare. It is missing from the BM with a footnote in the catalogue (BMC 233) that doubts its existence!David Atherton
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RIC 288 Domitian as Caesar [Titus]Æ Sestertius, 25.48g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: CAES DIVI AVG VESP F DOMITIANVS COS VII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PAX AVGVST; S C in field; Pax stg. l., with branch and cornucopiae
RIC 288 (R). BMC 230. BNC 236.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 137. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Acquired from B A Seaby, mid-1960s, with handwritten ticket by David Sear.
A reverse type struck for both Titus and Domitian Caesar symbolising the bountiful prosperity Pax and the emperor have provided. DIVI AVG VESP F tells us the coin was struck after Vespasian's deification. The date of Vespasian's consecratio is dated by the epigraphic evidence sometime between 8 September 79 and 29 May 80. Nathan T. Elkins has proposed that the opening games of the Colosseum were in honour of Vespasian's deification. If so, this sestertius could not have been struck much earlier than June 80. Engraved with a severe Titus-like portrait.David Atherton
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RIC 349 Domitian as Caesar [Titus]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.David Atherton
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RIC 369/370 Divus Vespasian [Titus]Æ Sestertius, 24.21g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: DIVVS AVGVSTVS VESPASIANVS PATER PAT; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PAX AVGVSTI; S C in field; Pax stg. l., with branch and cornucopiae
Cf. RIC 369/370 (for obv./rev.). BMC -. BNC-.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 116. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex Biga E9, 24 April 2022, lot 533.
Portrait sestertii of Divus Vespasian are exceedingly rare. Here we have a unique and unpublished variant of the Divus Vespasian Pax type RIC 370. This new variety combines an obverse legend previously known from one specimen (RIC 369) with a variant of a unique Pax reverse type (RIC 370 with AVGVST instead of AVGVSTI). Curtis Clay assigned this issue to Titus' Thracian mint, but I agree with RIC that the style (similar to contemporary Rome mint denarii) and fabric (the reverse flan is concave, a hallmark of the Rome mint) suggests Rome rather than an Eastern provincial mint. Although Vespasian died in June 79, his Divus coins struck under Titus date to 80-81. Nathan Elkins has proposed that Vespasian's consecration was delayed until the Colosseum was completed with the opening games dedicated to him. The Divus coins would have been struck to commemorate the event after mid 80.David Atherton
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RIC 183 TitusÆ Sestertius, 24.84g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: VICTORIA AVGVST; S C in field; Victory adv. l., with wreath and palm
RIC 183 (R2). BMC p. 261 ||. BNC 188.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 106. Ex Curtis Clay collection. Ex CNG 50, 23 June 1999, lot 86. Ex Cornelius C. Vermeule Collection. Ex Glendining & Co. The V.J.E. Ryan Collection part V, 2 April 1952, lot 2391 (part).
An extremely rare sestertius struck in 80 or 81 during Titus' great bronze issue. This is the first appearance of this Victory type on the coinage since earlier in Vespasian's reign. Could the occasion of the opening games of the Colosseum possibly have inspired the mint engravers to bring this reverse out of retirement? A dedicatory inscription on the new amphitheatre declared it had been funded from 'the spoils of war' and Victory featured prominently in its decorative scheme. Missing from the BM.David Atherton
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RIC 245 Titus VariantÆ As, 9.35g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: SECVRITAS AVGVST; S C in exergue; Securitas std. l., with sceptre; to l., altar
RIC 245 var. (head left). BMC -. BNC -.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 112. Ex Roman-num, eBay, 21 June 2009.
An unlisted variant of this extremely rare type for Titus, struck in 80-81 during his great bronze issue. RIC cites one specimen with head left (RIC 245), mine features the less common and unlisted head right. Astonishingly, a second head right example was listed in the same HJB sale from the Clay collection (lot 111), so a frequency rating of R2. The RIC II.1 Addenda questions whether this type actually reads SECVRIT or SECVRITAS. Both specimens in the HJB sale clearly show SECVRITAS. The Securitas type was likely issued as numismatic 'comfort food' for the Roman public, a reassurance of the continued status quo from Vespasian's reign. David Atherton
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RIC 224 TitusÆ As, 10.52g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: FIDES PVBLICA; S C below; Hands clasped over caduceus and corn ears
RIC 224 (R2). BMC -. BNC 214.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 109. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex Dionysos, eBay, 17 April 2016. Ex Dr. Walter Kimpel, 9 December 1961.
This as from 80-81 advertises the emperor's careful stewardship of Rome's corn-supply and finances. An exceedingly rare type for Titus as Augustus. Missing from the BM collection.David Atherton
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RIC 184 TitusÆ Sestertius, 24.48g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: No legend; Flavian amphitheatre; to l., Meta Sudans; to r., porticoed building
Rev: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR PPP COS VIII; Titus std. l. on curule chair with branch and roll; around, arms; S C in field
RIC 184 (R2). BMC 190. BNC 189. Hendin 1594.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 456. Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 35, 12 February 1985, lot 361.
In June of 80 AD Titus spectacularly opened the Flavian amphitheatre with a series of inaugural games lasting 100 days. This rare sestertius commemorates the event in a no less impressive fashion. Vespasian had begun construction nearly a decade before, but it was Titus who virtually completed it. The obverse* features an inventive bird's eye view of the structure from the Temple of Claudius on the Caelian Hill, with the Meta Sudans to the left and the porticoes of the Baths of Titus to the right. The depiction of the three structures on the obverse is strong evidence the Romans viewed the amphitheatre as part of a larger entertainment complex. The reverse features Titus seated surrounded by a pile of captured arms, identical to sestertii struck for Claudius. Taken together both obverse and reverse pays homage to Claudius, an emperor highly regarded by the Flavians. At the same time, the captured arms on the reverse and the decorative motif of the amphitheatre featuring palm trees and triumphal imagery commemorate the Jewish War which was still a major theme of Titus' coinage. Also, a recently discovered inscription which originally adorned one of the entrances proclaims the Flavian amphitheatre was built from the spoils of the Jewish War. Nathan T. Elkins believes the rarity of these coins today may hint that they were issued primarily for distribution at the opening games as souvenirs of the occasion. Ben Lee Damsky has convincingly argued Titus' extensive pulvinar precious metal coinage commemorates the inaugural games as well. If that is the case, a large portion of Titus' coinage was devoted to these opening games and the fantastic venue in which they were held, emphasising the prominent place it held for Titus and the Flavian dynasty. The fact that it still serves as a symbol of the Roman Empire today shows that Titus was correct in his estimation of its importance. Like the Eid Mar denarii, the Colosseum sestertii are seen today as one of the most well known and iconic coin types struck by the Roman Empire.
*Older references place the Colosseum on the reverse, but this is incorrect. Reverse dies at the Rome mint typically have concave flans. The seated Titus side is concave on these sestertii, therefore it was almost certainly intended as the reverse. David Atherton
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RIC 392 Julia Titi [Titus]Æ Dupondius, 11.62g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IVLIA IMP T AVG F AVGVSTA; Bust of Julia Titi, draped, r., hair piled high in front and coiled in small bun at back
Rev: CERES AVGVST; S C in field; Ceres stg. l., holding corn-ears and torch
RIC 392 (R). BMC 215. BNC 265.
Acquired from Prafectus Coins, July 2023.
Titus' daughter Julia Titi was granted the title Augusta during his reign sometime in 80 or 81. A small issue of denarii and dupondii were struck to commemorate the occasion, most of which are fairly scarce today. This dupondius featuring Ceres on the reverse is a most appropriate type for the new Augusta. RIC speculates the Ceres dupondius variety could possibly have been produced at the 'Thracian' mint, due to similar styles (p. 191).David Atherton
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RIC cf. 100-132/267 Titus Fourrée MuleFourrée Denarius, 2.87g
Unofficial mint, after 80 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG PM; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS; Goat standing l., in laurel-wreath.
Cf. RIC 100-132/267 (for obv./rev.).
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 224, 14 September 2023, lot 95. Ex Curtis Clay Collection, acquired from Lanz, eBay, 7 December 2019.
An unoffical mule featuring a Titus obverse paired with a reverse intended for Domitian Caesar. The type of a goat within laurel wreath was exclusively struck for Domitian Caesar under Titus and may represent Amalthea, the Cretan goat, which nursed the infant Jupiter. It copies a reverse type originally coined during the Roman Republic. Despite the piece being plated, the style is good for the issue. Possibly transfer dies?
Significantly, the Paris collection possesses a fourrée mule of the same type (BNC 115), however, it is in poor style from different dies. David Atherton
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RIC 337 Domitian as Caesar [Titus]Æ Dupondius, 14.12g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIAN COS VII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: CONCORDIA AVG; S C in exergue; Concordia std. l., with patera and cornucopiae
RIC 337 (C). BMC 239. BNC 247.
Acquired from eBay, June 2023. Formerly in NGC holder #4938480-029, grade VF.
A common Concordia type struck for Domitian Caesar under Titus after Vespasian's deification. According to H. Mattingly, Concordia here promises Domitian's 'loyal co-operation with his brother.' Suetonius would have us believe this public fraternal affection was a sham and Domitian did everything he could to plot against Titus. Dio goes so far as to say Domitian hastened Titus' death by having him packed in ice! All of this can be dismissed as nothing more than post-Domitianic gossip intended to blacken Domitian's name. The Flavian historian Brian Jones speculates the brother's relationship was one of 'mutual indifference and ignorance' due to their age and personality disparities. The numismatic evidence shows that the two brothers at least put on a good public face.
The portrait is rendered in fine style.David Atherton
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RIC 247 Titus VariantÆ As, 9.10g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: VICTORIA AVGVST; S C in field; Victory adv. r., with wreath and palm
RIC 247 var. (rev. legend). BMC -, BNC -.
Acquired from Roman Coin Shop, May 2023.
A unique and unpublished variant of the left facing portrait/Victory advancing type with the reverse legend beginning from the upper right instead of the previously recorded lower left. Although the reverse legend on this specimen is worn, the letter 'V' starting off the legend can clearly be seen below Victory's wreath. RIC II.1 co-author Ian Carradice has been notified of the piece and should assign it as a footnote to RIC 247 in the Addenda and Corrigenda (...variant with reverse legend inscribed from top right, not bottom left).
David Atherton
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RIC 135B TitusÆ Sestertius, 23.85g
Rome mint, 80 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: S C in field; Mars, with cloak over shoulders, adv. r., with spear and trophy
RIC 135B, BMC -. BNC -.
