| Last comments - 2. The Reign of Titus - Imperial Coins |
RIC 271 Domitian as Caesar [Titus]AR Denarius, 2.74g
Rome Mint, 80 AD
Obv: CAESAR DIVI F DOMITIANVS COS VII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS; Square seat, draped with cloth hanging in folds, with tassels: on it, crested Corinthian helmet
RIC 271 (C2). BMC 98. RSC 399a. BNC 79.
Acquired from Et Tu Antiquities, November 2007.
Domitian as Caesar issued this denarius under Titus in 80 AD. The reverse is part of the pulvinaria series which commemorates the opening of the Colosseum in 80 AD.
Pulvinaria were sacred couches of the gods which had symbolic attributes set upon them. In this case, the Corinthian helmet and table are attributes of Minerva, the patron goddess of Domitian.
A wonderful denarius with a good portrait in a fine style.
David Atherton12/21/07 at 21:32*Alex: Congratulations. That is another nice coin.
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RIC 271 Domitian as Caesar [Titus]AR Denarius, 2.74g
Rome Mint, 80 AD
Obv: CAESAR DIVI F DOMITIANVS COS VII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS; Square seat, draped with cloth hanging in folds, with tassels: on it, crested Corinthian helmet
RIC 271 (C2). BMC 98. RSC 399a. BNC 79.
Acquired from Et Tu Antiquities, November 2007.
Domitian as Caesar issued this denarius under Titus in 80 AD. The reverse is part of the pulvinaria series which commemorates the opening of the Colosseum in 80 AD.
Pulvinaria were sacred couches of the gods which had symbolic attributes set upon them. In this case, the Corinthian helmet and table are attributes of Minerva, the patron goddess of Domitian.
A wonderful denarius with a good portrait in a fine style.
David Atherton12/15/07 at 07:28ROMA: I like these Corinthian helmet reverses, sharp coi...
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RIC 271 Domitian as Caesar [Titus]AR Denarius, 2.74g
Rome Mint, 80 AD
Obv: CAESAR DIVI F DOMITIANVS COS VII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS; Square seat, draped with cloth hanging in folds, with tassels: on it, crested Corinthian helmet
RIC 271 (C2). BMC 98. RSC 399a. BNC 79.
Acquired from Et Tu Antiquities, November 2007.
Domitian as Caesar issued this denarius under Titus in 80 AD. The reverse is part of the pulvinaria series which commemorates the opening of the Colosseum in 80 AD.
Pulvinaria were sacred couches of the gods which had symbolic attributes set upon them. In this case, the Corinthian helmet and table are attributes of Minerva, the patron goddess of Domitian.
A wonderful denarius with a good portrait in a fine style.
David Atherton12/11/07 at 23:31Noah: The portrait is outstanding for a denarius IMO
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RIC 271 Domitian as Caesar [Titus]AR Denarius, 2.74g
Rome Mint, 80 AD
Obv: CAESAR DIVI F DOMITIANVS COS VII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS; Square seat, draped with cloth hanging in folds, with tassels: on it, crested Corinthian helmet
RIC 271 (C2). BMC 98. RSC 399a. BNC 79.
Acquired from Et Tu Antiquities, November 2007.
Domitian as Caesar issued this denarius under Titus in 80 AD. The reverse is part of the pulvinaria series which commemorates the opening of the Colosseum in 80 AD.
Pulvinaria were sacred couches of the gods which had symbolic attributes set upon them. In this case, the Corinthian helmet and table are attributes of Minerva, the patron goddess of Domitian.
A wonderful denarius with a good portrait in a fine style.
David Atherton12/11/07 at 04:58gb29400: i like the portrait 
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RIC 046 TitusAR Denarius, 2.96g
Rome Mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
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 46 (C). BMC 29. RSC 289. BNC 23.
Ex eBay, May 2007.
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.
David Atherton05/13/07 at 20:19Jochen: Nice details!
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RIC 131 TitusAR Denarius, 3.40g
Rome Mint, 80 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P; Tripod with fillets; above, ravens, l. and r., and dolphin over wreath
RIC 131 (R). BMC 82. RSC 323a. BNC 66.
Acquired from Beast Coins, April 2007.
This denarius was part of a series struck for the lectisternium (religious ceremony) celebrating the opening of the Colosseum in 80 AD.
Each god had its own sacred couch, in latin they are known as 'pulvinaria', brought out in pairs, probably in the Forum. The coins in question commemorates the sacred couches which were set out with 'exuviae' (emblems) representing the gods. This example is most likely the 'pulvinar' of Apollo.
