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RIC 0821 VespasianÆ As, 11.99g
Rome mint, 75 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESP AVG COS VI; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: AEQVITAS AVGVST; S C in field; Aequitas stg. l., with scales and rod
RIC 821 (R). BMC -. BNC 739.
Ex Savoca Blue 202, 23 March 2024, lot 375.

Vespasian's bronze coinage output in 75 was very meagre. Even this common Aequitas type is considered rare in RIC. Obverse die match with the Oxford and Paris specimens.

Uncleaned.2 commentsDavid Atherton04/17/24 at 02:28CPK: Nice rarity!

RIC 0320 VespasianÆ As, 8.82g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: S C in field; Aquila between two standards, all on prows
RIC 320 (R). BMC 613. BNC 591.
Acquired from CGB, March 2024.

The aquila between two standards type was struck early in Vespasian's reign to honour the loyalty of the legions. The aquila, which featured an eagle clutching a thunderbolt, was the most important standard of any legion. With the recent successful completion of the Civil War and Jewish rebellion, the immense value of the legion's support is not lost on Vespasian! The type was later revived under Titus and Domitian for their cistophori.2 commentsDavid Atherton04/15/24 at 11:33CPK: Nice coin and an interesting type!

RIC 1187 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 10.60g
Lyon mint, 72 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVG COS IIII; Head of Vespasian, radiate, r.; globe at point of bust
Rev: FORTVNAE REDVCI; S C in field; Fortuna stg. l., with branch and rudder on globe and cornucopiae
RIC 1187 (C). BMC 815. BNC 815.
Acquired from CGB, March 2024.

Struck in 72, this Fortuna 'home-bringer' type commemorates Vespasian and Titus's safe return to Rome after the Jewish War. She is depicted here with her rudder competently steering the fate of the world. The cornucopiae she holds symbolises prosperity. A fairly common variety of the type from Lugdunum.3 commentsDavid Atherton04/10/24 at 16:08Justin L1: Beautiful!

RIC 1031 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ As, 10.74g
Rome mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: T CAESAR VESPASIANVS TR P COS VI; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: S C in field; Spes stg. l., with flower
RIC 1031 (R). BMC -. BNC 784.
Acquired from CGB, March 2024.

Spes, the goddess of hope, is seen here as an 'heir apparent' type. She is represented on Roman coins as a young girl, reminiscent of earlier Greek cult statues depicting Elpis. H. Mattingly in BMCRE II says 'the flower held by Spes is an opening bud, she is raising her skirt in order to hasten forward'. Spes occurs quite commonly under Vespasian and is frequently paired up with all three Flavians as a hopeful expression of future dynastic success. This variety struck for Titus Caesar in 77-78 is quite scarce and is much more common from the Lugdunum mint. Missing from the BM.2 commentsDavid Atherton04/08/24 at 16:45Jay GT4: Good rarity

RIC 0186 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 24.63g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PAX AVGVSTI; S C in field; Pax std. l., with branch and sceptre
RIC 186 (R2, this coin). BMC -. BNC 521.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 10. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex Schulman 254, 11-12 November 1971, lot 3376. Ex Dutch Royal Coin Cabinet, The Hague.

An extremely rare sestertius variety featuring Pax seated on the reverse. Normally on Vespasian's bronze coins she is seen standing or leaning on a column. The provenance presented quite a puzzle. Clay writes 'same dies' as the RIC plate coin from the Hague collection, but clearly it is the same piece! The Hague collection was incorporated into the Geldmuseum of Utretch, which in turn was closed in 2013. Most of the Geldmuseum coins were sent to the Dutch National Bank where they reside today. Clay may have purchased the coin in 1971 via Schulman auction 254 which listed this coin (lot 3376) from the Dutch Royal Coin Cabinet. RIC erroneously assumed the piece was still part of the Royal Cabinet collection when it was transferred to the Geldmuseum! The auction provenance was either forgotten or lost.

High relief portrait in fine style.3 commentsDavid Atherton04/03/24 at 09:56Pharsalos: Beautiful coin and what an exciting provenance!

RIC 0186 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 24.63g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PAX AVGVSTI; S C in field; Pax std. l., with branch and sceptre
RIC 186 (R2, this coin). BMC -. BNC 521.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 10. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex Schulman 254, 11-12 November 1971, lot 3376. Ex Dutch Royal Coin Cabinet, The Hague.

An extremely rare sestertius variety featuring Pax seated on the reverse. Normally on Vespasian's bronze coins she is seen standing or leaning on a column. The provenance presented quite a puzzle. Clay writes 'same dies' as the RIC plate coin from the Hague collection, but clearly it is the same piece! The Hague collection was incorporated into the Geldmuseum of Utretch, which in turn was closed in 2013. Most of the Geldmuseum coins were sent to the Dutch National Bank where they reside today. Clay may have purchased the coin in 1971 via Schulman auction 254 which listed this coin (lot 3376) from the Dutch Royal Coin Cabinet. RIC erroneously assumed the piece was still part of the Royal Cabinet collection when it was transferred to the Geldmuseum! The auction provenance was either forgotten or lost.

High relief portrait in fine style.3 commentsDavid Atherton04/01/24 at 11:28CPK: An extraordinary coin and an impressive provenance...

RIC 1144 Vespasian VariantÆ Dupondius, 12.58g
Lyon mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PAX AVG; S C in field; Pax stg. l., with patera over altar and branch and caduceus
RIC 1144 var. (Radiate portrait). BMC -. BNC 803 var. (same).
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 88. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex roman-num, eBay, 19 June 2011.

An early Pax type struck in 71 unique to the Lyon mint. H. Mattingly in BMCRE writes 'The type of Pax sacrificing, which is peculiar to Lugdunum, conveys the thought of thanksgiving for peace and prosperity (cp. the caduceus held by Pax) restored.' At Rome a similar reverse was produced sans altar. The propaganda value of Pax for the new Flavian dynasty after the Civil War and Jewish Rebellion cannot be underestimated. Unique with laureate portrait, RIC records this variety only with a radiate bust. Same obverse die as BNC 801.2 commentsDavid Atherton03/04/24 at 12:05*Alex: Nice!