Ex N&N London Auction 16, 1 May 2023, lot 454.
An extremely rare sestertius struck for Titus in early 80 as part of a newly discovered transitional issue. The first issue of 80 (Group 1) consists of three rare reverse types: Judaea Capta with standing captive, Pax, and Mars all with outwardly inscribed obverse legends starting counter clockwise from the lower right. Group 2 is the massive bronze issue Titus struck between 80-81 with inwardly inscribed obverse legends clockwise starting from the lower left and featuring 'VESP' instead of the previous issue's 'VESPASIAN'. With the recent discovery of this Mars type along with the newly discovered Judaea Capta sestertius T135A I previously shared, we can now say for certain that there was a brief transitional issue struck between the two groups, (now called Group 1A) featuring inwardly inscribed legends with 'VESPASIAN'. This is the second known example of the Mars type for Group 1A, it would later be more commonly struck at the Thracian mint. RIC II.1 co-author Ian Carradice has assigned the new variety as RIC 135B in the Addenda & Corrigenda. It must be noted this Mars type was not struck for the subsequent Rome mint Group 2.
Curtis Clay has proposed (Gemini IX, lot 448) a Thracian origin for the Group 1 issue because of the flat fabric of the flans (a trademark of the Thracian mint), many of the specimens came to market after the fall of the Iron Curtain, and the reverse designs match those struck later at the Thracian mint. He further argues the 'Rome mint' style can be explained by Roman die engravers being transferred to Thrace. The style indeed mirrors contemporary Rome mint denarii, which can only be a result of the same engravers working on both issues. Despite the flat fabric of the flans, the style does not match up to the later Thracian issues (heavily seriffed letters, large portraits), and the circulation pattern appears to be similar with the Rome mint issues. For the time being I'll attribute Group 1 and 1A to Rome until further evidence comes to light.David Atherton
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RIC 154 TitusÆ Sestertius, 22.43g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PAX AVGVST; S C in field; Pax stg. l., with branch and cornucopiae
RIC 154 (C). BMC 174. BNC 161.
Acquired from Tater's Relics, eBay, April 2023.
Pax was a fairly common reverse type struck for Titus on his bronze coinage. This particular Pax with branch and cornucopiae is a carry-over from Vespasian's reign. Apparently, the propaganda value of peace was quite limitless. The right facing variety seems to be a bit less common than the left facing examples.David Atherton
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RIC 135A TitusÆ Sestertius, 23.19g
Rome mint, 80 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IVDAEA CAPTA; S C in exergue; Palm tree; to l., Titus stg. r. with spear and parazonium, foot on helmet; to r., Judaea std. r.
RIC 135A (R3). BMC -. BNC -. Hendin -.
Acquired from Felicitas Perpetua, eBay, March 2023.
A unique Rome mint Judaea Capta sestertius struck in early 80 as part of a newly discovered transitional issue. The first issue of 80 (Group 1) consists of three rare reverse types: Judaea Capta with standing captive, Pax, and Mars all with outwardly inscribed obverse legends starting counter clockwise from the lower right. Group 2 is the massive bronze issue Titus struck between 80-81 with inwardly inscribed obverse legends clockwise starting from the lower left and featuring 'VESP' instead of the previous issue's 'VESPASIAN'. With the discovery of this Judaea Capta sestertius along with an obverse die match Mars type (as on RIC 135 from the previous group), we can now say for certain that there was a brief transitional issue struck between the two groups, (now called Group 1A) featuring inwardly inscribed legends with 'VESPASIAN'. This Judaea Capta reverse with standing emperor copies the famous prototype originally struck under Vespasian and previously only known for Titus in a rare issue from the Thracian mint. The type was likely fleetingly struck until proper reverse designs were newly prepared for Titus's Group 2 bronze issue - the common 'IVD CAP' with standing captive would replace it. As of now, this unique specimen is the only known sestertius with the old Vespasianic design struck at Rome* for Titus. A tremendous discovery that rewrites the history of Titus' bronze coinage! Ian Carradice has assigned it as RIC 135A in the RIC II.1 Addenda & Corrigenda.
*Curtis Clay has proposed (Gemini IX, lot 448) a Thracian origin for the Group 1 issue because of the flat fabric of the flans (a trademark of the Thracian mint), many of the specimens came to market after the fall of the Iron Curtain, and the reverse designs match those struck later at the Thracian mint. He further argues the 'Rome mint' style can be explained by Roman die engravers being transferred to Thrace. The style indeed mirrors contemporary Rome mint denarii, which can only be a result of the same engravers working on both issues. Despite the flat fabric of the flans, the style does not match up to the later Thracian issues (heavily seriffed letters, large portraits), and the circulation pattern appears to be similar with the Rome mint issues. For the time being I'll attribute Group 1 and 1A to Rome until further evidence comes to light. FWIW, the above coin appears to be a metal detectorist find, possibly from the UK. David Atherton
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RIC 513 Domitian as Caesar [Titus]Æ Semis, 3.86g
Eastern mint (Thrace?), 80-81 AD
Obv: CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIAN COS VII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS; Poppy between crossed cornucopiae
RIC 513 (R2). BMC -. BNC -. RPC 510 (1 spec.).
Acquired from Herakles, March 2023. Ex Leu Numismatik Web Auction 24, 3-6 December 2022, lot 2731.
Late in Titus' reign an unidentified mint struck a series of imperial bronze coins. They can be distinguished from the products of Rome by style (heavily seriffed letters, large portraits, massive reverse figures), fabric (flat or convex flans), and distribution (Balkans). Attributing exactly where these coins were struck has historically been a moving target - Mattingly in BMCRE thought Lugdunum, H.A. Cahn believed somewhere in Bithynia. More recent scholarship has looked towards Thrace as a possible location for production based on the Balkan distribution pattern of found specimens. Although the region of mintage has been narrowed down, the city itself remains elusive. RPC has suggested possibly Perinthus. Presumably a shortage of bronze coins in the region during Titus' reign prompted a localised imperial issue. The striking of imperial bronze outside of Rome was an exceptional step at the time considering the last imperial branch mint at Lugdunum had shuttered late in Vespasian's reign. The issue consisted of sestertii, dupondii, asses, and semisses which copied types struck at Rome. This extremely rare semis has more of an Eastern themed reverse with the crossed cornucopiae. Missing from both the BM and Paris collections. Only one specimen cited by RPC in Berlin, an obverse die match with my example. David Atherton
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RIC 094 TitusAR Quinarius, 1.39g
Rome mint, 79-80 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: VICTORIA AVGVST (anti-clockwise, outwardly, from high l.); Victory std. l., with wreath and palm
RIC 94 (C). BMC 110. RSC 370a. BNC 88.
Ex Tauler & Fau Auction 122, 2 February 2023, lot 2607.
Titus sparingly struck a small undated issue of quinarii in either 79 or 80. This Roman Republican Victory type is copied from quinarii previously minted by Vespasian. It is a mystery as to why quinarii were minted during the imperial era. Were they struck to make up required sums for imperial donatives as A Dictionary of Ancient Roman Coins states? Or were they minted as presentation pieces to be given away at special occasions? The opening games of the Colosseum is one such contemporary event that comes to mind. Either way, imperial quinarii are very scarce today.David Atherton
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RIC 133 TitusÆ Sestertius, 23.26g
Rome mint, 80 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IVDAEA CAPTA; S C in exergue; Palm tree; to l., Captive stg. r.; to r., Judaea std. r.
RIC 133 (R2). BMC -. BNC -. Hendin 1589.
Acquired from Solidus, March 2023. Ex Solidus Auction 108, 8 November 2022, lot 299.
An extremely rare Judaea Capta commemorative sestertius struck for Titus in early 80, possibly to coincide with the opening of the massive Flavian Amphitheater. A recently discovered dedicatory inscription of the building states "The Emperor Titus Caesar Vespasian Augustus Commanded the New Amphitheater to be Built from the Spoils of War." Combined with the original decoration scheme of palm trees, shields, and captives it is compelling evidence that Titus' 'Judaea Capta' coins were issued during the structure's inaugural games in the late spring or early summer of 80. The reverse copies a similar Judaea Capta type struck for Vespasian in 71, possibly serving as a 'stop-gap' issue until new reverse designs were prepared for Titus (RIC, p.184). The coin features a couple of differences from the more common 'IVD CAP' sestertii struck later in the same year: the obverse legend is counter clockwise with 'VESPASIAN' fully spelled out, and the reverse fully spells 'IVDAEA CAPTA' with some minor differences in the design (figures are reversed around the palm, shield instead of plough near standing captive). RIC places this coin as a Rome mint issue struck in early 80 alongside two other types - Mars and Pax, based on the 'Rome mint' style of the portraits, all of which share the same obverse die. Curtis Clay has proposed (Gemini IX, lot 448) a Thracian origin for the issue because of the flat fabric of the flans (a trademark of the Thracian mint), many of the specimens came to market after the fall of the Iron Curtain, and the reverse designs match those struck later at the Thracian mint. He further argues the 'Rome mint' style can be explained by Roman die engravers being transferred to Thrace. The style indeed mirrors contemporary Rome mint denarii, which can only be a result of the same engravers working on both issues. Despite the flat fabric of the flans, the style does not match up to the later Thracian issues (heavily seriffed letters, large portraits), and the circulation pattern appears to be similar with the Rome mint issues. Therefore, I believe the coins were struck in Rome, possibly for circulation in the East. Missing from both the BM and Paris collections.David Atherton
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RIC 508 Domitian as Caesar [Titus]Æ Sestertius, 23.43g
Eastern mint (Thrace?), 80-81 AD
Obv: CAES DIVI AVG VESP F DOMITIAN COS VII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PAX AVGVST; S C in field; Pax stg. l., with branch and cornucopiae
RIC 508 (R). BMC 315. BNC -. RPC 504.
Ex Sol Numismatik Auction XI, 4 March 2023, lot 295.