There are two different types of the Tripod reverse: The common one with just a dolphin above the Tripod, another with a wreath and ravens added. The Reka Devina hoard records 24 specimens of the more common type and only 3 of the raven/wreath variant. Cohen and the RIC do not have seperate listings for the scarce variant, the BMCRE and RSC do record it however.
Needless to say it took a bit longer for me to acquire this less common specimen, but it was worth the wait. Wonderfully centered with gunmetal toning.David Atherton05/08/07 at 20:33Jochen: Five stars!
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RIC 131 TitusAR Denarius, 3.40g
Rome Mint, 80 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P; Tripod with fillets; above, ravens, l. and r., and dolphin over wreath
RIC 131 (R). BMC 82. RSC 323a. BNC 66.
Acquired from Beast Coins, April 2007.
This denarius was part of a series struck for the lectisternium (religious ceremony) celebrating the opening of the Colosseum in 80 AD.
Each god had its own sacred couch, in latin they are known as 'pulvinaria', brought out in pairs, probably in the Forum. The coins in question commemorates the sacred couches which were set out with 'exuviae' (emblems) representing the gods. This example is most likely the 'pulvinar' of Apollo.
There are two different types of the Tripod reverse: The common one with just a dolphin above the Tripod, another with a wreath and ravens added. The Reka Devina hoard records 24 specimens of the more common type and only 3 of the raven/wreath variant. Cohen and the RIC do not have seperate listings for the scarce variant, the BMCRE and RSC do record it however.
Needless to say it took a bit longer for me to acquire this less common specimen, but it was worth the wait. Wonderfully centered with gunmetal toning.David Atherton05/08/07 at 14:47Potator II: Really great coin, and very interesting explanatio...
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RIC 131 TitusAR Denarius, 3.40g
Rome Mint, 80 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P; Tripod with fillets; above, ravens, l. and r., and dolphin over wreath
RIC 131 (R). BMC 82. RSC 323a. BNC 66.
Acquired from Beast Coins, April 2007.
This denarius was part of a series struck for the lectisternium (religious ceremony) celebrating the opening of the Colosseum in 80 AD.
Each god had its own sacred couch, in latin they are known as 'pulvinaria', brought out in pairs, probably in the Forum. The coins in question commemorates the sacred couches which were set out with 'exuviae' (emblems) representing the gods. This example is most likely the 'pulvinar' of Apollo.
There are two different types of the Tripod reverse: The common one with just a dolphin above the Tripod, another with a wreath and ravens added. The Reka Devina hoard records 24 specimens of the more common type and only 3 of the raven/wreath variant. Cohen and the RIC do not have seperate listings for the scarce variant, the BMCRE and RSC do record it however.
Needless to say it took a bit longer for me to acquire this less common specimen, but it was worth the wait. Wonderfully centered with gunmetal toning.David Atherton05/08/07 at 02:42LordBest: Gorgeous.
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RIC 361 Divus Vespasian [Titus]AR Denarius, 3.08g
Rome Mint, 79-80 AD
Obv: DIVVS AVGVSTVS VESPASIANVS; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: EX S C in ex.; Tensa l., surmounted by two victories
RIC 361 (C). BMC 119. RSC 146. BNC 94. Hendin 1585.
Acquired from Klassische Münzen, March 2007.
Here are Curtis Clay's comments concerning the reverse which I cannot improve upon:
"The wagon is a tensa, a chariot in which the symbols of the gods were carried to the games in the circus procession. The wagon has a pediment, evidently in imitation of the temple where those symbols were normally stored.
A unique medallion of A. Pius in Berlin, illustrated by Cohen 1186, shows a similar pedimented wagon drawn by four horses, with a statue of Roma seated atop the pediment and ROM inscribed on the front of the wagon, evidently the tensa of the goddess Roma.
Suetonius and Dio Cassius report that a tensa in the circus procession was one of the excessive honors voted to Julius Caesar in 45-44 BC, shortly before his assassination.
No literary text or inscription attests that tensae were also accorded to consecrated emperors and empresses, but this fact is demonstrated by the coin types, namely the type of Divus Claudius I, your type of Divus Vespasianus, and the type of Diva Marciana showing a similar pedimented wagon drawn by two mules, BMC pl. 21.7-8.
I believe I was the first scholar to correctly identify these wagons, with a full argument bringing in several other examples too, in my paper on the coinage of Nero, Num. Zeitschrift 96, 1982, pp. 28-9 and Appendix 3."
