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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.4 commentsDavid Atherton04/07/24 at 21:25quadrans: Nice find 👍

RIC 113 TitusAR Denarius, 3.38g
Rome mint, 80 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P; Dolphin coiled round anchor
RIC 113 (R). BMC p. 235 note. RSC 310. BNC 64.
Acquired from Sondermann Numismatics, May 2011.

A rare left facing example of this desirable type. Well centered with a hint of gunmetal toning. 1 commentsDavid Atherton03/27/24 at 18:14Eric S2: If it becomes available please contact me. Eschna...

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.

3 commentsDavid Atherton03/12/24 at 05:50quadrans: Great 🤗👍

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.2 commentsDavid Atherton02/12/24 at 20:26quadrans: Nice

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. 9 commentsDavid Atherton02/12/24 at 19:46vindelicus: Congrats! Not many people actually have this coin.

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!1 commentsDavid Atherton01/31/24 at 12:51Jay GT4: Another great Clay rarity!

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.2 commentsDavid Atherton01/27/24 at 18:20ancientdave: Attractive portrait!

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 80.1 commentsDavid Atherton12/11/23 at 18:44Jay GT4: Supreme rarity!

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.3 commentsDavid Atherton11/30/23 at 21:53ancientdave: An attractive rarity!

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. 1 commentsDavid Atherton11/23/23 at 02:38Jay GT4: Lovely reverse!

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. 9 commentsDavid Atherton11/22/23 at 02:14paul1888: Really nice piece of history

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.1 commentsDavid Atherton11/20/23 at 19:02Jay GT4: Rare type and great provenance

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. 9 commentsDavid Atherton11/09/23 at 17:33ancientdave: Wow. A holy grail addition! Bravo!

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. 9 commentsDavid Atherton11/09/23 at 03:51wileyc: very nice, was not aware even of this type, a uniq...

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. 9 commentsDavid Atherton11/04/23 at 05:49Serendipity: A remarkable Colosseum coin!

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. 9 commentsDavid Atherton10/31/23 at 16:08Virgil H: Amazing, congrats on finding this one

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. 9 commentsDavid Atherton10/31/23 at 01:24CPK: Wow! Congrats on a lifetime collection achievement...

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. 9 commentsDavid Atherton10/30/23 at 23:10Jay GT4: Outstanding historic type!

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. 9 commentsDavid Atherton10/30/23 at 15:26Dirk J: Congratulations on the coin and making a dream com...

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).1 commentsDavid Atherton09/06/23 at 23:17Jay GT4: Handsome portrait

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. 3 commentsDavid Atherton08/05/23 at 01:52Virgil H: Love this one, nice portrait and I love the revers...

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. 3 commentsDavid Atherton07/28/23 at 11:32Jay GT4: Great rarity! You're on a roll

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.1 commentsDavid Atherton07/02/23 at 12:24Jay GT4: Great coin and even better in hand

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).
1 commentsDavid Atherton06/14/23 at 12:25Jay GT4: Superb rarity! And even better in hand!

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.2 commentsDavid Atherton05/30/23 at 12:49Jay GT4: Great rarity

RIC 047 TitusAR Denarius, 3.04g
Rome Mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: TR P VIIII IMP XV COS VII P P; Rostral column, ornamented at sides with beaks of ships and surmounted by a statue, radiate, naked except for cloak, standing front, holding vertical spear in r. hand and parazonium at side in l.
RIC 47 (R). BMC 28. RSC 291. BNC 27.
Ex Heritage, eBay, November 2016. Formerly in NGC holder 4252958-018.

A carry-over design from Vespasian's coinage copying a similar type struck for Octavian (BMCRE I 103, 633). The column on the reverse depicts the monument erected to commemorate Octavian's victory over Pompey bearing the bronze rams of Pompey's captured ships and surmounted by a gilded statue. Rare with left facing portrait.

Worn, but in good metal and nicely centred. 4 commentsDavid Atherton05/20/23 at 04:58Russell K2: That is fantastic!

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.1 commentsDavid Atherton05/10/23 at 13:04Jay GT4: Nice big coin

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. 1 commentsDavid Atherton04/18/23 at 17:11Jay GT4: Amazing find!

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. 1 commentsDavid Atherton04/17/23 at 20:54Virgil H: Lovely reverse, great coin

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.1 commentsDavid Atherton04/03/23 at 13:12Jay GT4: Sweet find

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.2 commentsDavid Atherton03/29/23 at 05:20Curtis JJ: Great coin, congratulations! Great bit of history ...

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.2 commentsDavid Atherton03/29/23 at 02:27Jay GT4: It was a long journey to get this one!

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. 4 commentsDavid Atherton03/08/23 at 05:47Virgil H: Wonderful

RIC 089 TitusAR Denarius, 3.31g
Rome Mint, 79-80 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG PM; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: BONVS EVENTVS AVGVSTI; Bonus Eventus stg. l., with patera and corn ears and poppy
RIC 89 (C). BMC 106. RSC 25. BNC 83.
Acquired from Apollo Numismatics, January 2006.

Bonus Eventus, 'good outcome', is sometimes depicted as a naked youth with strong agricultural imagery holding corn ears and poppies. The type is undoubtedly based on a cult image. Pliny mentions two famous statues of Bonus Eventus in a similar pose - one in marble by Praxiteles, the other in bronze by Euphranor. BMCRE speculates this undated denarius of Titus may follow a Neronian tradition, alluding to Egypt and the corn supply.