A mystery mint struck coins for Titus and Domitian as Caesar sometime between 80-81. The style (heavily seriffed letters, large portraits, massive reverse figures), and uncommon fabric (flat, almost convex flans) all suggest a mint other than Rome. Attributing exactly where these coins were struck has historically been a moving target - Mattingly in BMCRE thought Lugdunum, H.A. Cahn believed somewhere in Bithynia. More recent scholarship has looked towards Thrace as a possible location for production based on the Balkan distribution pattern of found specimens. Although the region of mintage has been narrowed down, the city itself remains elusive. RPC has suggested possibly Perinthus. Presumably a shortage of bronze coins in the region during Titus' reign prompted a localised imperial issue. The striking of imperial bronze outside of Rome was an exceptional step at the time considering the last imperial branch mint at Lugdunum had shuttered late in Vespasian's reign. The issue consisted of sestertii, dupondii, asses, and semisses which copied types struck at Rome. This rare sestertius struck for Domitian as Caesar copies the Pax type struck contemporaneously for him at Rome. It can be distinguished from that issue by style and fabric.David Atherton
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RIC 306 Domitian as Caesar [Titus]Æ Sestertius, 20.64g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: CAES DIVI AVG VESP F DOMITIAN COS VII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: VICTORIA AVG; S C in field; Victory stg. l., leaning on column, with cornucopiae and palm
RIC 306 (R2). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Incitatus Coins, February 2023. Ex Emporium Hamburg Alpha Auction 10, 8 January 2023, lot 261.
A reverse type struck for both Titus and Domitian Caesar symbolising the bountiful prosperity Victory has brought to the empire. This Domitian Caesar variety featuring 'DOMITIAN' on the obverse and 'AVG' on the reverse is extremely rare (only one specimen in Oxford was known to the RIC II.1 authors upon publication). Perhaps the fourth known specimen, now rated 'R2' in the unpublished RIC II.1 A&C. A double die match with the Oxford specimen. David Atherton
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RIC 064 TitusÆ Sestertius, 23.36g
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: S C in field; Spes stg. l., with flower
RIC 64 (R2). BMC -. BNC -.
Ex Private Collection, December 2022.
Spes is a 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.' Suetonius would have us believe this public fraternal affection was a sham and Domitian did everything he could to plot against Titus. Dio goes so far as to say Domitian hastened Titus' death by having him packed in ice! All of this can be dismissed as nothing more than post-Domitianic gossip intended to blacken Domitian's name. The Flavian historian Brian Jones speculates the brother's relationship was one of 'mutual indifference and ignorance' due to their age and personality differences. Regardless, as the numismatic evidence shows, Titus looked upon Domitian as his legitimate heir until his natural death in mid September 81.
The Flavian mint had a habit of not striking bronze coins in any great quantity at the beginning of a reign. That was the case with Vespasian and again under Titus. The first several months of the mint's efforts were heavily concentrated on the denarius issues, presumably for monetary donatives to the troops. All Titus's early bronze coins dated COS VII are very scarce, sometimes known from just a few specimens. This COS VII Spes sestertius is cited by RIC in Vienna, another in the OCRE database from the ANS collection. David Atherton
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RIC 398 Julia Titi [Titus]Æ Dupondius, 10.29g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IVLIA IMP T AVG F AVGVSTA; Bust of Julia Titi, draped, r., hair piled high in front and coiled in bun at back
Rev: VESTA in exergue; S C in field; Vesta std. l., holding palladium and sceptre
RIC 398 (C). BMC 257. BNC 271.
Acquired from Dmitry Markov Coins, December 2022.
Titus' daughter Julia Titi was granted the title Augusta during his reign sometime in 80 or 81. A small issue of dupondii were struck to commemorate the occasion, most of which are fairly scarce today. This Vesta reverse type is probably one of the more commonly encountered varities of the issue. Julia is shown on this example sporting the classic Flavian style female hairdo that became very fashionable at the time. After Titus's 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 as well. 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, 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.
It is quite tragic that this young lady was used as fodder to defame Domitian by ancient writers. Even in David Vagi's magisterial work Coinage and History of the Roman Empire the unfounded rumours about Julia and Domitian's incestuous relationship are uncritically repeated. I wanted to set the record straight. David Atherton
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RIC 315 Domitian as Caesar [Titus]Æ Dupondius/As, 9.62g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: CAES DIVI AVG VESP F DOMITIAN COS VII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: S C in field; Minerva stg. l., with thunderbolt and spear; shield at her side
RIC 315 (R2). BMC -. BNC -.
Ex Savuto Collection, acquired from Herakles Numismatics.
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 a coin is a dupondius or an as because the two denominations shared the same reverse types. This specimen struck under Titus appears to be an as due to the lower weight and apparent metal composition of copper. It is a fairly rare variety of this common Minerva type with 'AVG' in the obverse legend. Missing from both the BM and Paris collections.David Atherton
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RIC 512 Domitian as Caesar [Titus]Æ Dupondius/As, 12.76g
Eastern mint (Thrace?), 80-81 AD
Obv: CAES DIVI AVG VESP F DOMITIAN COS VII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: CERES AVGVST; S C in field; Ceres stg. l., holding corn-ears and torch
RIC 512 (C). BMC spec. acquired 1988. BNC -. RPC 508.
Acquired from Ken Dorney, November 2022.
Late in Titus' reign an unidentified mint struck a series of imperial bronze coins. They can be distinguished from the products of Rome by style (heavily seriffed letters, large portraits, massive reverse figures), fabric (flat or convex flans), and distribution (Balkans). Attributing exactly where these coins were struck has historically been a moving target - Mattingly in BMCRE thought Lugdunum, H.A. Cahn believed somewhere in Bithynia. More recent scholarship has looked towards Thrace as a possible location for production based on the Balkan distribution pattern of found specimens. Although the region of mintage has been narrowed down, the city itself remains elusive. RPC has suggested possibly Perinthus. Presumably a shortage of bronze coins in the region during Titus' reign prompted a localised imperial issue. The striking of imperial bronze outside of Rome was an exceptional step at the time considering the last imperial branch mint at Lugdunum had shuttered late in Vespasian's reign. The issue consisted of sestertii, dupondii, asses, and semisses which copied types struck at Rome. Dupondii and asses shared the same reverse designs for Domitian as Caesar, making it sometimes difficult to distinguish them. This CERES AVGVST specimen's heavy weight, large diameter, and brass composition undoubtedly favours it to be a dupondius.David Atherton
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RIC 214 TitusÆ As, 10.01g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: AEQVITAS AVGVST; S C in field; Aequitas stg. l., with scales and rod
RIC 214 (C). BMC 203. BNC 206.
Ex Aphrodite Auction 6, 22-24 October 2022, lot 585.
Titus' bronze issue dated COS VIII is quite large due to the fact he did not renew the consulship in 81 and the coins most likely spanned both years. It's not unusual at the start of a reign for the Rome mint to strike coin types that conjure up feelings of familiarity and continuance. Here we see a common Aequitas type which was originally struck under Vespasian, who in turn copied it from Galba. Aequitas likely represents fairness in issuing out the corn dole.David Atherton
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RIC 090A TitusAR Denarius, 2.75g
Rome mint, 79-80 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: CERES AVGVST; Ceres stg. l., with corn ears and poppy and sceptre
RIC 90A (R3). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex NN London Auction 9, 29 October 2022, lot 329.
The reverse type of Ceres standing is a carry-over from Titus as Caesar under Vespasian. Many of Titus' first reverse types as Augustus were a continuation of those produced for him as Caesar during the last years of Vespasian's reign, 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, being struck for just a few days at the start of the reign. This undated left facing portrait variety of the type with a later obverse legend is unique and previously unpublished. This is either a mule pairing an old reverse die from Titus' first denarius issue with a left facing portrait die from a later issue, or it is an exceedingly rare carry-over type intentionally struck, perhaps for only a few days (hours?). It fits in neatly with a similar unique undated aureus of the type (RIC 90). I contacted RIC II.1 co-author professor Ian Carrdadice about this new discovery and he has confirmed the coin as a new variety for Titus and has assigned it as RIC 90A in the upcoming Addenda & Corrigenda.David Atherton
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RIC 262 Domitilla the Elder [Titus]Æ Sestertius, 25.51g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: MEMORIAE / DOMI/TILLAE; S P Q R in exergue; Carpentum drawn r. by two mules
REV: IMP T CAES DIVI VESP F AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; S C, large, in centre
RIC 262 (C). BMC 226. BNC 234.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, October 2022. Ex Bertolami E-Live Auction 236, 24-25 September 2022, lot 803.
Domitilla the Elder was the wife of Vespasian and mother of Titus and Domitian. She married Vespasian either in 39 or 40 and died prior to him rising to the purple in 69. Titus struck a commemorative issue of sestertii publicly honouring his mother in 80 or 81. S. Wood writes of the type 'The carpentum was a vehicle that marked both the high rank and the sanctity of its passenger. Only Vestal Virgins and women of equivalent status were permitted to use carpenta within the city. Since the Julio-Claudian era, a number of imperial women had been granted the rights of honorary Vestals, despite being wives and mothers. Livia was the first to receive this distinction, followed by Antonia Minor and Caligula's three sisters, while Agrippina the Elder, the mother of Caligula, became a posthumous honorary Vestal as part of Caligula's rehabilitation of her memory.' Wood speculates the funeral games honouring Vespasian may have occasioned the appearance of Domitilla's carpentum both in the funeral procession and on the coinage. Clearly by the Flavian age the carpentum was a well known symbol of honour for women of the imperial household. Titus's use of a nearly 60 year old imperial cult image was quite in keeping with his reissue of older Julio-claudian reverse types. David Atherton
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RIC 149 TitusÆ Sestertius, 25.80g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: IVD CAP across field; S C in exergue; Palm tree; to l., Judaea std. l. on arms; to r., Captive stg. r., looking back
RIC 149 (C). BMC 165. BNC 157. Hendin 1592.
Ex Bertolami E-Live Auction 236, 24-25 September 2022, lot 800.
The Jewish War was a gift that kept on giving for the Flavian dynasty. This rare Judaea Capta commemorative sestertius was struck a decade after the fall of Jerusalem for Titus as Augustus. The new emperor wished to remind the Roman populace of his military bona fides and his part in the Jewish War. This later variant of the type differs from those stuck under Vespasian by the shortened reverse legend (IVD CAP instead of IVDAEA CAPTA) and the presence of an oblong shield or yoke(?) to the right of the standing captive. COS VIII dates the coin to either 80 or 81, although it's possible the IVD CAP types were struck in 80 to coincide with the opening of the massive Flavian Amphitheater. A recently discovered dedicatory inscription of the building states "The Emperor Titus Caesar Vespasian Augustus Commanded the New Amphitheater to be Built from the Spoils of War." Combined with the original decoration scheme of palm trees, shields, and captives it is compelling evidence the IVD CAP coins were issued during the structure's inaugural games in the late spring or early summer of 80. David Atherton
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RIC 197 Titus Æ Dupondius, 11.78g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII; Head of Titus, radiate, bearded, r.
Rev: CONCORDIA AVGVST; S C in exergue; Concordia std. l., with patera and cornucopiae
RIC 197 (C). BMC -. BNC 192.