RIC 0928 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Dupondius, 13.42g
Rome mint, 76-77 AD
Obv: CAESAR AVG F DOMITIAN COS IV; Bust of Domitian, laureate, draped, bearded, r.
Rev: FELICITAS PVBLICA; S C in field; Felicitas stg. l., with caduceus and cornucopiae
RIC 928 (R2). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Aegean, January 2024. Ex Ephesus Numismatics.

Domitian as Caesar's dupondii under Vespasian are typically laureate instead of radiate and can be differentiated from the asses by the draped busts and metal content (yellowish orichalcum). The Felicitas on the reverse symbolises the prosperity and abundance the Flavian dynasty has brought to the empire. This rare variety with the COS date rendered as 'IV' instead of the much more commonly seen 'IIII' is missing from both the BM and Paris collections. RIC cites only 2 examples - one from a 1980 Lanz sale, the other from a private collection. An obverse die match with the RIC plate coin.2 commentsDavid Atherton02/28/24 at 19:05quadrans: Nice find 🤗👍

RIC 0820 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 11.24g
Rome mint, 75 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESP AVG PM T P COS VI; Head of Vespasian, radiate, r.
Rev: VESTA in exergue; S C in field; Vesta std. l., with patera and palladium
RIC 820 (R2). BMC 714A. BNC -.
Acquired from eBay, DK-Aureus Numismatics, January 2024.

It's not unusual for the Rome mint to strike coin types that conjure up feelings of familiarity and continuance. Vesta is certainly one of those types and Vespasian's moneyers made full use of her propaganda value. She frequently appears on the 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. This is a decently scarce variety, missing from Paris and rated 'very rare' in RIC.2 commentsDavid Atherton02/26/24 at 18:02FlaviusDomitianus: I have to thank you for that! I have had a specime...

RIC 1507 VespasianÆ20, 3.89g
Ephesus (?) mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVGVST; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PON MAX TR P P P COS VIII CENS; S C in field; Victory adv. l., with shield
RIC 1507 (R2). BMC -. BNC -. RPC 1477 (0 spec.).
Ex Numismad Auction 12, 5-6 January 2024, lot 817.

Late in Vespasian's reign a rare series of orichalcum bronze coins were struck in Asia Minor at an unknown mint. Although imperial in appearance, the style, weight system, and metal used all point to a mint other than Rome. Due to their extreme rarity today, they could not have been struck for any great length of time (the date cannot be narrowed down any further than Vespasian's COS VIII, 77-78 AD). The types consist of ones variously copied from either Rome or Lugdunum (such as this Victory type) or local provincial issues. A stylistic similarity with the earlier 'o' mint denarii possibly struck at Ephesus has been noted by both RIC and RPC. The entire issue is very rarely encountered in trade. This particular Victory variety is missing from all the major collections.

My assumption is that a piece like this did not have wide circulation beyond the region of mintage. Orichalcum was not used for such small bronze denominations at Rome and would have been a baffling coin to your average Roman pleb. 4 commentsDavid Atherton02/22/24 at 14:46quadrans: Great addition 🤗👍

RIC 1335 VespasianÆ As, 6.39g
Tarraco (?) mint, 70 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG P M TR P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: COS ITER TR POT; S C in field; Aequitas stg. l. with scales and rod
RIC 1335 (R2, this coin cited). BMC -. BNC -.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 86. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex Antioch Associates BBS 40, 29 July 2002, lot 109.

Spain declared for Vespasian late in 69 after the second battle of Cremona in October. Spanish mints immediately began striking coinage in all metals for Vespasian, with perhaps Tarraco being the primary mint of the province. The early aes coinage copied many of the reverse designs seen on the precious metals at Rome, as is the case with this Aequitas type. All the coins from the issue are quite rare indicating they were not struck for any length of time, perhaps only to address a shortage of bronze coinage in the region. This specimen is cited in RIC from the Clay collection.1 commentsDavid Atherton02/19/24 at 03:41Jay GT4: Nice Spanish rarity

RIC 0182 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 23.86g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r., with aegis
Rev: PAX AVGVSTI; S C in field; Pax stg. l., with branch and cornucopiae
RIC 182 (R3, this coin). BMC -. BNC -.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 9. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex CNG E93, 7 July 2004, lot 83.

A unique Pax variety with aegis portrait. This is the RIC reference coin and an obverse die match with BMC 567 (RIC 200, R3). The rarity of this unique aegis variety indicates the mint was phasing out the more elaborate portrait designs at this point in time.3 commentsDavid Atherton02/12/24 at 20:25quadrans: Wow...

RIC 0519 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 3.14g
Rome Mint, 73 AD
Obv: T CAES IMP VESP CENS; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: S P Q R in oak wreath
RIC 519 (R). BMC 119. RSC 264a. BNC -.
Ex Concordia Auction 9, 15 October 2023, lot 406.

Vespasian and Titus Caesar held a joint censorship in 73. This denarius from a rare issue struck earlier that year is one of the first coins to advertise it on the obverse. The SPQR within wreath type, also shared with Vespasian, is extremely scarce for Titus Caesar and rarely encountered in trade. RIC cites only one specimen in the BM (the lone example cited in OCRE and RSC II), but oddly places the frequency rating as just 'rare'. Asearch results produced only the present coin. I believe the RIC rating woefully underrates the rarity of this variety for Titus Caesar. Double die match with the BM specimen.5 commentsDavid Atherton01/27/24 at 18:20ancientdave: Excellent coin!

RIC 1017 VespasianÆ Quadrans, 2.17g
Rome Mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP VESP AVG COS VIII; Caduceus, winged, between crossed cornuacopiae
Rev: S C in laurel wreath
RIC 1017 (C). BMC 741. BNC 911.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, November 2023.