David Atherton03/27/07 at 10:11Dave A: Very interesting coin. A must have type!
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RIC 361 Divus Vespasian [Titus]AR Denarius, 3.08g
Rome Mint, 79-80 AD
Obv: DIVVS AVGVSTVS VESPASIANVS; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: EX S C in ex.; Tensa l., surmounted by two victories
RIC 361 (C). BMC 119. RSC 146. BNC 94. Hendin 1585.
Acquired from Klassische Münzen, March 2007.
Here are Curtis Clay's comments concerning the reverse which I cannot improve upon:
"The wagon is a tensa, a chariot in which the symbols of the gods were carried to the games in the circus procession. The wagon has a pediment, evidently in imitation of the temple where those symbols were normally stored.
A unique medallion of A. Pius in Berlin, illustrated by Cohen 1186, shows a similar pedimented wagon drawn by four horses, with a statue of Roma seated atop the pediment and ROM inscribed on the front of the wagon, evidently the tensa of the goddess Roma.
Suetonius and Dio Cassius report that a tensa in the circus procession was one of the excessive honors voted to Julius Caesar in 45-44 BC, shortly before his assassination.
No literary text or inscription attests that tensae were also accorded to consecrated emperors and empresses, but this fact is demonstrated by the coin types, namely the type of Divus Claudius I, your type of Divus Vespasianus, and the type of Diva Marciana showing a similar pedimented wagon drawn by two mules, BMC pl. 21.7-8.
I believe I was the first scholar to correctly identify these wagons, with a full argument bringing in several other examples too, in my paper on the coinage of Nero, Num. Zeitschrift 96, 1982, pp. 28-9 and Appendix 3."
David Atherton03/27/07 at 09:48Noah: I still think this is a stunning coin! Congrats t...
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RIC 115 TitusAR Denarius, 3.40g
Rome Mint, 80 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P; Elephant, stg. l.
RIC 115 (C2). BMC 43. RSC 303. BNC 37.
Acquired from Old Roman Coins, May 2003.
A reverse type that commemorates the opening games of the Flavian Amphitheatre. Elephants were featured in those first games and Martial in his book On the Spectacles actually mentions an elephant, who after dispatching a bull in the arena, knelt before the emperor! Perhaps a neat trick the trainer had taught the beast.
The coin looks much better in hand than the picture shows. Some very nice toning is starting to develop on both the obv. and rev.David Atherton11/29/06 at 14:48KenM: didn't know this was related to the opening games....
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RIC 102 TitusAR Denarius, 3.46g
Rome mint, 80 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG PM; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P; Two captives seated l. and r., back to back: between them, trophy composed of cuirass, helmet, and oblong shields : the captive on l. is a woman, draped, hooded, and rests head on r. hand; the captive on r. is a man, naked, and has his hands bound behind his back
RIC 102 (C). BMC 37. RSC 306. BNC 34. Hendin 1584.
Ex Harlan J. Berk BBS 143, 18 May 2005, lot 176.
A coin issued either to commemorate Titus' Judean victory in 70 or a contemporary Agricolan victory in northern Britain, possibly in connection with Titus' 15th imperial acclamation upon reaching the Tay river. I believe it to be a Judaea Capta commemorative. Titus's bronze coinage overtly advertises the Judean victory with no hint of a British one. It would be odd if the propaganda messages on the precious metal coinage diverged so significantly from the bronze!
Another scarcer reverse type that can be quite expensive.David Atherton11/29/06 at 14:46KenM: terrific coin..I'm searching for a example that is...
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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.David Atherton10/20/06 at 14:27KenM: very nice
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RIC 034 TitusAR Denarius, 3.31g
Rome Mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, Laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P VIIII IMP XIIII COS VII P P; Venus, seen half from behind, naked except for drapery round hips, standing r., resting l. elbow on column, holding helmet in extended r. hand and transverse spear in l.: shield rests against column
RIC 34 (C2). BMC 9. RSC 268. BNC 9.
Acquired from York Coins.
A nice VF with a well centred reverse and an almost complete beaded boarder.David Atherton08/12/06 at 00:33C. Caesar Germ.: I absolutely LOVE this coin. I've seen similar th...
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RIC 115 TitusAR Denarius, 3.40g
Rome Mint, 80 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P; Elephant, stg. l.
RIC 115 (C2). BMC 43. RSC 303. BNC 37.
Acquired from Old Roman Coins, May 2003.
A reverse type that commemorates the opening games of the Flavian Amphitheatre. Elephants were featured in those first games and Martial in his book On the Spectacles actually mentions an elephant, who after dispatching a bull in the arena, knelt before the emperor! Perhaps a neat trick the trainer had taught the beast.
