Classical Numismatics Discussion Members' Coin Collection Photo Gallery

Last additions - David Atherton

RPC 2495 DomitianÆ Diobol, 6.54g
Alexandria mint, 83-84 AD
Obv: ΑΥΤΟΚ ΚΑΙΣΑΡ ΔΟΜΙΤΙΑΝΟΣ ΣΕΒ; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: ΕΤΟΥΣ ΤΡΙΤΟΥ; Eagle standing, r., on thunderbolt
RPC 2495 (3 spec.). Emmett 281.3. Dattari-Savio 584.
Acquired from eBay, May 2023.

A regnal year 3 diobol struck before the Alexandrian mint was reformed several years later. The reverse types employed on Domitian's Alexandrian coinage was a mix of both Greek and native Egyptian types. Here the reverse depicts an eagle with thunderbolt, attributes of the supreme Greek god Zeus. Oddly, Emmett rates this variety from regnal year 3 as 'common', although only three specimens are found in RPC's 'core collections'.1 commentsDavid AthertonMay 31, 2023

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 AthertonMay 29, 2023

RIC 1142 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 13.16g
Lyon mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIANVS AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, radiate, r.
Rev: PAX AVG; S C in field; Pax stg. l., with patera over altar and branch and caduceus
RIC 1142 (R2). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, May 2023.

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. This is the rare 'VESPASIANVS' obverse legend variety of the type unique to this issue. Missing from both the BM and Paris collections.1 commentsDavid AthertonMay 24, 2023

RIC 0306 VespasianÆ As, 10.45g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: IVDEA CAPTA; S C in exergue; Palm tree; to r., Judaea std. r. on cuirass, head resting on hand, surrounded by arms
RIC 306 (R2). BMC 790. BNC 583. Hendin 1554c.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, May 2023.

Judaea Capta coins were struck in all metals, but are quite scarce on the middle bronzes. This as from 71 echoes a similar Judaea Capta denarius struck the previous year. Here IVDEA CAPTA is spelled out, on the denarii only IVDAEA is in exergue (note the different spelling between the two denominations). The cuirass and surrounding pile of arms are also missing from the denarius examples. Additionally, this is the extremely rare left facing portrait variety of the type. H. Mattingly in BMCRE II erroneously attributed some of the Judaea Capta asses from the issue to Tarraco, they are actually Rome mint products.3 commentsDavid AthertonMay 22, 2023

RIC 0720 VespasianÆ As, 9.67g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESP AVG COS V CENS; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: AEQVITAS AVGVST; S C in field; Aequitas stg. l., with scales and rod
RIC 720 (C). BMC 700. BNC 715.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, April 2023.

Aequitas on Vespasian's coinage proclaims the honest administration of public finances and lapsed standards would be restored. Aequitas holding her scales and measuring rod was probably based on a cult image of the deity. The Aequitas type was quite common on the asses under Vespasian for all three Flavians. This specimen struck for Vespasian in 74 is rated as 'common' in RIC.1 commentsDavid AthertonMay 17, 2023

RIC 1580 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Semis, 5.32g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: CAESAR DOMIT COS II; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: ANTIOCHIA; Bust of city-goddess, r.
RIC 1580 (C). BMC -. BNC -. RPC 2004 (7 spec.).
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, April 2023.

Traditionally, the remarkable bronze issue this rather odd semis is from has been attributed to various different mints over the years. Ted Buttrey in the unpublished RIC II.1 Addenda wrote - 'RIC 756-767 are irregular Dupondii, which should be taken together with Asses, semisses and quadrantes (RIC 1564-1581), forming together a single extraordinary issue in four denominations, distinct in typology and metal, as well as overall character from the regular coinage of the year. Although Eastern in aspect and reverse type, the circulation area of the dupondii is almost exclusively Gaul, Germany, Italy – i.e. the West, with scarcely any penetration of the East. Finds of the smaller denominations are rarely attested anywhere, East or West. The citations in RPC II are drawn almost entirely from Western collections, and total: Western - 108, Eastern - 4. The Eastern finds appear to be simply the débris of Mediterranean circulation. Previously the series had been attributed to Commagene (BMCRE II, pp.217-222), then as a likelihood to Antioch (e.g. RPC II 1982-2005). The correct attribution to Rome is proved by mules of the dupondii with regular issues (Buttrey, “Vespasian’s Roman Orichalcum: An Unrecognized Celebratory Coinage” in David M. Jacobson and Nikos Kokkinos, Judaea and Rome in Coins, 65 CBE – 135 CE (2012).'

Here we have a semis struck for Domitian Caesar featuring Antiocha on the reverse. I think it quite extraordinary that the Rome mint would produce a coin blatantly featuring a provincial city-goddess intended for circulation in the West. Vespasian's fondness for the region that elevated him to the purple must have been strong indeed! The type was struck for all three Flavians.3 commentsDavid AthertonMay 15, 2023

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 AthertonMay 10, 2023

RIC 1508A VespasianÆ19, 4.09g
Ephesus (?) mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVGVST; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: PON MAX TR P P P COS VIII CENS; S C low in field; Caduceus, winged, between crossed cornuacopiae
RIC 1508A (R3). BMC -. BNC -. RPC -.
Acquired from Numidas, April 2023.