The quadrans in the early imperial period typically lacked an imperial portrait. Possibly the denomination was deemed so lowly by mint officials that a portrait was considered improper. They were struck haphazardly and functioned primarily as an urban low value coinage in Rome and central Italy. The quadrans was the typical fee for entry into the baths, a urinal, or for a tryst in a cheap brothel. Being of rather low value quadrantes were not typically hoarded and thus are relatively scarce today. This crossed cornuacopiae/S C in wreath type was struck for the quadrans in just two issues dated to 76 and 77-78. The obverse copies a similar reverse type struck for the 'eastern flavoured' dupondii in 74.1 commentsDavid Atherton01/17/24 at 14:51Jay GT4: The everyday coin

RIC 1011 VespasianÆ As, 11.76g
Rome mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN COS VIII; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: S C in field; Spes stg. l., with flower
RIC 1011 (C). BMC 739. BNC 776.
Acquired from eBay, January 2023.

Spes, the goddess of hope, is seen here as an 'heir apparent' type. She is represented on Roman coins as a young girl, reminiscent of earlier Greek cult statues depicting Elpis. H. Mattingly in BMCRE II says 'the flower held by Spes is an opening bud, she is raising her skirt in order to hasten forward'. Spes occurs quite commonly under Vespasian and is frequently paired up with all three Flavians as a hopeful expression of future dynastic success.1 commentsDavid Atherton12/23/23 at 02:33Jay GT4: Lovely patina and portrait

RIC 1502 Vespasian VariantÆ29, 11.17g
Ephesus (?) mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVGVSTVS; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: PONT MAX TR POT P P COS VIII CENS; S C in field; Jupiter std. l., with thunderbolt and sceptre
RIC 1502 var. (obv. head right). BMC -. BNC -. RPC 1475 var. (same).
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 92. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex Lanz, eBay, January 2009.

Late in Vespasian's reign an exceedingly rare series of orichalcum bronze coins were struck in Asia Minor at an unknown mint. Although imperial in appearance, the style, weight system, and metal used all point to a mint other than Rome. Due to their extreme rarity today, they could not have been struck for any great length of time (the date cannot be narrowed down any further than Vespasian's COS VIII, 77-78 AD). The types consist of ones variously copied from either Rome or local provincial issues. A stylistic similarity with the earlier 'o' mint denarii possibly struck at Ephesus has been noted by both RIC and RPC. Here we have a previously unrecorded and unique variant of the Jupiter seated reverse with the obverse portrait facing left instead of right. The piece likely circulated as a dupondius. It was erroneously attributed in the HJB catalogue as 'RIC 1500', which is a Ceres seated type. 1 commentsDavid Atherton12/19/23 at 02:55Jay GT4: Another great addition

RIC 1321 VespasianÆ As, 8.68g
Tarraco (?) mint, 70 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: CAESAR AVG F COS CAESAR AVG F PR; Heads of Titus, bare, r., and Domitian, bare, l., confronting; below, S C
RIC 1321 (R2). BMC 748B. BNC 797.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 84. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex Baldwin's, June 1970. Ex Glendining & Co. The V.J.E. Ryan Collection part V, 2 April 1952, lot 2745 (part).

Spain declared for Vespasian late in 69 after the second battle of Cremona in October. Spanish mints immediately began striking coinage in all metals for Vespasian, with perhaps Tarraco being the primary mint of the province. The early aes coinage copied many of the reverse designs seen on the precious metals at Rome, as is the case with this dynastic type featuring the confronting busts of Titus and Domitian (copying RIC 16). All the coins from the issue are quite rare indicating they were not struck for any great length of time, perhaps only to address a shortage of bronze coinage in the region. 2 commentsDavid Atherton12/17/23 at 13:13Dirk J: Congrats, as always I love the Flavian coins from ...

RIC 1501 VespasianÆ27, 10.94g
Ephesus (?) mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVGVSTVS; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PONT MAX TR POT P P COS VIII CENS; S C in field; Jupiter stg. l., with thunderbolt and sceptre
RIC 1501 (R2). BMC 893. BNC -. RPC 1474 (1 spec.).
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 91. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex Leu E17, Pt. 2, 15 August 2021, lot 2361.

Late in Vespasian's reign an exceedingly rare series of orichalcum bronze coins were struck in Asia Minor at an unknown mint. Although imperial in appearance, the style, weight system, and metal used all point to a mint other than Rome. Due to their extreme rarity today, they could not have been struck for any great length of time (the date cannot be narrowed down any further than Vespasian's COS VIII, 77-78 AD). The types consist of ones variously copied from either Rome or local provincial issues. A stylistic similarity with the earlier 'o' mint denarii possibly struck at Ephesus has been noted by both RIC and RPC. This Jupiter standing type may have been intended to circulate as a dupondius (BMCRE attributes it as such).2 commentsDavid Atherton12/13/23 at 16:07Dirk J: Congratulations, the Flavian coins from the provin...

RIC 1501 VespasianÆ27, 10.94g
Ephesus (?) mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVGVSTVS; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PONT MAX TR POT P P COS VIII CENS; S C in field; Jupiter stg. l., with thunderbolt and sceptre
RIC 1501 (R2). BMC 893. BNC -. RPC 1474 (1 spec.).
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 91. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex Leu E17, Pt. 2, 15 August 2021, lot 2361.

Late in Vespasian's reign an exceedingly rare series of orichalcum bronze coins were struck in Asia Minor at an unknown mint. Although imperial in appearance, the style, weight system, and metal used all point to a mint other than Rome. Due to their extreme rarity today, they could not have been struck for any great length of time (the date cannot be narrowed down any further than Vespasian's COS VIII, 77-78 AD). The types consist of ones variously copied from either Rome or local provincial issues. A stylistic similarity with the earlier 'o' mint denarii possibly struck at Ephesus has been noted by both RIC and RPC. This Jupiter standing type may have been intended to circulate as a dupondius (BMCRE attributes it as such).2 commentsDavid Atherton12/13/23 at 04:23Jay GT4: Great addition. Are there any Curtis coins left?

RIC 0247 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 25.66g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPAS AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: S C in field; Mars adv. r., with spear and trophy
RIC 247 (C2). BMC 568. BNC 538.
Acquired from CGB.fr, October 2022. Ex Chaponnière & Firmenich SA Auction 13, 16 May 2021, lot 296. From the P. J. H. D. collection formed between 1970 and 2000.