This is not one of Titus' easiest reverse types to find! I spent the best part of a year looking for a VF or better example in good style.
7 commentsDavid Atherton01/10/23 at 14:29Russell K2: Great example

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. 1 commentsDavid Atherton01/02/23 at 21:20Jay GT4: Superb rarity

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.2 commentsDavid Atherton12/28/22 at 03:59Ron C2: nice snag - and the RIC reference coin to boot!

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. 1 commentsDavid Atherton12/12/22 at 23:28Jay GT4: Congrats

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.1 commentsDavid Atherton11/30/22 at 18:51Jay GT4: Excellent coin and a distinguished pedigree!

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.1 commentsDavid Atherton11/17/22 at 19:52Jay GT4: I've always liked Titus portraits.

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.2 commentsDavid Atherton11/08/22 at 11:28Jay GT4: Glad you were able to get it

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. 2 commentsDavid Atherton11/03/22 at 06:14LordBest: Fantastic, not a coin you see often

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. 1 commentsDavid Atherton10/16/22 at 12:50Jay GT4: Wonderful portrait

RIC 001 TitusAR Denarius, 3.10g
Rome Mint, 24 June-1 July 79 AD
Obv: IMP T CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR POT VIII COS VII; Trophy; below, captive kneeling r.
RIC 1 (R). BMC 1. RSC 334a. BNC -. Hendin 1582.
Acquired from Hail Cesare, August 2004.

Titus minted quite a flurry of denarii after Vespasian's death in June 79 AD. They advertise many of the same themes and types previously issued for Titus as Caesar under Vespasian, such as this carry-over 'Capta' type struck within the first week of Titus' reign. It may either be a Judaea or Britannia capta commemorative. Mattingly in the BMCRE (p. xli) interprets these types of Titus as Augustus as referring to Britannia and Agricola's campaigns in Northern England and Scotland. Jane M. Cody in the book 'Flavian Rome' (pg. 111) agrees with Mattingly, citing the differences in shield and trophy designs with the standard Judaea Capta types. Confusingly, Mattingly states that this type issued for Titus as Caesar under Vespasian refers to Judaea while Cody believes both issues were minted for victories in Britain because of identical composition and detail. I believe it to be a Judaea Capta commemorative. Titus's bronze coinage overtly advertises the Judean victory with no hint of a British one. It would be odd indeed if the propaganda messages on the precious metal coinage diverged so significantly from the bronze! Additionally, this type was solely struck for Titus Caesar under Vespasian - if it is a British victory commemorative, why was it not struck for Vespasian the ruling emperor?

Definitely one of my favourite coins in the collection. The condition alone is enough to take your breath away.10 commentsDavid Atherton09/30/22 at 22:17Jay GT4: Great coin

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!1 commentsDavid Atherton05/07/22 at 23:13Jay GT4: Was on my watch list too. Congrats

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.1 commentsDavid Atherton04/16/22 at 16:05Jay GT4: Good find

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.2 commentsDavid Atherton03/11/22 at 21:56Ron C2: quite a rarity - well acquired!

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.5 commentsDavid Atherton02/18/22 at 23:16Virgil H: Stunning

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.1 commentsDavid Atherton02/03/22 at 21:29Jay GT4: Great curiosity!

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(?).1 commentsDavid Atherton12/30/21 at 17:18Jay GT4: Good find

RIC 023 TitusAR Denarius, 3.00g
Rome Mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: TR P VIIII IMP XIIII COS VII P P; Ceres std. l., with corn ears and poppy and torch
RIC 23 (R3). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex eBay, May 2016.

This is the second known specimen of an extremely rare portrait left Ceres type. The only other known specimen was in the Harry Sneh collection and was sold in the Gemini IX sale, 8 January, lot 333 (RIC plate coin). My coin shares an obverse die. It's not often that a second specimen of a unique Flavian type turns up, especially for Titus!

Nicely toned with good eye appeal despite the wear and a few scratches.7 commentsDavid Atherton12/06/21 at 05:12Jay GT4: Same dies as mine Very Happy

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.1 commentsDavid Atherton12/02/21 at 16:58Jay GT4: Nice little coin

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?2 commentsDavid Atherton10/02/21 at 06:17orfew: Very nice portrait on a great coin

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.
2 commentsDavid Atherton07/29/21 at 16:51Jay GT4: Nice!

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.
3 commentsDavid Atherton06/28/21 at 13:09Serendipity: Interesting last point.

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.3 commentsDavid Atherton06/19/21 at 14:58quadrans: Nice one

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. 1 commentsDavid Atherton05/27/21 at 15:34Jay GT4: I really like these Flavian restoration types

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.3 commentsDavid Atherton04/05/21 at 07:18quadrans: Interesting coin 👍

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.
4 commentsDavid Atherton03/15/21 at 18:50okidoki: excellent

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.4 commentsDavid Atherton03/12/21 at 09:25Gerhard M: A fantastic coin in a superb condition! Congrats 8...

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.4 commentsDavid Atherton03/11/21 at 13:13FlaviusDomitianus: Amazing: I've also started to collect restitut...

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