The coin looks much better in hand than the picture shows. Some very nice toning is starting to develop on both the obv. and rev.David Atherton08/02/06 at 12:37C. Caesar Germ.: Love the elephant!
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RIC 128 TitusAR Denarius, 3.31g
Rome Mint, 80 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P; Tripod with fillets; above, dolphin
RIC-128 (C2). BMC 78. RSC 27a. BNC 67.
Acquired from York Coins, January 2005.
A reverse that commemorates the pulvinar of Apollo and Diana (?) for the opening of the Colosseum. There is a more elaborate variation of this reverse with ravens on either side of the tripod.
A nice well centred denarius.David Atherton08/02/06 at 12:30C. Caesar Germ.: I've always found this particular pulvinar the mos...
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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.
David Atherton08/02/06 at 12:16C. Caesar Germ.: Wow!
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RIC 364 Divus Vespasian [Titus]AR Denarius, 3.45g
Rome mint, 79-80 AD
Obv: DIVVS AVGVSTVS VESPASIANVS•; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: EX SC l. and r. in field. Victory, draped, stepping l., with both hands placing round shield on trophy, at base of which sits mourning captive (Jewess as type of 'Judaea Victa'?) l.
RIC 364 (C). BMC 112. RSC 144. BNC 90. Hendin 1587.
Acquired from Vaughn Rare Coin Gallery, June 2006.
This coin is part of a series of denarii which commemorates Vespasian's deification. The others in the series include the following reverses: the shield column and urn, two capricorns supporting a shield, and funeral quadriga.
The reverse is a reference to Vespasian's great victory in the Jewish War and the type was also used during the last year of his reign, of course with a different legend.
A very nice example of this type: good metal, strong portrait and a well executed reverse. Note the dot at the end of the Obv legend. I've always preferred the style of Titus' denarii which feature the dot.
David Atherton08/02/06 at 12:10C. Caesar Germ.: What does the EX SC stand for on this coin? I ass...
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RIC 122 Titus AR Denarius, 3.04g
Rome Mint, 80 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P; Seat, draped; above, semicircular frame with three crescents
RIC 122 (C2). BMC 58. RSC 313. BNC 48.
Acquired from Beast Coins, July 2006.
Another in a series of pulvinaria types Titus issued to commemorate the religious ceremonies for the opening of the Colosseum in 80 AD. H. Mattingly in BMCRE attributes the reverse to Apollo and Diana.
A fairly typical denarius of Titus, well toned with a solid portrait.David Atherton07/17/06 at 20:16Potator II: Definetly a very good acquisition, congrats
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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.
David Atherton06/30/06 at 23:50Tiathena: Gorgeous!
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RIC 364 Divus Vespasian [Titus]AR Denarius, 3.45g
Rome mint, 79-80 AD
Obv: DIVVS AVGVSTVS VESPASIANVS•; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: EX SC l. and r. in field. Victory, draped, stepping l., with both hands placing round shield on trophy, at base of which sits mourning captive (Jewess as type of 'Judaea Victa'?) l.
RIC 364 (C). BMC 112. RSC 144. BNC 90. Hendin 1587.
Acquired from Vaughn Rare Coin Gallery, June 2006.
This coin is part of a series of denarii which commemorates Vespasian's deification. The others in the series include the following reverses: the shield column and urn, two capricorns supporting a shield, and funeral quadriga.
The reverse is a reference to Vespasian's great victory in the Jewish War and the type was also used during the last year of his reign, of course with a different legend.
A very nice example of this type: good metal, strong portrait and a well executed reverse. Note the dot at the end of the Obv legend. I've always preferred the style of Titus' denarii which feature the dot.
David Atherton06/30/06 at 23:49Tiathena: Absolutely beautiful!
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RIC 364 Divus Vespasian [Titus]AR Denarius, 3.45g
Rome mint, 79-80 AD
Obv: DIVVS AVGVSTVS VESPASIANVS•; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: EX SC l. and r. in field. Victory, draped, stepping l., with both hands placing round shield on trophy, at base of which sits mourning captive (Jewess as type of 'Judaea Victa'?) l.
RIC 364 (C). BMC 112. RSC 144. BNC 90. Hendin 1587.
Acquired from Vaughn Rare Coin Gallery, June 2006.
This coin is part of a series of denarii which commemorates Vespasian's deification. The others in the series include the following reverses: the shield column and urn, two capricorns supporting a shield, and funeral quadriga.