Struck during the great bronze issue of 71, this reverse features the standard Mars as a 'heroic nude', similar to the same type struck on the denarius. Mars here can best be interpreted as a triumphal type, likely based on a cult image. The magnificent portrait on the obverse is a superb example of early Vespasianic portraiture. C. H. V. Sutherland in his work Roman Coins commented 'Vespasian's aes, however, and not merely the sestertii, developed a full magnificence of portraiture. Again the heads were large, even massive, and normally in high relief, giving the strong impression of the purely profile view of sculpture in the round. And, because of the larger scale which this aes permitted, a wealth of detail could be achieved: close cut hair, finely wrinkled brow, a minutely rendered profile eye, and all the jowls and neck-folds of an old man. The beauty of this work lay in its realism, strong in authority and yet delicate in execution; and it was in the addition of technical delicacy to strength of conception that Vespasian's coinage clearly excelled over Galba.' And more recently, David Vagi in Coinage and the History of the Roman Empire said 'Most numismatists agree that the height of Roman coin portraiture occurred in the 1st Century A.D., when the "Twelve Caesars" chronicled by Suetonius ruled Rome. Many would also agree that the absolute peak occurred from 60 to 75, beginning with the last issues of Nero, encompassing the Civil War of 68-69 and ending with the early issues of the Flavians.' High praise indeed from two imminent scholars for the engravers working at the Rome mint under Vespasian. This coin, I think, exemplifies the fine style which they passionately praise. It's certainly one of the finest portraits of Vespasian I've come across. 4 commentsDavid Atherton12/13/23 at 03:52ancientdave: Fantastic portrait!

RIC 1426(5A)Unlisted Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 2.78g
Ephesus mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMPERATOR T CAESAR AVGVSTI F; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: AVG in oak-wreath, no mint mark
Cf. RIC 1426(5A)4/1426(5A)1. BMC -. RSC -. RPC -. BNC -.
Acquired from André Cichos, September 2023. Ex Olympus Numismatik Auction 2, 2 April 2023, lot 271.

A unique and unpublished Titus Caesar AVG in oak wreath denarius from Ephesus struck without a mintmark. This reverse type was previously only attested for the no mintmark issue from an extremely rare Vespasian denarius (recorded in the Addenda as RIC 1426(5A)1). The Ephesian denarius issues struck under Vespasian all have mintmarks, save for the first issue and this tiny issue dated COS III, which is not represented in the new RIC II.1. Ted Buttrey wrote in the RIC II Addenda the following concerning the no mintmark issue:

'I’m not terribly happy about this. It’s a convenient way to draw together several pieces which lack the mintmark, placing them after the completion of the ΘΙ and ΘΥ Groups 3-5 and the inception of Group 6 with ΕΡΗ. But why should they have given up on a mintmark in mid-course, when all of Groups 2-9 are marked? The choices are – (i) mintmark on coins worn away; (ii) engraver forgot to add mintmark to the dies; (iii) issue deliberately produced without mintmark. Assuming (iii) for the moment, the new Group takes the place of fnn. 46-47, pp.162-3, and fits here nicely with V’s title for Groups 5-6, and T’s for Group 6, But I have no fixed opinion, and await the appearance of others of this variety.'

I lean towards iii being the likeliest option - if accidental, why do we not see no mintmarks specimens throughout the series? Why are they only dated COS III? IMHO, the likeliest explanation is the no mintmark denarii were deliberately struck, albeit rather briefly (perhaps only for a few days), prior to or just after the COS III ΘΥ issue and before the much larger EPH issue was struck.

NB: This coin shares an obverse die with my RIC 1426(5A)4 denarius.3 commentsDavid Atherton12/07/23 at 02:42Ken W2: Love the coin and write-up.

RIC 0908 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Sestertius, 24.10g
Rome mint, 76 AD
Obv: T CAES VESPASIAN IMP PON TR POT COS V; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: S C in field; Spes stg. l., with flower
RIC 908 (R). BMC -. BNC 760.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 47. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Acquired from Subak, April 2000, CICF.

Spes is a common Flavian reverse type connected to future dynastic hope and harmony and was often struck for all three Flavians. This rare Titus Caesar variety is missing from the BM.1 commentsDavid Atherton12/04/23 at 03:14Jay GT4: Wonderful

RIC 1508 VespasianÆ20, 4.37g
Ephesus (?) mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVGVST; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PON MAX TR P P P COS VIII CENS; S C low in field; Caduceus, winged, between crossed cornuacopiae
RIC 1508 (R2). BMC -. BNC -. RPC 1477A.
Acquired from eBay, July 2020.

A year or so after a mysterious mint in Asia Minor (dubbed the 'o' mint) struck a rare series of denarii an even rarer issue of bronze appeared in the same region. The two issues are linked by similar circulation patterns and somewhat similar styles. The bronzes are imprecisely dated to the 77-78 time period but were likely struck for only a brief period, judging by their extreme rarity. Three denominations were produced in orichalcum apparently using a provincial weight system. The unique legends are in Latin and the reverse types copy those struck in Rome, but many have obvious 'Eastern' themes. The crossed cornucopiae seen on this coin likely echos a similar 'Eastern' themed reverse struck in Rome and on other eastern civic issues.

Admittedly, the link to the infamous 'o' mint is tenuous at best, but it is the most sound theory proposed so far (M. Grant, 'Asses of Orichalcum', Centennial Publication of the American Numismatic Study, pp. 285-302).

Dark black and green patina and nicely centred.3 commentsDavid Atherton12/01/23 at 22:25ancientdave: Great rare find!

RIC 1505 VespasianÆ20, 4.07g
Ephesus (?) mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVGVST; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PON MAX TR P P P COS VIII CENS; S C; Victory adv. l., holding wreath and palm
RIC 1505 (R2). BMC -. BNC -. RPC 1476 (2 spec.).
Ex Aphrodite Auction 6, 22-24 October 2022, lot 591.