Acquired from Roman Coin Shop, September 2022.
Titus' bronze issue dated COS VIII is quite large due to the fact he did not renew the consulship in 81 and most likely the coins span both years. Concordia, the personification of harmony, may have been an appropriate propaganda type if there were grumblings from Domitian and his clique of followers. 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) The rumours surrounding Domitian's sour grapes towards Titus could be post Domitianic backlash against the hated tyrant, but the coins may provide contemporary evidence that all was not well between the two siblings. The Concordia type was struck in several variants, this one with the full spelling of 'Concordia' is the most common. Missing from the BM.
Luckily for me a mint worker nearly 2000 years neglected to change out a worn die and kept using it beyond its natural usefulness. The results of that 'Friday afternoon' decision is a coin with a fairly decent obverse and a mushy reverse ... and a bargain for me! David Atherton
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RIC 213 TitusÆ Dupondius, 13.42g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII; Head of Titus, radiate, bearded, l.
Rev: VESTA in exergue; S C in field; Vesta std. l., with palladium and sceptre
RIC 213 (C). BMC 201. BNC 204.
Acquired from Carthago Numismatics, August 2022.
This seated Vesta type is quite common on Titus' bronze coinage, much more so than on Vespasian's earlier issues where she is more commonly represented as standing. Vesta, the goddess of home and hearth, is seen here holding a palladium - a wooden cult image of Pallas Athena which oversees the safety and well being of Rome. Her cult was maintained by the Vestal Virgins.David Atherton
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RIC 347 Domitian as Caesar [Titus]Æ Dupondius/As, 10.95g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIAN COS VII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: S C in field; Minerva stg. l., with thunderbolt and spear; shield at her side
RIC 347 (C). BMC 245. BNC 255.
Acquired from Incitatus Coins, July 2022.
The dupondii and asses struck for Domitian Caesar under Vespasian and Titus at times can be difficult to differentiate. Both used the same reverse types and laureate portraits. Despite this coin's heavier weight, the copper colour and smaller flan size suggests this piece was intended to circulate as an as. The Minerva reverse hints early on at Domitian's unwavering devotion to the goddess and demonstrates that he had quite a bit of influence regarding his coin's reverse types.David Atherton
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RIC 437 Drusus, Restored by Titus Æ As, 9.40g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: DRVSVS CAESAR TI AVG F DIVI AVG N; Head of Drusus, bare, l.
Rev: IMP T CAES DIVI VESP F AVG REST; S C in centre
RIC 437 var. BMC 286 var. BNC 298 var.
Acquired from Aegean, May 2022.
Titus struck an extensive restoration series of bronze coins of Flavian approved past emperors and imperial family members which reproduced the original coins in their entirety. While this veneration of past coinages was not a new idea (Vespasian copied past types on many reverses for the precious metal issues) it was quite an innovation to copy both the obverse and reverse of these past coinages. To do so likely had a dual purpose - one, to recoin types that were being recalled or falling out of circulation and to keep their memory alive, and secondly to link the Flavian house with those past revered personages. The meaning is quite clear on the reverse with Titus declaring he has restored (REST) this coin. Drusus was the son of the emperor Tiberius. This coin faithfully reproduces a similar type struck for him under his father. Curtis Clay has observed "The rev. legend on restored bronzes of Titus generally starts at upper right if the type is merely S C surrounded by one or two lines of legend, but at lower left if an actual old reverse type is reproduced along with the regular S C." This as is one of those special variants that faithfully reproduces the old reverse type.David Atherton
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RIC 421 Galba, Restored by TitusÆ Sestertius, 23.83g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP SER SVLP GALBA CAES AVG TR P; Head of Galba, laureate, r.
Rev: IMP T CAES DIVI VESP F AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; REST above S C in centre
RIC 421 (C). BMC 305. BNC 319.
Acquired from Savoca Coins, May 2022.
Titus struck an extensive restoration series of bronze coins of Flavian approved past emperors and imperial family members which reproduced the original coins in their entirety. While this veneration of past coinages was not a new idea (Vespasian copied past types on many reverses for the precious metal issues) it was quite an innovation to copy both the obverse and reverse of these past coinages. To do so likely had a dual purpose - one, to recoin types that were being recalled or falling out of circulation and to keep their memory alive, and secondly to link the Flavian house with those past revered personages. The meaning is quite clear on the reverse with Titus declaring he has restored (REST) this coin. H. Mattingly in BMCRE II described the series as a 'roll of honour of the early Empire, preserving all memories that deserved to be remembered.' Prior to the early Second century works by Suetonius and Tacitus with their less than glowing praise of the aged Galba, he was seemingly regarded as an emperor worthy of veneration. This was the lone sestertius type struck for him under Titus.David Atherton
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RIC 454 Divus Augustus, Restored by TitusÆ As, 9.40g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: DIVVS AVGVSTVS PATER; Head of Augustus, radiate, l.
Rev: IMP T VESP AVG REST; PROVIDENT in exergue; S C in field; Altar
RIC 454 (C3). BMC -. BNC 282.
Acquired from Savoca Coins, April 2022.
Titus struck an extensive restoration series of bronze coins of Flavian approved past emperors and imperial family members which reproduced the original coins in their entirety. While this veneration of past coinages was not a new idea (Vespasian copied past types on many reverses for the precious metal issues) it was quite an innovation to copy both the obverse and reverse of these past coinages. To do so likely had a dual purpose - one, to recoin types that were being recalled or falling out of circulation and to keep their memory alive, and secondly to link the Flavian house with those past revered personages. The meaning is quite clear on the reverse with Titus declaring he has restored (REST) this coin. H. Mattingly in BMCRE II writes 'those of Divus Augustus are especially appropriate in view of the consecration of Divus Vespasianus, which was evidently modelled on that of his predecessor.'
This Provident altar restoration as struck for Divus Augustus has nine different variants, this is by far the most common one. It faithfully copies the same type struck under Tiberius. 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. Although a common type under Vespasian, it was produced under Titus exclusively for the Divus Augustus restoration asses.
Oddly (for such a common type), missing from the BM!David Atherton
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RIC 351 Domitian as Caesar [Titus]Æ Dupondius/As, 12.26g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIAN COS VII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: S C in field; Spes stg. l., with flower
RIC 351 (R). BMC -. BNC 258.
Acquired from eBay, April 2022.
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 a coin is 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, the reverse features the standard Flavian Spes type common to the bronze coinage. Scarce enough to be missing from the BM.David Atherton
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RIC 043 Titus Reverse BrockageAR Denarius, 2.55g
Rome mint, 79 AD
Obv: Incuse; Same type as rev.
Rev: TR P VIIII IMP XV COS VII P P; Quadriga l., with corn ears
RIC 43 (R). BMC 34. RSC 293. BNC 30.
Acquired from delcampe, February 2022. Ex Jean Elsen & ses Fils S.A. Auction 86, 10 December 2005, lot 256.
From David Vagi's Coinage and History of the Roman Empire: 'A "brockage" striking occurs when a coin that is already struck adheres to one of the coin dies (usually to the reverse die, which is held in the minter's hand) and is not removed before another fresh planchet is placed between the dies. The result is that a fresh planchet receives the normal image from the clear die, and an incused impression of that very same design from the coin that is stuck to the opposite die. This is a relatively common error on denarii of the Roman Republic, and is perhaps the most dramatic of all errors found on ancient coins. Only very rarely will a brockage feature the reverse design.'
Struck after 1 July 79 AD, this Titus brockage denarius was surprisingly produced during a time of excellent quality control at the mint of Rome. Unlike an obverse brockage, a reverse brockage allows for easier cataloguing since the specific reverse type is known. The minor wear indicates the piece freely circulated and was accepted as normal currency. J. P. Goddard estimates that up to 4% of Roman Republican denarii were brockages! That number is significantly diminished during the Flavian era.
The normal variant of this quadriga type is fairly rare on its own. Needless to say I was quite astonished to find one as a reverse brockage! An utterly fascinating unique coin.David Atherton
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RIC 348 Domitian as Caesar [Titus]Æ Dupondius/As, 11.22g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIAN COS VII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: S C in field; Minerva stg. l., with thunderbolt and spear; shield at her side
RIC 348 (C). BMC -. BNC 256.
Acquired from Laurel Coins, January 2021.
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 a coin is a dupondius or an As. This coin's heavier weight suggests it is a dupondius. Struck under Titus, the reverse features Domitian's patron deity Minerva and hints that he had quite a bit to say regarding his coin types. A common variant of the type, unusually missing from the BM.David Atherton
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RIC 238 Titus ProtocontorniateÆ Protocontorniate As, 10.53g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: S C in field; Spes stg. l., with flower
RIC 238 (C). BMC 214. BNC 221.
Acquired from eBay, January 2021.
This common as of Titus may have served another life centuries later functioning as a protocontorniate. Nathan T. Elkins describes them as such: 'A protocontorniate is a normal, large-module bronze coin, typically a sestertius, which at some point was later altered by hammering the edges of the coin so that it could serve some other use. A common assumption is that protocontorniates functioned as game counters since the rim created through hammering could protect the designs. Andreas Alföldi believed
protocontorniates to be forerunners of the contorniates of the fourth and
fifth centuries. He argued that protocontorniates were New Year’s gifts and
that the older coins were actually hammered in the fourth century before the
contorniates proper came into being.' Although this coin is not a sestertius, I believe it to be one of these so called 'game counters'. The edges appear to have been hammered in antiquity because of the similar patina with the coin's flat surfaces.
For the price of a nice dinner out on the town I think I've acquired a nifty numismatic oddity.David Atherton
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RIC 073 TitusÆ As, 10.89g
Rome mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: S C in field; Spes stg. l., with flower
RIC 73 (R2). BMC p. 238 ‖. BNC -.
Acquired from CGB.fr, December 2021.
Titus' first issues of bronze as Augustus struck in 79, dated COS VII, are all very rare. They were produced sometime during the last six months of the year after his rise to the purple at the end of June, presumably in very modest numbers based on the meagre specimens that have survived antiquity. This As from that scanty issue features the familiar Spes reverse, likely based on a cult image. Spes was a 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.' Suetonius would have us believe this public fraternal affection was a sham and Domitian did everything he could to plot against Titus. Dio goes so far as to say Domitian hastened Titus's death by having him packed in ice! All of this can be dismissed as nothing more than post-Domitianic gossip intended to blacken Domitian's name. The Flavian historian Brian Jones speculates the brother's relationship was one of 'mutual indifference and ignorance' due to their age and personality differences. Regardless, as the numismatic evidence shows, Titus looked upon Domitian as his legitimate heir until his natural death in mid September 81.