The reverse is a reference to Vespasian's great victory in the Jewish War and the type was also used during the last year of his reign, of course with a different legend.
A very nice example of this type: good metal, strong portrait and a well executed reverse. Note the dot at the end of the Obv legend. I've always preferred the style of Titus' denarii which feature the dot.
David Atherton06/15/06 at 02:01ecoli: nice!
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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.David Atherton05/19/06 at 01:54Tiathena: Absolutely Fantastic! What a Gorgeous coin - in E...
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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.
David Atherton01/25/06 at 04:46Potator II: Great find !!
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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.
David Atherton01/24/06 at 13:17Massanutten: Most excellant!!!!
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RIC 034 TitusAR Denarius, 3.31g
Rome Mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, Laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P VIIII IMP XIIII COS VII P P; Venus, seen half from behind, naked except for drapery round hips, standing r., resting l. elbow on column, holding helmet in extended r. hand and transverse spear in l.: shield rests against column
RIC 34 (C2). BMC 9. RSC 268. BNC 9.
Acquired from York Coins.
A nice VF with a well centred reverse and an almost complete beaded boarder.David Atherton09/23/05 at 11:21ancientcoins: MARVELOUS! 
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RIC 119 TitusAR Denarius, 3.37g
Rome Mint, 80 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P; Seat, draped; above, winged thunderbolt
RIC 119 (C2). BMC 51. RSC 316. BNC 43.
Acquired from York Coins, February 2005.
A pulvinaria (supplication to the Gods) denarius, this one devoted to Jupiter or perhaps Juno. The occasion of the pulvinar may have been the opening ceremonies of the Colosseum.
A nice example of a good VF denarius of Titus. Full legends and a pleasing portrait.David Atherton09/23/05 at 11:20ancientcoins: SIMPLY AMAZING
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RIC 112 TitusAR Denarius, 2.87g
Rome mint, 80 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P; Dolphin coiled round anchor
RIC 112 (C2). BMC 72. RSC 309. BNC 60.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 143, 18 May 2005, lot 177.
Struck in 80 AD for Titus's pulvinar series commemorating the opening of the Colosseum. BMCRE speculates this reverse depicts the pulvinar of Neptune and possibly Minerva.
Easily one of the best portraits of Titus I have ever seen. The condition of the obverse is excellent.
A coin I'm very proud to have.David Atherton09/23/05 at 11:20ancientcoins: BEAUTIFUL COIN!  
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RIC 022 TitusAR Denarius, 3.31g
Rome Mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P VIIII IMP XIIII COS VII P P; Ceres, draped, seated l., holding corn-ear and poppy in extended r. hand and torch upright in l.
RIC 22 (C). BMC 7. RSC 270. BNC 7.
Acquired from York Coins, January 2005.
A reverse that is a continuation from Vespasian's coinage. I imagine it took the the die-engravers a few months to design new reverses for Titus.
A solid coin with a lovely portrait.David Atherton09/23/05 at 11:19ancientcoins: absolutely beautiful!
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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.David Atherton09/23/05 at 11:16ancientcoins: beauty!
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RIC 112 TitusAR Denarius, 2.87g
Rome mint, 80 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P; Dolphin coiled round anchor
RIC 112 (C2). BMC 72. RSC 309. BNC 60.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 143, 18 May 2005, lot 177.
Struck in 80 AD for Titus's pulvinar series commemorating the opening of the Colosseum. BMCRE speculates this reverse depicts the pulvinar of Neptune and possibly Minerva.
Easily one of the best portraits of Titus I have ever seen. The condition of the obverse is excellent.
A coin I'm very proud to have.David Atherton04/11/05 at 18:35Massanutten: Great portrait and very interesting reverse!!
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RIC 019 TitusAR Denarius, 3.40g
Rome mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG PM; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P VIIII IMP XIIII COS VII P P; Capricorn l. : below, globe
RIC 19 (C). BMC 22. RSC 280. BNC 16.
Acquired from Old Roman Coins, March 2004.
A reverse that copies a similar type struck by Augustus and later as a restoration type by Vespasian in his last issue before his death in June 79. The BMCRE conjectures that the Capricorn may have been Titus' natal sign, but it seems more likely this can be viewed as a restoration type.
A very beautiful coin in hand that suffers only from some flatness on the portrait, evidenced around the ear.David Atherton03/29/05 at 09:04whitetd49: V70, superb coins!
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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.David Atherton10/14/04 at 10:13Forza e Onore: Beautiful coin! Wonderful portrait and unusual rev...
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