Late in Vespasian's reign a rare series of orichalcum bronze coins were struck in Asia Minor at an unknown mint. Although imperial in appearance, the style, weight system, and metal used all point to a mint other than Rome. Due to their extreme rarity today, they could not have been struck for any great length of time (the date cannot be narrowed down any further than Vespasian's COS VIII, 77-78 AD). The types consist of ones variously copied from either Rome (such as this Victory type) or local provincial issues. A stylistic similarity with the earlier 'o' mint denarii possibly struck at Ephesus has been noted by both RIC and RPC.

My assumption is that a piece like this did not have wide circulation beyond the region of mintage. Orichalcum was not used for such small bronze denominations at Rome and would have been a baffling coin to your average Roman pleb. 2 commentsDavid Atherton12/01/23 at 22:24ancientdave: Very nice!

RIC 1497 VespasianÆ27, 11.16g
Ephesus (?) mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVGVSTVS; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PONT MAX TR POT P P COS VIII CENS; S C in field; Ceres, veiled, std. l., with two corn ears and cornucopiae
RIC 1497 (R2). BMC -. BNC -. RPC 1470 (1 spec.).
Ex Bucephalus Black Auction 16, 24-25 February 2023, lot 913.

Late in Vespasian's reign a rare series of orichalcum bronze coins were struck in Asia Minor at an unknown mint. Although imperial in appearance, the style, weight system, and metal used all point to a mint other than Rome. Due to their extreme rarity today, they could not have been struck for any great length of time (the date cannot be narrowed down any further than Vespasian's COS VIII, 77-78 AD). The types consist of ones variously copied from either Rome or local provincial issues. A stylistic similarity with the earlier 'o' mint denarii possibly struck at Ephesus has been noted by both RIC and RPC. This Ceres with cornucopiae is the third known specimen of the type. RPC cites one in Berlin, another is recorded in the RIC II.1 Addenda.2 commentsDavid Atherton12/01/23 at 22:24ancientdave: Excellent example!

RIC 0925 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian] Æ Sestertius, 27.15g
Rome mint, 76-77 AD
Obv: CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS COS IIII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PAX AVGVSTI; S C in field; Pax stg. l., with branch and cornucopiae
RIC 925 (R2). BMC -. BNC -.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 69. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex Pagan, Yahoo!, 26 March 2003.

Domitian Caesar's sestertii under Vespasian are exceedingly rare. This Pax type struck in either 76 or early 77 is missing from both the BM and Paris collections.

Nice bold portrait in fine style.

3 commentsDavid Atherton11/30/23 at 21:52ancientdave: Very fine style!

RIC 0102 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 23.43g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG P M T P P P COS III; Bust of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: RO-MA across field; S C in field; Roma stg. r., with Victory and spear
RIC 102 (R2). BMC -. BNC -.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 6. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex Heidelberger Münzhandlung Herbert Grün e.K Auction 32, 5 May 2001, lot 552.

An early Vespasian sestertius from 71 featuring a fine style idealised portrait paired with a reverse die recycled from Galba's reign. All of the coins from this first sestertius issue of 71 are rare with most being monumental in design. Missing from both the BM and Paris collections. RIC cites one specimen from Oxford.4 commentsDavid Atherton11/30/23 at 21:52ancientdave: Fantastic addition!

RIC 0115 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 25.44g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG P M T P P P COS III; Bust of Vespasian, laureate, draped, l.
Rev: S C in field; Mars adv. r., with trophy and spear
RIC 115 (R2). BMC -. BNC 541.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 8. EX Curtis Clay Collection. Acquired from Olding, MA Shops, March 2019 = Olding List 96, March 2019, Sammlung Fritz Reusing, no. 139. From the collection of Fritz Reusing (1874-1956), acquired from the Heynen Collection; inherited and continued by Reusing's nephew Paul Schürer (1890-1976).

A fantastically rare variety from Vespasian's first issue of 71 featuring an obverse left facing draped bust. RIC describes many of the sestertii from this issue as 'monumental', likely owing to the fine style, large flans, and ornate busts. Missing from the BM.

This particular specimen has the added honour of a distinguished old pedigree from the Fritz Reusing Collection. Reusing was a German portrait painter of the early 20th Century whose portraits included Richard Strauss, Igor Strawinsky, Max Planck, and Albert Einstein. I would like to think large imperial bronzes such as this one gave him inspiration. After Reusing's death his nephew Paul Schürer inherited and curated the collection.

2 commentsDavid Atherton11/30/23 at 21:51ancientdave: Lovely stoic looking left facing portrait!

RIC 0115 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 25.44g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG P M T P P P COS III; Bust of Vespasian, laureate, draped, l.
Rev: S C in field; Mars adv. r., with trophy and spear
RIC 115 (R2). BMC -. BNC 541.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 8. EX Curtis Clay Collection. Acquired from Olding, MA Shops, March 2019 = Olding List 96, March 2019, Sammlung Fritz Reusing, no. 139. From the collection of Fritz Reusing (1874-1956), acquired from the Heynen Collection; inherited and continued by Reusing's nephew Paul Schürer (1890-1976).

A fantastically rare variety from Vespasian's first issue of 71 featuring an obverse left facing draped bust. RIC describes many of the sestertii from this issue as 'monumental', likely owing to the fine style, large flans, and ornate busts. Missing from the BM.

This particular specimen has the added honour of a distinguished old pedigree from the Fritz Reusing Collection. Reusing was a German portrait painter of the early 20th Century whose portraits included Richard Strauss, Igor Strawinsky, Max Planck, and Albert Einstein. I would like to think large imperial bronzes such as this one gave him inspiration. After Reusing's death his nephew Paul Schürer inherited and curated the collection.

2 commentsDavid Atherton11/29/23 at 22:49Jay GT4: Great portrait and I love that Curtis bought from ...

RIC 0111 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 26.55g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG P M T P P P COS III; Bust of Vespasian, laureate, draped, r.
Rev: SALVS AVGVSTA; S C in exergue; Salus std. l., with patera and sceptre
RIC 111 (R2). BMC -. BNC -.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 7. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex Tom Cederlind.