This particular variant is currently missing from both the Paris and BM collections. Curiously, Mattingly in BMCRE II references Cohen, who in turn cites a specimen in the Paris collection - apparently missing by the time the BNC II catalogue was published in 1998(?).David Atherton
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RIC 254 TitusÆ Quadrans, 2.45g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T VESP AVG COS VIII; Head of Minerva, helmeted, r.
Rev: S C in laurel wreath
RIC 254 (C). BMC 219. BNC 255.
Ex Kölner 115, 29 October 2021, lot 359.
A small issue of quadrantes dated COS VIII were struck for Titus sometime in 80 or 81. Although the frequency rating in RIC is listed as 'common' for this Minerva type, the denomination as a whole is fairly uncommon for Titus. Their rarity today is likely a result of them being of low value and typically not hoarded.David Atherton
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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 Atherton
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RIC 506 TitusÆ Quadrans, 3.29g
Eastern Mint (Thrace?), 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES DIVI VES F AVG; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IVLIA AVGVSTA; Julia std. l., with patera and sceptre
RIC 506 (R2). BMC -. BNC -. RPC p. 137.
Acquired from Praefectus Coins, July 2021.
An unidentified Eastern mint struck coins for Titus sometime between 80-81. The style, fabric, and unique obverse legends (DIVI VES F in this case) all suggest a mint other than Rome. Attributing exactly where these coins were struck has historically been a moving target - Mattingly in BMCRE thought Lugdunum, H.A. Cahn believed somewhere in Bithynia. More recent scholarship has looked towards Thrace as a possible location for production based on the Balkan distribution pattern of found specimens. Although the region of mintage has been narrowed down, the city itself remains elusive. RPC has suggested possibly Perinthus. Presumably a shortage of bronze coins in the region during Titus' reign prompted a localised imperial issue.
This extremely rare orichalcum quadrans featuring Titus' daughter teenage Julia Titi on the reverse is unique to this mint. It is also the only time both father and daughter appeared jointly on an imperial coin. Julia was granted the title Augusta sometime in 80 or 81 which may have prompted her presence on the coinage. Missing from both the BM and Paris collections and only referenced in RPC (p. 137) as possibly from Rome with no specimen in the plates. Attractive dark patina with golden highlights.
David Atherton
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RIC 403 Divus Augustus, Restored by TitusÆ Sestertius, 24.96g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: DIVVS AVGVSTVS PATER; Augustus, radiate, std. l. on curule chair, feet on stool, holding patera in r. hand and long vertical sceptre in l.
Rev: IMP T CAES DIVI VESP F AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; REST above S C in centre
RIC 403 (R). BMC 263. BNC -.
Acquired from Incitatus Coins, June 2021.
Titus struck an extensive restoration series of bronze coins of Flavian approved past emperors and imperial family members which reproduced the original coins in their entirety. While this veneration of past coinages was not a new idea (Vespasian copied past types on many reverses for the precious metal issues) it was quite an innovation to copy both the obverse and reverse of these past coinages. To do so likely had a dual purpose - one, to recoin types that were being recalled or falling out of circulation and to keep their memory alive, and secondly to link the Flavian house with those past revered personages. The meaning is quite clear on the reverse with Titus declaring he has restored (REST) the coin.
This sestertius struck for Divus Augustus copies a Tiberian proto-type. Titus produced the type in several various designs (throne with or without high-back, curule chair). Here we have the somewhat scarcer 'curule chair' variant. Interestingly, a similar version was also struck for Divus Vespasian.David Atherton
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RIC 432 Tiberius, Restored by TitusÆ As, 11.18g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVST IMP VIII; Head of Tiberius, bare, l.
Rev: IMP T CAES DIVI VESP F AVG REST; S C in centre
RIC 432 (C2). BMC -. BNC 294.
Acquired from Ken Dorney, May 2021. Ex James Pickering Collection.
Titus struck an extensive restoration series of bronze coins of Flavian approved past emperors and imperial family members which reproduced the original coins in their entirety. While this veneration of past coinages was not a new idea (Vespasian copied past types on many reverses for the precious metal issues) it was quite an innovation to copy both the obverse and reverse of these past coinages. To do so likely had a dual purpose - one, to recoin types that were being recalled or falling out of circulation and to keep their memory alive, and secondly to link the Flavian house with those past revered personages. The meaning is quite clear on the reverse with Titus declaring he has restored (REST) the coin.
This restoration As struck for Tiberius copies a familiar type originally struck by both Augustus and Tiberius as emperor. From a modern point of view the choice of the coin's subject for restoration is puzzling. Long before Suetonius's infamous swimming pool scene in his Life of Tiberius immortalised Tiberius as a sexual deviant, he apparently was considered in Flavian times as one of the 'good' emperors worthy of remembrance, despite his lack of deification.
David Atherton
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RIC 470 Agrippa, Restored by TitusÆ As, 9.95g
Rome mint, 80 -81 AD
Obv: M AGRIPPA L F COS III; Head of Agrippa with rostral crown, l.
Rev: IMP T VESP AVG REST; S C in field; Neptune stg. l., with dolphin and trident
RIC 470 (C2). BMC 281. BNC 289.
Acquired from Ken Dorney, May 2021.
A restoration As struck by Titus for M. Agrippa, faithfully copying both obverse and reverse of a famous type originally struck by Tiberius and Caligula. Neptune was a most appropriate reverse for Augustus's naval commander at the Battle of Actium. David Atherton
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RIC 504 TitusÆ Semis, 4.11g
Eastern Mint (Thrace?), 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAESAR DIVI VESPAS F AVG; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IVD CAP across field; S C in field; Palm tree; to l., Judaea std. l. on arms; to r., yoke
RIC 504 (R). BMC 259. BNC 275. RPC -. Hendin 1598.
Acquired from Herakles, March 2021. Ex Forvm Ancient Coins. Ex Ancient Imports.
An unidentified Eastern mint struck coins for Titus sometime between 80-81. The style (heavily seriffed letters, large portraits, and massive reverse figures), unique obverse legends (DIVI VESP F for Titus), and uncommon fabric (flat, almost convex flans) all suggest a mint other than Rome. Attributing exactly where these coins were struck has historically been a moving target - Mattingly in BMCRE thought Lugdunum, H.A. Cahn believed somewhere in Bithynia. More recent scholarship has looked towards Thrace as a possible location for production based on the Balkan distribution pattern of found specimens. Although the region of mintage has been narrowed down, the city itself remains elusive. RPC has suggested possibly Perinthus. Presumably a shortage of bronze coins in the region during Titus' reign prompted a localised imperial issue. The striking of imperial bronze outside of Rome was an exceptional step at the time considering the last imperial branch mint at Lugdunum had shuttered late in Vespasian's reign. The issue consisted of sestertii, dupondii, asses, and semisses which copied types struck at Rome. This rare Judaea Capta, reminiscent of the ones struck for the sestertii, is the only reverse type that was produced for the semis. Oddly not listed in RPC.David Atherton
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RIC 442 Germanicus, Restored by TitusÆ As, 10.16g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: GERMANICVS CAESAR TI AVG F DIVI AVG N; Head of Germanicus, bare, l.
Rev: IMP T CAES DIVI VESP F AVG REST; S C in centre
RIC 442 (C). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Herakles, March 2021.
Titus struck an extensive restoration series of bronze coins of Flavian approved past emperors and imperial family members which reproduced the original coins in their entirety. While this veneration of past coinages was not a new idea (Vespasian copied past types on many reverses for the precious metal issues) it was quite an innovation to copy both the obverse and reverse of these past coinages. To do so likely had a dual purpose - one, to recoin types that were being recalled or falling out of circulation and to keep their memory alive, and secondly to link the Flavian house with those past revered personages. The meaning is quite clear on the reverse with Titus declaring he has restored (RESTITVIT) the coin.
Germanicus Julius Caesar (24 May 15 BC – 10 October 19 AD) was an immensely beloved member of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. Son of Nero Claudius Drusus and Antonia the Younger, grandson to the emperor Augustus, nephew to the emperor Tiberius, and brother to the emperor Claudius. He was a very successful general in Germania and celebrated a triumph for those campaigns. He later died in Syria of unknown causes (although, it is rumoured the 'Tiberius friendly' Senator Piso had him poisoned). Apparently, he was still a beloved figure during the Flavian era.David Atherton
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RIC 161 TitusÆ Sestertius, 28.24g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PROVIDENT AVGVST; S C in exergue; Vespasian and Titus, both togate, stg. r. and l., together holding globe over rudder
RIC 161 (R). BMC 181. BNC 171.
Ex Teutoburger Auction 132/133, 1-5 December 2020, lot 459 .
An iconic dynastic type struck during Titus' fairly large bronze issue of 80-81. Mattingly in BMCRE II succinctly sums up the reverse: "A type of 'Providentia Augusti' shows Vespasian, now a god, handing over to Titus the 'regimen orbis', symbolized by a globe over a rudder. 'Providentia' is the virtue of wise foresight, which leads an Emperor to make the succession sure." This bit of imperial propaganda must have been extremely important to the new regime based on the commonness of the type. It was very important for Titus as the new princeps to show continuity with his father's policies. The powerful symbolism of Vespasian handing over 'the rudder of the world' to Titus is a brilliant piece of visual storytelling. This right facing portrait is slightly rarer than the left facing variant.
David Atherton
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RIC 162 TitusÆ Sestertius, 23.74g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: PROVIDENT AVGVST; S C in exergue; Vespasian and Titus, both togate, stg. r. and l., together holding globe over rudder
RIC 162 (C). BMC 178. BNC 169.
Acquired from CGB.fr, February 2021.
A dynastic type struck during Titus' fairly large bronze issue of 80-81. Mattingly in BMCRE II succinctly sums up the reverse: "A type of 'Providentia Augusti' shows Vespasian, now a god, handing over to Titus the 'regimen orbis', symbolized by a globe over a rudder. 'Providentia' is the virtue of wise foresight, which leads an Emperor to make the succession sure." This bit of imperial propaganda must have been extremely important to the new regime based on the commonness of the type. David Atherton
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RIC 509 Domitian as Caesar [Titus]Æ Sestertius, 24.47g
Eastern mint (Thrace?), 80-81 AD
Obv: CAES DIVI AVG VESP F DOMITIANVS COS VII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: S C in field; Mars, with cloak over shoulders, adv. r., with spear and trophy
RIC 509 (R2). BMC p. 296 *. RPC 505. BNC 326.