An extremely rare sestertius struck for Vespasian between January and March 71. Curtis Clay had this to say about the piece which I cannot improve upon:

'Kraay in his illuminating Oxford dissertation, summarized in the new RIC, p. 22, established that Vespasian's sestertii of 71 (COS III) fall into three successive groups marked by progressive abbreviations of the emperor's name, and he suggested the following dates for the groups: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG P M T P P P COS III: Jan.-March/April 71; Same but VESPASIAN and TR P for T P: March/April-July/August 71; Same but VESPAS: July/August-Dec. 71. The reverse SALVS AVGVSTA S C occurs mainly in the third and latest issue of the year. In the earlier groups this type is very rare. Obv. VESPASIANVS, with bust laureate and draped; the bust types and portrait features are much more varied in this early group than in the two later ones. Rev. SALVS AVGVSTA S C, from the only die known for this type in the VESPASIANVS issue. Kraay discovered that this is actually a rev. die of Galba's, engraved and used by Galba in 68 (Kraay's P 61), now reused by Vespasian about 2 1/2 years later!'

An utterly fantastic piece! RIC describes many of the sestertii from this issue as 'monumental', I think the above coin fits that description perfectly. Missing from the BM and Paris collections.7 commentsDavid Atherton11/19/23 at 07:55gb29400: great !!!! Surprised

RIC 0608 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Sestertius, 26.55g
Rome mint, 73 AD
Obv: T CAES VESP IMP PON TR POT COS II CENS; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PAX AVGVSTI; S C in field; Pax stg. l., with branch and cornucopiae
RIC 608 (R2). BMC 667A. BNC -.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 42. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex CNG E139, 10 May 2006, lot 284.

A rare Pax sestertius variety struck for Titus Caesar in 73 when he and Vespasian held the joint censorship. Pax is seen here holding a cornucopiae symbolising the emperor's gift of peace and prosperity to the empire.2 commentsDavid Atherton11/13/23 at 12:10Dirk J: Nice piece ! Congratulations.

RIC 1239 VespasianÆ As, 9.80g
Lyon mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS VIII P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.; globe at point of bust
Rev: S C in field; Temple of Capitoline Jupiter with six columns
RIC 1239 (C). BMC 850. BNC 852.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 454.

In December 69 AD the Temple of Capitoline Jupiter was set ablaze and destroyed during factional warfare in the city of Rome between Vitellian and Flavian forces. Upon Vespasian's victorious arrival in October 70, one of his first acts was to rebuild the temple, supposedly carrying the first basket of rubble from the site himself. He spared no expense on the new temple, lavishly rebuilding it along the same foundational lines and increasing its height. This as struck half a decade later perhaps commemorates the completion of the structure. Although rated as 'common' in RIC, this variety is very rare in trade.2 commentsDavid Atherton10/20/23 at 01:18ancientdave: A lovely rarity.

RIC 0601 VespasianÆ As, 8.38g
Rome mint, 73 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESP AVG P M T P COS IIII CENS; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: VES-TA across field; S C low in field; Temple, round, containing statue
RIC 601 (R). BMC 664. BNC 663.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 37. Ex Curtis Clay Collection.

A decently rare as from 73 depicting a round structure on the reverse, clearly identified on the coin as the temple of Vesta. This is the sixth incarnation of the temple, the fifth was destroyed in the great fire of 64 AD and it originally appeared on the coinage of Nero after his restoration of the structure. Vespasian likely embellished it, which perhaps explains its reappearance on the coinage (Tameanko p. 181). Conversely, Scott Arcenas in his study of Vespasian's temple of Vesta aurei has theorised its appearance here may symbolise the security of home and state rather than any building activity by Vespasian (Elkins p.79). It was a round temple mounted on a high podium and a narrow stairway approach. The columns were fitted with their own plinths and the surrounding intercolumniations laced with grillwork. The summit of the conical roof is flattened, presumably to hold a statue. The coin depicts a cult statue of Vesta between the columns, however, this figure could also be a visual representation of Vesta's eternal flame. The Flavian interest in her cult can best be explained by their desire for connection and continuity with Rome's sacred traditions after the horrors and tragedies of the recent Civil War. The type was fleetingly struck for Vespasian, Titus Caesar, and Domitian Caesar.1 commentsDavid Atherton10/16/23 at 03:53Jay GT4: Sublime rarity! I know you've wanted one for...

RIC 0323 VespasianÆ As, 9.69g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: S C in field; Temple of Capitoline Jupiter with six columns
RIC 323 (R2). BMC 614. BNC 588.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 453. Ex Harlan J Berk, Summer 1986, lot 439.

In December 69 AD the Temple of Capitoline Jupiter was set ablaze and destroyed during factional warfare in the city of Rome between Vitellian and Flavian forces. Upon Vespasian's victorious arrival in October 70, one of his first acts was to lavishly rebuild the temple, supposedly carrying the first basket of rubble from the site himself. As it was the first major building project of the reign, the opening religious ceremonies were conducted with great fanfare. This extremely rare* as from 71 commemorates the rebuilding of the structure and is the earliest appearance of it on a Flavian coin. The reverse depicts an idealised rendition of the Vespasianic temple, as it was still a work in progress and would not be completed for several more years. The rebuilt temple would again succumb to fire in 80 under Titus. A double die match with the Oxford cast and the BM and Paris specimens.

*Rare enough that M. Tameanko in his book Monumental Coins erroneously refers to it as a sestertius and R. Darwell-Smith in Emperors and Architecture calls it a dupondius! N. T. Elkins gets it some-what right in his Monuments in Miniature, but unfortunately links this as variety of 71 to a photo of a heavily tooled sestertius from the BM with a fabricated reverse! No COS III sestertii with the temple of Jupiter exist. 5 commentsDavid Atherton10/10/23 at 17:42Virgil H: Love this

RIC 0319 VespasianÆ As, 11.84g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: SALVS AVGVSTI; S C in field; Salus resting on column r., feeding snake out of patera
RIC 319 (R2). BMC 619A. BNC -.
Ex Rex Numismatics, Auction 1, 15 July 2023, lot 348.

Salus resting on column and feeding snake is an extremely rare type for Vespasian, it is more commonly associated with the denarii struck for Domitian Caesar. This Salus type may be attributed to the health and well-being of the emperor. It is known for Vespasian only from a unique dupondius (RIC 60) and this as variety, of which only a few specimens have been recorded. Whatever the cause for the type being struck for Vespasian, it must have been fleeting based on the scarcity of the pieces. A reverse die match with the BM specimen.1 commentsDavid Atherton10/02/23 at 03:44Jay GT4: Superb rarity and better in hand!

RIC 1479 Vespasian MuleAR Denarius, 3.06g
Ephesus (?) mint, 76 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r., 'o' mint mark below neck
Rev: PRINCEPS IVVENTVT; Spes, draped, advancing l., holding up flower in r. hand and with l. holding up her skirt.
RIC 1479 (R2). BMC 492. BNC -. RPC 1455 (2 spec.). RSC 393a.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 224, 14 September 2023, lot 124. Ex Curtis Clay Collection.

A mysterious eastern mint struck a spate of denarii in 76 which copied many contemporary types from Rome, such as this common Rome mint Spes. Both RIC and RPC speculate the mint possibly could be Ephesus, citing a similar style with a previous Ephesian issue from 74 and the use of an annulet as a mint mark. The issue is extremely rare. This denarius is a mint mule erroneously combining a Domitian Caeasar Spes reverse with a Vespasian obverse. Mules, muddled titles (PRINCEPS IVVENTVT for Vespasian!), and various reverse types mixed between Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian are hallmarks of the series. These 'o' mint denarii are often confused with the issues from Rome, however, they can be distinguished by their superior style, large portraits, and an annulet (if visible) below the bust. Missing from the Paris collection.4 commentsDavid Atherton09/15/23 at 01:23ancientdave: Great addition! Lovely style!

RIC 0384 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 22.77g
Rome mint, 72-73 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPAS AVG P M TR P P P COS IIII; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: S C in field; Mars adv. r., with trophy and spear
RIC 384 (R). BMC 621. BNC 609.
Acquired from Petra Klein, July 2023.

Vespasian's bronze coinage output in 72-73 was quite meagre compared to the vast issues of 71. This rare Mars variety is a carry-over from those massive issues. Struck just prior to Vespasian holding the censorship.1 commentsDavid Atherton09/14/23 at 03:14Jay GT4: Nice big bronze

RIC 1120 Vespasian FourréeFourrée Denarius, 2.75g
Unknown mint, After 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG TR P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: IVDAEA DEVICTA; Palm tree; to l., Judaea stg. l., hands bound in front
RIC 1120 (R). BMC 388. RSC 243. BNC 423. Hendin 1488.
Acquired from NumisCorner, June 2021.

Fourrées are ancient counterfeits composed of a copper core coated with a thin silver plating. The IVDAEA DEVICTA Flavian denarius type from Lugdunum is commonly found as a fourrée, so much so that the auctioneer Ira Goldberg states 'Of the 12-15 specimens of this IVDAEA DEVICTA type that this cataloguer has examined, all have been fourrées!' Personally, I have observed that nearly 60% of these denarii seen in trade are fourrées. Why this is so remains a mystery. Could the plated examples be the work of unscrupulous Lugdunese mint workers skimming profits? Or, did a talented forger in Gaul have a fondness for this one reverse type? The fact that there are no known die links between plated and solid specimens lends credence to the latter theory.

Either plated or solid the type is fairly scarce, so much so the as yet unpublished Flavian A&C changed the frequency rating from 'common' to 'rare'. It also must be noted that many of the specimens in major museum collections are fourrées. http://numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric.2_1(2).ves.1120
My plated specimen is an obverse die match with the Berlin coin.1 commentsDavid Atherton09/12/23 at 21:38Jay GT4: Wonderful example

RIC 1491/1489A Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian] Engraver's Error MuleAR Denarius, 3.41g
Ephesus (?) mint, 76 AD
Obv: CAES AVG F DOMIT COS III; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., 'o' mint mark below neck
Rev: ION (sic) MAX TR P COS V; Winged caduceus
Cf. RIC 1491/1489A (for obv./rev.). BMC -. BNC -. RPC -. RSC -.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 224, 14 September 2023, lot 129. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex Numismatic Naumann, E50, 5 February 2017, lot 515.

An unknown eastern mint struck a spate of denarii in 76 which copied many contemporary types from Rome. Both RIC and RPC speculate it possibly could be Ephesus, citing a similar style with a previous Ephesian issue from 74 and the use of an annulet as a mint mark. The series is riddled with error coins, such as this rare Domitian Caesar engraver's error mule. Here we erroneously have 'ION' instead of 'PON' in the reverse legend. The ION (sic) MAX COS V is a muddled reverse incompatibly struck for Titus Caesar (he could not have been PON MAX). So, a misspelled erroneous reverse impossibly intended for Titus Caesar paired with a Domitian Caesar obverse. Three mistakes on one coin! Same obverse die as RIC plate coin 1491. Possibly the only known specimen.

Off-centred and struck on a large oblong flan, but graced with a stylish portrait.1 commentsDavid Atherton09/11/23 at 21:58Jay GT4: Superb rarity! congrats

RIC 0529A Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 3.48g
Rome mint, 73 AD
Obv: T CAES IMP VESP PON TR POT CENS; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: SALVS AVG; Salus std., l., with patera
RIC 529A (R3). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection. Ex Dr. Busso Peus Nachfolger, Auction 404, 2 November 2011, lot 2570.

This Titus as Caesar denarius with Salus on the reverse coupled with this obverse legend is unlisted in all the major references, including the new RIC II. The coin comes from a series minted in 73 AD in which the Salus type was known for Vespasian but unknown for Titus until the present denarius surfaced. Ian Carradice has given this new type the number 529A (under Vespasian) in the RIC II Addenda. Also, this coin is an obverse die match with the RIC V531 plate coin.