Acquired from Aegean, January 2021.
An unidentified Eastern mint struck coins for Titus and Domitian as Caesar sometime between 80-81 AD. The style (heavily seriffed letters, large portraits, massive reverse figures), and uncommon fabric (flat, almost convex flans) all suggest a mint other than Rome. Attributing exactly where these coins were struck has historically been a moving target - Mattingly in BMCRE thought Lugdunum, H.A. Cahn believed somewhere in Bithynia. More recent scholarship has looked towards Thrace as a possible location for production based on the Balkan distribution pattern of found specimens. Although the region of mintage has been narrowed down, the city itself remains elusive. RPC has suggested possibly Perinthus. Presumably a shortage of bronze coins in the region during Titus' reign prompted a localised imperial issue. The striking of imperial bronze outside of Rome was an exceptional step at the time considering the last imperial branch mint at Lugdunum had shuttered late in Vespasian's reign. The issue consisted of sestertii, dupondii, asses, and semisses which copied types struck at Rome. This very rare sestertius produced for Domitian as Caesar copies the more commonly found Mars type contemporaneously struck for Titus at this mint. Missing from the BM's extensive collection.David Atherton
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RIC 255 TitusÆ Quadrans, 2.52g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T VESP AVG COS VIII; Modius
Rev: S C in laurel wreath
RIC 255 (C). BMC 220. BNC 227.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, January 2021.
A small issue of quadrantes dated COS VIII were struck for Titus sometime in 80 or 81. The modius/ S C laurel wreath type copies the famous quadrans struck under Claudius. Although the frequency rating in RIC is 'common', this denomination for Titus is fairly uncommon.
Well centred with full legend.David Atherton
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RIC 507 Domitian as Caesar [Titus]Æ Sestertius, 24.78g
Eastern mint (Thrace?), 80-81 AD
Obv: CAES DIVI AVG VESP F DOMITIANVS COS VII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PAX AVGVST; S C in field; Pax stg. l., with branch and cornucopiae
RIC 507 (R). BMC p. 295 note. BNC -. RPC 504.
Acquired from Akropolis Ancient Coins, November 2020.
A mystery mint struck coins for Titus and Domitian as Caesar sometime between 80-81. The style (heavily seriffed letters, large portraits, massive reverse figures), and uncommon fabric (flat, almost convex flans) all suggest a mint other than Rome. Attributing exactly where these coins were struck has historically been a moving target - Mattingly in BMCRE thought Lugdunum, H.A. Cahn believed somewhere in Bithynia. More recent scholarship has looked towards Thrace as a possible location for production based on the Balkan distribution pattern of found specimens. Although the region of mintage has been narrowed down, the city itself remains elusive. RPC has suggested possibly Perinthus. Presumably a shortage of bronze coins in the region during Titus' reign prompted a localised imperial issue. The striking of imperial bronze outside of Rome was an exceptional step at the time considering the last imperial branch mint at Lugdunum had shuttered late in Vespasian's reign. The issue consisted of sestertii, dupondii, asses, and semisses which copied types struck at Rome. This rare sestertius struck for Domitian as Caesar copies the Pax type struck contemporaneously for him at Rome. It can be distinguished from that issue by style and fabric. This variety with obverse DOMITIANVS is missing from both the BM and Paris collections.
Dark Chocolate patina and fine 'Thracian' style.David Atherton
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RIC 500 TitusÆ Sestertius, 24.04g
Eastern Mint (Thrace?), 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES DIVI VESP F AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IVD CAP; S C in field; Palm tree; to l., Judaea std. l. on arms; to r., captive stg. r.
RIC 500 (R2). BMC p. 433 note. BNC -. RPC 503 (1 spec.). Hendin 1596.
Acquired from Incitatus Coins, May 2020.
The Jewish War was a gift that kept on giving for the Flavian dynasty. This rare Judaea Capta sestertius was struck a decade after the fall of Jerusalem for Titus as Augustus. The new emperor wished to remind the Roman populace of his military bona fides. The coin is from of a very mysterious issue of bronze struck in 80-81. The style (heavily seriffed letters, large portraits, and massive reverse figures), unique obverse legends (DIVI VESP F for Titus), and uncommon fabric (convex flans) all suggest a mint other than Rome. Attributing exactly where these coins were struck has historically been a moving target - Mattingly in BMCRE thought Lugdunum, H.A. Cahn believed somewhere in Bithynia. More recent scholarship has looked towards Thrace as a possible location for production based on the Balkan distribution pattern of found specimens. Although the region of mintage has been narrowed down, the city itself remains elusive. RPC has suggested possibly Perinthus. Presumably a shortage of bronze coins in the region during Titus' reign prompted a localised imperial issue, which in the main copied types from Rome. The striking of imperial bronze outside of Rome was an exceptional step at the time considering the last imperial branch mint at Lugdunum had shuttered late in Vespasian's reign.
This later variant of the type differs from those stuck under Vespasian by the shortened reverse legend and the presence of a yoke(?) to the right of the standing captive.
Worn, but the major devices are intact. An honest piece.David Atherton
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RIC 227 TitusÆ As, 10.39g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: GENIO P R; S C in field; Genius stg. l., with patera over altar and cornucopiae
RIC 227 (R2). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Romae Aeternae Numismatics, May 2020.
A variant of the Genius reverse with a rare right facing portrait, most of these are seen facing left. GENIO P R - 'The spirit of the Roman people' is not a common motif in Flavian coinage, although ten years previously it was a popular type during the Civil War. H. Mattingly connects the type under Titus with 'the vows undertaken for the first five years of the new reign'. The coin is dated COS VIII which Titus held in 80 (he did not renew the consulship in 81). Missing from the extensive BM and Paris collections.
Fetching dark green patina and decent style.David Atherton
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RIC 170 TitusÆ Sestertius, 23.63g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: S C in field; Spes stg. l., with flower
RIC 170 (C2). BMC 183. BNC 174.
Acquired from Ampex, eBay, May 2020.
Spes was a 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.' The left facing portrait variants of the type tend to be in a somewhat finer style than those facing right, likely the handiwork of one talented engraver who preferred lefties. Unlike with Titus' denarii, left portraits in bronze are quite common.
Honest wear in fine style.David Atherton
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RIC 229 TitusÆ As, 10.28g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PAX AVGVST; S C in field; Pax stg. l., with branch and caduceus
RIC 229 (C). BMC specimen acquired 1968. BNC 218.
Acquired from Praefectus Coins, March 2020.
A common carry-over Pax type from Vespasian's reign. She is seen here with an olive branch and Felicitas' caduceus, likely based on a cult image. There were several versions of the Pax type struck in this fairly large bronze issue - the variant with branch and caduceus being the most common. This issue with Titus as COS VIII dates to 80-81. It cannot be narrowed down to one year or the other because Titus did not resume the consulship in 81. The most logical conclusion is that the coins from this substantial issue spans both years, which would account for its unusually large size.
In good condition with a fine olive green patina.David Atherton
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RIC 238 TitusÆ As, 10.71g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, 1.
Rev: S C in field; Spes stg. l., with flower
RIC 238 (C). BMC 214. BNC 221.
Acquired from Praefectus Coins, March 2020.
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.'
Nice dark olive green patina.David Atherton
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RIC 142 TitusÆ Sestertius, 27.89g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: FELICIT AVGVST; S C in field; Felicitas stg. l., with sceptre and cornucopiae
RIC 142 (C). BMC 157. BNC -.
Acquired from Holding History, eBay, March 2020. Ex Stephen Album, Auction 35, 12-14 September 2019, lot 532. Formerly in NGC holder #5768192-010, with grade VF, strike 4/5, surface 2/5.
In the late spring or early summer of 80 AD Rome suffered a disastrous fire and soon afterwards a devastating plague (perhaps typhus or smallpox). Suetonius tells us that the pestilence was 'unprecedented' and Eusebius claims 10,000 perished. Felicitas, the personification of happiness and prosperity, was greatly needed by both the emperor Titus and the Roman people. This coin struck sometime in 80 or 81 (Titus did not renew the consulship in 81) advertises her blessings through the emperor. This was a fairly popular type during the reign and likely was struck to ease any public anxiety over the recent tragedies. Despite being common, it is missing from the extensive Paris collection.
The left facing portraits struck in this bronze issue tend to be in a slightly finer style than the right facing ones. Perhaps there was one gifted engraver who preferred his portraits facing left?
David Atherton
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RIC 212 TitusÆ Dupondius, 11.40g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII; Head of Titus, radiate, bearded, r.
Rev: VESTA in exergue; S C in field; Vesta std. l., with palladium and sceptre
RIC 212 (C). BMC 200. BNC 203.
Ex eBay, 9 February 2020.
It's not unusual at the start of a reign for the Rome mint to strike coin types that conjure up feelings of familiarity and continuance. Vesta is certainly one of those types and Titus' moneyers made full use of her propaganda value. She 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.
Great style and good metal.David Atherton
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RIC 333 Domitian as Caesar [Titus]Æ Dupondius/As, 9.38g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIAN COS VII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: CERES AVGVST; S C in field; Ceres stg. l., with corn ears and torch
RIC 333 (R). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Aegean Numismatics, December 2019.
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 a coin is a dupondius or an As. The new RIC authors firmly assume all the bronze Ceres types struck for Domitian Caesar under Vespasian and Titus are dupondii and are catalogued as such. This bronze Ceres struck under Titus defies that neat categorisation. The low weight and coppery metal suggests this is actually an As not a dupondius! Confusingly, it is struck on a dupondius sized flan. Regardless, one would assume the average Roman on the street would have treated this coin as an As.
Fine style struck on a large flan.
David Atherton
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RIC 237 TitusÆ As, 11.25g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: S C in field; Spes stg. l., with flower
RIC 237 (C). BMC 216. BNC 220.
Acquired from ANE, November 2019.
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.' Suetonius would have us believe this public fraternal affection was a sham and Domitian did everything he could to plot against Titus. The Flavian historian Brian Jones speculates the brother's relationship was one of 'mutual indifference and ignorance' due to their age and personality differences. Regardless, as the numismatic evidence shows, Titus looked upon Domitian as his legitimate heir until his untimely natural death in mid September 81.
Struck with a somewhat worn reverse die, otherwise in good style.David Atherton
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RIC 230 TitusÆ As, 12.12g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: PAX AVGVST; S C in field; Pax stg. l., with branch and caduceus
RIC 230 (C). BMC 212. BNC 219.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, November 2019.
A common carry-over Pax type from Vespasian's reign. She is seen here with an olive branch and Felicitas' caduceus. The perennial propaganda value of advertising and taking credit for peace on the coinage cannot be underestimated.
A fine style left facing portrait.David Atherton
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RIC 204 TitusÆ Dupondius, 11.48g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII; Head of Titus, radiate, bearded, l.
Rev: SALVS AVG; S C in exergue; Salus std. l., with patera
RIC 204 (C). BMC 197. BNC 198.
Acquired from Incitatus Coins, November 2019. Ex Wendt Auction XIII, 9 November 1976, lot 973.
Titus' bronze issue dated COS VIII is quite large due to the fact he did not renew the consulship in 81 and the coins most likely spanned both years. With that in mind, the meaning behind this Salus type is quite intriguing. Titus died on 13 September 81 and there is some circumstantial evidence hinting that the illness was prolonged, perhaps evident as early as June of that year. Dio and Suetonius report that he wept openly in front of the crowds at the games, perhaps due to deteriorating health. Did the mint master have time enough before Titus' death to strike a coin reverse featuring the goddess of health and well-being in the hopes of divine aid? Conversely, H. Mattingly speculates the Salus reverse commemorates an altar to the goddess dedicated by Titus. Perhaps that may be so. It is not a rare coin, indicating it was struck for a longer rather than shorter period of time.
Dark chocolate patina and good style.David Atherton
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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 Atherton
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RIC 189 TitusÆ Dupondius, 11.80g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII; Head of Titus, radiate, bearded, r.
Rev: CERES AVGVST; S C in field; Ceres stg. l., with corn ears and torch
RIC 189 (C). BMC 191A. BNC 191.
Acquired from Excalibur Coins, eBay, October 2019. Formerly in ANACS holder 4892849, grade 'F 15', wrongly attributed to Vespasian.
The standing Ceres type was a carry-over reverse from the reign of Vespasian. During Titus' reign it was sparingly struck in silver, but more commonly so in bronze. This dupondius is from Titus' great issue of bronze of 80-81. Because Titus did not take up the consulship in 81, the issue cannot be dated more precisely.David Atherton
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RIC 137 TitusÆ Sestertius, 23.56g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: ANNONA AVG; Annona stg. l., with statuette of Aequitas and cornucopiae; to l., modius with corn ears; to r., stern of ship
RIC 137 (C2). BMC 153. BNC 152.
Acquired from Dr. Busso Peus Nachf., September 2019.
Ensuring that the urban plebs were well fed was an important responsibility of the emperor. The reliability of the imperial grain supply from Africa was crucial. This sestertius struck in 80-81 by Titus advertises his commitment, through the auspices of Annona, to fairly provide enough bread for the dole. Annona holding a figure of Aequitas, while standing next to a modius full of corn, and with a docked grain ship in the background was explicitly powerful propaganda. The government provided a dole of free grain to around 200, 000 citizens in the city. Every pleb had little doubt who to thank for their daily bread and coins like this are one of the reasons why. This fairly common sestertius was struck during Titus’ great issue of bronze in 80-81. Oddly, the reverse lacks the Senatus Consulto decree seen on most of his imperial bronze. Perhaps Titus wanted full credit?
A fabulous portrait in fine style.David Atherton
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RIC 070 TitusÆ As, 8.70g
Rome mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PAX AVGVST; S C in field; Pax stg. l., leaning on column, with caduceus and branch
RIC 70 (R2). BMC p. 253 note. BNC -.
Acquired from Münzen & Medaillen, September 2019.
Titus' first issues of bronze as Augustus struck in 79, dated COS VII, are all very rare. They were produced sometime during the last six months of the year after his rise to the purple at the end of June, presumably in very modest numbers based on the meagre specimens that have survived antiquity. This As from that scanty issue features the familiar Pax and column type, likely based on a familiar cult image of the deity. Pax is holding a caduceus, an allusion to the peaceful prosperity credited to the emperor. Missing from both the London and Paris collections.
Worn, but with a beautiful olive green patina and bold legends.David Atherton
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RIC 248 TitusÆ As, 10.39g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: VICTORIA AVGVST; S C in field; Victory stg. r. on prow, with wreath and palm
RIC 248 (C). BMC 217. BNC 222.
Acquired from eBay, September 2019.
A fairly common As struck in Titus' large second issue of bronze in 80-81. Because Titus did not take up the consulship in 81, the issue cannot be dated more precisely. The Victory on prow is a carry-over type from the coinage of Vespasian, who in turn borrowed it from the coinage of Augustus. It is a fairly popular generic design symbolising the emperor's military successes. The prow lends it a nautical theme, perhaps alluding to a successful ongoing Flavian naval policy.
Very attractively toned with a pleasing portrait.
David Atherton
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RIC 498 TitusÆ Sestertius, 24.38g
Eastern Mint (Thrace?), 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES DIVI VESP F AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PAX AVGVST; S C in field; Pax stg. l., with branch and cornucopiae
RIC 498 (C). BMC 309. RPC 501. BNC 323.
Acquired from Munthandel G. Henzen, June 2019.
A mystery mint struck coins for Titus sometime between 80-81. The style (heavily seriffed letters, large portraits, and massive reverse figures), unique obverse legends (DIVI VESP F for Titus), and uncommon fabric (flat, almost convex flans) all suggest a mint other than Rome. Attributing exactly where these coins were struck has historically been a moving target - Mattingly in BMCRE thought Lugdunum, H.A. Cahn believed somewhere in Bithynia. More recent scholarship has looked towards Thrace as a possible location for production based on the Balkan distribution pattern of found specimens. Although the region of mintage has been narrowed down, the city itself remains elusive. RPC has suggested possibly Perinthus. Presumably a shortage of bronze coins in the region during Titus' reign prompted a localised imperial issue. The striking of imperial bronze outside of Rome was an exceptional step at the time considering the last imperial branch mint at Lugdunum had shuttered late in Vespasian's reign. The issue consisted of sestertii, dupondii, asses, and semisses which copied types struck at Rome. This sestertius with its massive portrait and large reverse figure is quite typical for this elusive mint. The reverse copies a common Pax type struck contemporaneously at Rome.
Good style with dark brown patina.David Atherton
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RIC 220 TitusÆ As, 9.10g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: AETERNIT AVGVST; S C in field; Aeternitas stg. r., l. foot on globe, with sceptre and cornucopiae
RIC 220 (R). BMC p. 266 note. BNC 212.
Acquired from eBay, June 2019.
Aeternitas, the personification of eternity, as a coin type was first introduced during the reign of Vespasian and would be periodically struck until the 4th century. This As featuring Aeternitas was struck during Titus' second and largest bronze issue in 80-81. Mattingly in BMCRE II speculates the type here refers to the consecration of Vespasian - 'Aeternitas holds sceptre and cornucopiae, the attributes of majesty and prosperity, while the globe under her foot shows that the application is world-wide. Stress is laid more on the great future than on the great past of the Flavian line.' A most fitting interpretation for a coin that declares 'The eternity of the Augustus'.
Honest wear with greenish-brown patina.David Atherton
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RIC 016A TitusAR Denarius, 2.83g
Rome mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: ANNONA AVG; Annona std. l., with sack of corn ears
RIC 16A (R3). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex Roma Numismatics E-Sale 58, 20 June 2019, lot 1078.
A unique First issue Annona paired with a Second issue obverse legend. The Annona reverse was a carry-over type struck for Titus as Caesar under Vespasian just before his death and was likely issued in the first few days of Titus' reign as a stop-gap until new reverse designs could be created. It is by far the rarest type from the First issue. The obverse legend changed in the second issue from the First issue's IMP T CAESAR to IMP TITVS CAES, this would be the standard obverse legend on the denarii for the remainder of the reign. The appearance of the Annona type with the new obverse legend is possibly a mule using an old First issue reverse die with a new Second issue obverse. There is a slight possibility that it was an intentional strike, but the fact that no other Second issue Annona specimens have surfaced is a strong indication it is accidental.
I informed Ian Carradice of the piece and he has assigned it RIC 16A in the upcoming RIC II.1 Addenda with the note: 'Perhaps a mule, with rev die from the previous issue'.
Good Roman style. David Atherton
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RIC 294 Domitian as Caesar [Titus]Æ Sestertius, 24.01g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: CAES DIVI AVG VESP F DOMITIANVS COS VII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: S C in field; Minerva adv. r., with spear and shield
RIC 294 (C). BMC 231. BNC 238.
Acquired from Olding, MA Shops, May 2019 = Olding, List 96, March 2019, Sammlung Fritz Reusing, no. 177. From the collection of Fritz Reusing (1874-1956), inherited and continued by Reusing's nephew Paul Schürer (1890-1976).
An exquisite sestertius struck for Domitian as Caesar under Titus featuring his patron deity Minerva. DIVI AVG VESP F tells us the coin was struck after Vespasian's deification. The date of Vespasian's consecratio is dated by the epigraphic evidence sometime between 8 September 79 and 29 May 80. Nathan T. Elkins has proposed that the opening games of the Colosseum were in honour of Vespasian's deification. If so, this sestertius could not have been struck much earlier than June 80. The Minerva reverse was one of the more common types struck during this second bronze issue for Domitian Caesar under Titus.
Although fine portraits can occasionally be seen in silver, it is on the larger canvas of the bronze where the full flower of Roman imperial portraiture can be seen. This sestertius has one of the finest portraits of Domitian I've come across. A superb example of the imperial engraver's art. David Atherton
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RIC 215 TitusÆ As, 9.73g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: AEQVITAS AVGVST; S C in field; Aequitas stg. l., with scales and rod
RIC 215 (C). BMC 204. BNC 207.
Ex eBay, 10 May 2019.
Titus produced a sizeable bronze issue in 80-81. He did not renew the consulship in 81, so it is difficult to pin down a precise date. Owing to the issue's large size it is likely many of the coins did indeed spill over into 81. Here we see a common Aequitas type from that large issue which was originally struck under Vespasian, who in turn copied it from Galba. Aequitas likely represents fairness in issuing out the corn dole.
Honest wear with a dark olive green patina.David Atherton
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RIC 503 TitusÆ Dupondius, 12.49g
Eastern Mint (Thrace?), 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES DIVI VESP F AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; Head of Titus, radiate, bearded, r.
Rev: ROMA; S C in exergue; Roma std. l. on cuirass, with wreath and parazonium
RIC 503 (R). BMC 314. RPC 507. BNC 325.