What to my eyes makes this COTD worthy is not the rarity but the bold portrait which was described by the eminent Flavian collector Harry Sneh as 'striking'. I tend to agree. The reverse is weakly struck (worn die?) but well centered.

Struck on a huge flan and weighing 3.48g. This coin is a true beauty in hand.
6 commentsDavid Atherton09/06/23 at 00:46Jay GT4: BOLD portrait!

RIC 1452 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.09g
Ephesus mint, 73 AD (late)
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS IIII TR P P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: AVG and star in oak wreath
RIC 1452 (R3). BMC -. RSC -, RPC -. BNC -.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 224, 14 September 2023, lot 115. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex Lanz, eBay, 13 September 2012.

An exceedingly rare Ephesian COS IIII denarius. RIC cites just one specimen (from different dies) of this AVG in oak wreath variety from a private collection. This is undoubtedly the scarcest issue struck for Vespasian at Ephesus, likely due to production spanning just a few weeks or days at the end of 73 just prior to Vespasian becoming COS V on 1 January 74. 2 commentsDavid Atherton09/05/23 at 22:54Jay GT4: Great rarity

RIC 1425 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.06g
Ephesus mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS III TR P P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PACI AVGVSTAE; Victory adv. r., with wreath and palm; at lower r., BY (obscured)
RIC 1425 (R3). BMC -. RSC -. RPC -. BNC -.
Ex Numismatic Naumann, Auction 130, 2 July 2023, lot 542.

An exceedingly rare variety from Vespasian's Ephesian Group 5 denarius issue. Only one specimen cited in RIC from a G&M sale and I know of one other (Ex Short coll., a double die match). Possibly the third known.3 commentsDavid Atherton08/30/23 at 12:10Dirk J: Congratulations ! The flavian coins from Ephesus a...

RIC 0694 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 3.57g
Rome Mint, 74 AD
Obv: T CAESAR IMP VESP; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PONTIF TR POT; Winged caduceus, upright
RIC 694 (R2). BMC p. 29, *. RSC 167. BNC 130.
Acquired from A. G. & S. Gillis, April 2007.

A reverse type Titus Caesar shared with Vespasian. The caduceus symbolises commercial prosperity and may be associated with the censorship. (BMCRE p. xxxvii)

Not in the BM's collection, but noted in the catalog. A fairly rare variant of the type. Good metal, wonderful early portrait, and in good condition (Titus' beard is visible).2 commentsDavid Atherton08/28/23 at 02:02Jay GT4: Great type

RIC 1479 Vespasian MuleAR Denarius, 3.06g
Ephesus (?) mint, 76 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r., 'o' mint mark below neck
Rev: PRINCEPS IVVENTVT; Spes, draped, advancing l., holding up flower in r. hand and with l. holding up her skirt.
RIC 1479 (R2). BMC 492. BNC -. RPC 1455 (2 spec.). RSC 393a.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 224, 14 September 2023, lot 124. Ex Curtis Clay Collection.

A mysterious eastern mint struck a spate of denarii in 76 which copied many contemporary types from Rome, such as this common Rome mint Spes. Both RIC and RPC speculate the mint possibly could be Ephesus, citing a similar style with a previous Ephesian issue from 74 and the use of an annulet as a mint mark. The issue is extremely rare. This denarius is a mint mule erroneously combining a Domitian Caeasar Spes reverse with a Vespasian obverse. Mules, muddled titles (PRINCEPS IVVENTVT for Vespasian!), and various reverse types mixed between Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian are hallmarks of the series. These 'o' mint denarii are often confused with the issues from Rome, however, they can be distinguished by their superior style, large portraits, and an annulet (if visible) below the bust. Missing from the Paris collection.4 commentsDavid Atherton08/27/23 at 20:42Dirk J: Congratulations, it's always nice when you ca...

RIC 1058 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.21g
Rome mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: TR - POT X COS VIIII; Capricorn l. : below, globe
RIC 1058 (C). BMC 251. RSC 554. BNC 219.
Ex Harlan J. Berk BBS 138, 1 June 2004, lot 224.

A denarius from Vespasian's last issue struck before his death in June 79. It copies an Augustan reverse design featuring Capricorn his natal sign.

The globe under the Capricorn is normally cross-hatched. Rare and unusual with curving latitudinal lines.7 commentsDavid Atherton08/22/23 at 02:47Jay GT4: Gorgeous

RIC 1541 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.20g
Antioch mint, 70 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: AVG in oak wreath
RIC 1541 (R2). BMC 497. BNC 326. RPC 1915 (3 spec.). RSC 36a.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 224, 14 September 2023, lot 133. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex Rauch, E15, 16-18 June 2014, lot 161.

An exceedingly rare first issue Antiochene denarius. The AVG in wreath reverse was fleetingly struck in 70 alongside the equally rare Pax and Virtus denarius types. It copies a similar design contemporaneously issued from Ephesus. My example shares an obverse die with the Oxford specimen and a seated Pax type from the same issue. Three other specimens of the type are known, all of which are in major collections - mine is the only one I am aware of in private hands.1 commentsDavid Atherton08/16/23 at 03:58Jay GT4: What it lacks in eye appeal it makes up for in int...

RIC 0959A Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian] MuleAR Denarius, 3.18g
Rome mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS; Head of Domitian, laureate, r.
Rev: COS VI in exergue; Oxen, two, yoked l.
RIC 959A, BMC -. BNC -. RSC -.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 224, 14 September 2023, lot 101. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex CNG, E105, 5 January 2005, lot 156.

A unique mint mule combining an obverse of Domitian Caesar with a reverse intended for Titus Caesar. The yoked oxen type was struck exclusively for Vespasian and Titus Caesar in 77-78. This is the only known example of a mule pairing a Domitian Caesar obverse with a reverse intended for either Vespasian or Titus Caesar on the denarii. It has been assigned catalogue number RIC 959A in the RIC II.1 Addenda & Corrigenda.4 commentsDavid Atherton08/14/23 at 15:18Virgil H: Beautiful

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