Acquired from eBay, April 2019. Formerly in NGC holder 4680932-001, grade 'XF', strike 5/5, surface 3/5.
A mystery mint struck coins for Titus sometime between 80-81. The style (heavily seriffed letters, large portraits, and massive reverse figures), unique obverse legends (DIVI VESP F for Titus), and uncommon fabric (flat, almost convex flans) all suggest a mint other than Rome. Attributing exactly where these coins were struck has historically been a moving target - Mattingly in BMCRE thought Lugdunum, H.A. Cahn believed somewhere in Bithynia. More recent scholarship has looked towards Thrace as a possible location for production based on the Balkan distribution pattern of found specimens. Although the region of mintage has been narrowed down, the city itself remains elusive. RPC has suggested possibly Perinthus. Presumably a shortage of bronze coins in the region during Titus' reign prompted a localised imperial issue. The striking of imperial bronze outside of Rome was an exceptional step at the time considering the last imperial branch mint at Lugdunum had shuttered late in Vespasian's reign. The issue consisted of sestertii, dupondii, asses, and semisses which copied types struck at Rome. Only one reverse is known for the dupondius, the Roma type seen on this coin.
Beautifully toned with an extraordinarily decadent portrait.David Atherton
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RIC 260 Divus Vespasian [Titus]Æ Sestertius, 27.35g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: DIVVS AVGVSTVS VESP; Deified Vespasian std. l., with branch and sceptre
Rev: IMP T CAES DIVI VESP F AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; S C, large, in centre
RIC 260 (R2). BMC 224. BNC 232.
Ex eBay, 21 February 2019. Ex Tom Cederlind, 1996.
The funeral Titus held for his father Vespasian in the early summer of 79 was a lavish affair. Suetonius says it reportedly cost 10 million sestertii! B. Levick in her Vespasian biography speculates the procession was closely modelled on the one held for Divus Augustus by Tiberius. Vespasian's body was borne by leading senators on a funerary couch of ivory and gold with the body hidden from view, instead onlookers saw a wax image of Vespasian in triumphal gear. A cult statue of the dead emperor was also displayed in a triumphal chariot - the same statue of Vespasian that is likely commemorated on the obverse of this rare sestertius struck by Titus for the deified Vespasian. Two variants of the obverse legend occur: one with 'VESPASIAN' (seated on a curule chair) and this coin's 'VESP' - which seems to be slightly rarer. Only one obverse die has been recorded for this variant.
The seated emperor with branch and sceptre was also struck for Divus Augustus in a restoration issue by Titus. Minting the same type for both Divus Augustus and Divus Vespasian was a way to stress a parallel between the two emperors, a parallel that Vespasian had earlier emphasised with his own coinage. The 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.
Beautiful dark brown patina. A fine piece in hand!David Atherton
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RIC 155 TitusÆ Sestertius, 22.74g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: PAX AVGVST; S C in field; Pax stg. l., with branch and cornucopiae
RIC 155 (C). BMC 171. BNC 162.
Acquired from Marti Numismatics, January 2019.
Pax was a fairly common reverse type struck for Titus. This particular Pax with branch and cornucopiae is a carry-over from Vespasian's coinage. Apparently, the propaganda value of peace was quite limitless. Despite the wear, this coin features one of the most magnificent coin portraits of Titus I have come across in either silver or bronze. Truly the work of a master engraver! There is one peculiar thing I have noticed about Titus' bronze coinage, the left facing portraits tend to be in a finer style than the right facing ones. Perhaps a talented engraver at the mint preferred his portraits facing left?
Worn, but in exceptionally fine style with an appealing dark patina.David Atherton
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RIC 499 TitusÆ Sestertius, 24.63g
Eastern Mint (Thrace?), 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES DIVI VESP F AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: S C in field; Mars, with cloak over shoulders, adv. r., with spear and trophy
RIC 499 (C). BMC 310. RPC 502. BNC 324.
Acquired from Ken Dorney, December 2018.
A remarkable sestertius from a truly mysterious issue of bronze that was struck under Titus in 80-81. The style (heavily seriffed letters, large portraits, and massive reverse figures), unique obverse legends (DIVI VESP F for Titus), and uncommon fabric (convex flans) all suggest a mint other than Rome. Attributing exactly where these coins were struck has historically been a moving target - Mattingly in BMCRE thought Lugdunum, H.A. Cahn believed somewhere in Bithynia. More recent scholarship has looked towards Thrace as a possible location for production based on the Balkan distribution pattern of found specimens. Although the region of mintage has been narrowed down, the city itself remains elusive. RPC has suggested possibly Perinthus. Presumably a shortage of bronze coins in the region during Titus' reign prompted a localised imperial issue, which in the main copied types from Rome. The striking of imperial bronze outside of Rome was an exceptional step at the time considering the last imperial branch mint at Lugdunum had shuttered late in Vespasian's reign.
An appealing example with a beautiful sandy patina.David Atherton
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RIC 233 TitusÆ As, 11.89g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: PAX AVGVST; S C in field; Pax stg. l., with branch and cornucopiae
RIC 233 (R3). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Praefectus Coins, December 2018. Ex Hirsch 317, 18 February 2016, lot 2027. Ex Hirsch 249, 6 February 2007, lot 1851.
The various stock Pax types struck for Titus are general carry-overs from Vespasian's reign and are normally seen on Titus' sestertii and asses. This as is a rare variety of the standing Pax type. She is seen here holding a cornucopiae instead of the much more common variant with caduceus. This reverse type with AVGVST instead of AVGVSTI is also extremely rare - only one specimen was known when the new RIC II.1 was published.
Fine style portrait and a pleasing coppery tone.David Atherton
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RIC 108 Titus (2)AR Denarius, 3.26g
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 JW Harper Collection.
Most dies of this 'pulvinar' type depict the wreath sitting atop the chair unadorned. Here we see what appears to be some sort of semi-circular backing. Ben Damsky in his paper 'The Throne and Curule Chair types of Titus and Domitian' speculated the semicircle variant may be the result of a literal minded engraver who included the support device that held the wreath in place(!). I'm not quite sure what it is. Possibly it is just some sort added decoration. Regardless, it is a Rare variant of this common 'pulvinar' type. A quick scan of asearch.info turned up 80 specimens with an unadorned chair and only 7 with a semicircular 'frame'.
Well centred and good metal.David Atherton
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RIC 104 TitusAR Denarius, 3.15g
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; Captives, two, back to back, seated either side of trophy (man on l., woman on r.)
RIC 104(R). BMC 40. RSC 306a. BNC -. Hendin 1584b.
Ex Lanz, eBay, October 2017.
Rare variant of the two captives type with the male and female captives swapping places - more commonly the man (bound captive) is on the right, the woman on the left. 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!
Even though the coin is a bit worn it still has good eye appeal. Even wear and well centred. David Atherton
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RIC 388 Julia Titi [Titus]AR Denarius, 3.09g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IVLIA AVGVSTA TITI AVGVSTI F; Bust of Julia Titi, draped and diademed, r., hair in long plait
Rev: VENVS AVGVST; Venus stg. r., leaning on column, with helmet and spear
RIC 388 (C2). BMC 142. RSC 14. BNC 106.
Acquired from Aegean Numismatics, August 2017.
The most 'common' variant of Julia Titi's Venus denarii. However, I think RIC's frequency rating of 'C2' overstates the case. The same reverse type is also shared with Titus. Stylistic note - many of Julia's portraits have the facial features of either Titus or Domitian Caesar, this example is no exception.
Struck on a large flan in decent style.
David Atherton
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RIC 517 Domitian as Caesar [Titus]AR Cistophorus, 10.77g
Rome mint (for Asia), 80-81 AD
Obv: CAES DIVI F DOMITIANVS COS VII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: DIVO VESP across field; Altar shrine
RIC 517 (R). BMC 150. RSC 95. RPC 862 (6 spec.). BNC 112.
Acquired from NumisCorner, July 2017.
A fairly scarce Domitian Caesar cistophorus struck under Titus. The reverse honours the divine Vespasian and shows what catalogues have traditionally called a 'large altar' - in fact what the reverse depicts is a shrine in the shape of an altar. The doors, columns, and steps are strong evidence that what we are seeing is a building and not an altar. How the shrine related to the Temple of the Divine Vespasian is unknown.
Struck in good metal and fine Roman style.David Atherton
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RIC 359a Divus Vespasian [Titus] Engraver's ErrorAR Denarius, 2.92g
Rome Mint, 79-80 AD
Obv: DIVVS AVGVSPVS (sic) VESPASIANVS; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: Column mounted by shield and topped by urn, flanked by two laurels; in field, EX, on shield, S C
RIC 359a (C). BMC 124. RSC 149. BNC 98.
Ex Private Collection.
A Divus Vespasian denarius struck by Titus with an interesting engraver's error in the obverse legend - 'P' instead of 'T' in AVGVSTVS. Almost certainly unique to this one die. The style and weight are good - so, an official product of Rome.
Worn, but all the major devices are intact.David Atherton
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RIC 516 TitusAR Cistophorus, 10.55g
Rome mint (for Asia), 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: Aquila between two standards, one surmounted by a banner, the other by a hand
RIC 516 (R). BMC 149. RSC 398. RPC 861 (4 spec.). BNC -.
Ex CNG E400, 28 June 2017, lot 609.
A small issue of Asian cistophori were struck under Titus in 80 or 81 AD. Style and the six o'clock die axis point to Rome as the likely mint. Two types were coined for Titus - Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus and Aquila between two standards. These are the only coins of Titus that are identifiable as being struck after the fire of 80 since one of the types commemorates the restoration of the Capitoline Temple. The issue continued into Domitian's reign with the same two reverse types. The fact that Titus' cistophori are much rarer than those of Domitian may indicate they were struck near the end of Titus' reign in 81 rather than 80. The aquila between two standards copies similar reverse types from Nero's denarii and the bronze of Galba. The portraits on Titus' cistophori are in the same style as his pulvinaria denarii.
Struck in fine Roman style. Golden toned with hints of a rainbow hue. David Atherton
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RIC 091 TitusAR Quinarius, 1.55g
Rome mint, 79-80 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: VICTORIA AVGVST (clockwise, inwardly, from low l.); Victory adv. r., with wreath and palm
RIC 91 (C). BMC 108. RSC 356. BNC 87.
Ex CNG E399, 14 June 2017, lot 486.
Titus struck a small undated issue of quinarii, most of which are fairly rare. This traditional Victory type is copied from quinarii minted by Vespasian.
Struck in a fine and neat style, typical of the mint during this period.David Atherton
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