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. Here we have an unpublished and unique left facing portrait variety of the crossed cornucopiae with caduceus type. RIC II.1 co-author Ian Carradice was alerted to this new discovery and has assigned it as 1508A in the Addenda & Corrigenda.2 commentsDavid AthertonMay 08, 2023

RIC 767 DomitianAR Denarius, 2.94g
Rome mint, 94 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P XIIII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IMP XXII COS XVI CENS P P P; Minverva stg. r. on capital of rostral column, with spear and shield; to r., owl (M2)
RIC 767 (C). BMC 220A. RSC 285. BNC -.
Acquired from eBay, April 2023. Formerly in NGC holder #2119640-004, grade VF, 'brushed'.

This denarius was struck between mid September and 31 December of 94. Although the frequency rating in RIC is listed as 'common', it is a fairly rare dating combination owing to the fact it was minted for just a few months. This M2 variety, along with the other Minerva types in the issue, are quite scarce in trade today.David AthertonMay 03, 2023

RIC 0415 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ As, 11.57g
Rome mint, 72 AD
Obv: T CAES VESPAS IMP P TR P COS II; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: AEQVITAS AVGVSTI; S C in field; Aequitas stg. l., with scales and rod
RIC 415 (R2). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Noble Roman Coins, April 2023.

One of the earliest bronze coins struck for Titus Caesar from an extremely rare issue of 72. Aequitas on Vespasian's coinage proclaims the honest administration of public finances and lapsed standards would be restored. Aequitas holding her scales and measuring rod was probably based on a cult image of the deity. The Aequitas type would later become quite common on the asses under Vespasian for all three Flavians. This is a scarce variety with reverse legend reading 'AVGVSTI'. Missing from both the BM and Paris collections. Only one specimen cited by RIC in Ljubljana.1 commentsDavid AthertonApr 30, 2023

RIC 218 DomitianÆ As, 8.83g
Rome mint, 84 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG GERM COS X; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., with aegis
Rev: IOVI CONSERVAT; S C in field; Jupiter stg. l., with thunderbolt and sceptre
RIC 218 (C). BMC -. BNC 302.
Ex Tater's Relics, eBay, April 2023.

Domitian's bronze mint after a brief hiatus in 83 returned the following year with a slate of new reverse designs. This relatively scarce as showing a standing Jupiter appears for the first time in the coinage here. Struck in 84, this Jupiter type with the legend IOVI CONSERVAT depicts the god as Domitian's divine protector. It would later be discontinued after 86. Although rated as 'common' in RIC, this variety is missing from the BM.David AthertonApr 27, 2023

RPC 2441 VespasianÆ Diobol, 10.28g
Alexandria mint, 73-74 AD
Obv: ΑΥΤΟΚ ΚΑΙΣ ΣΕΒΑ ΟΥΕΣΠΑΣΙΑΝΟΥ; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: LϚ; Bust of Sarapis, r.
RPC 2441 (16 spec.). Emmett 218.6. Dattari-Savio 401.
Acquired from Tater's Relics, eBay, April 2023.

The cult of Sarapis gained importance during the Flavian dynasty because of Vespasian's vital connection to Egypt during the Civil War. Alexandria was the first city to declare for him in July 69 and in November he arrived there to await the outcome of the war and to secure the grain supply to Rome. According to both Tacitus and Suetonius during Vespasian's sojourn in Alexandria he paid a visit to the temple of Sarapis alone to consult the god about the chances of success in his bid for the empire. After receiving a positive sign from the god he was able to administer healing miracles to the local Alexandrians. Of course, all of this was later Flavian propaganda intended to bolster Vespasian's claim to the purple. It should come as no surprise that Sarapis figured prominently on the local coinage under Vespasian, being commonly struck on the bronze diobol. This fine style example of the type struck in regnal year 6 features neatly engraved obverse and reverse busts.4 commentsDavid AthertonApr 24, 2023

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 AthertonApr 18, 2023

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 AthertonApr 17, 2023

RIC 162 DomitianAR Denarius, 3.48g
Rome mint, 83 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR POT II COS VIIII DES X P P; Minerva adv r., with spear and shield (M1)
RIC 162 (R). BMC spec. acquired 1988. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex eBay, March 2023. Formerly in NGC holder #6330610-037, grade VF.

Struck between March and 13 September 83 AD, this denarius is part of an issue that introduced the four standard Minerva reverse types that would dominate the denarii of Domitian's reign. All the denarii from this issue are fairly rare today. This Minerva advancing right type is missing from Paris and is unlisted in RSC. The BM acquired a specimen in 1988.

Historical note: Mons Graupius, Agricola's climatic battle in Scotland, most likely occurred in the fall of 83 soon after this coin was minted.2 commentsDavid AthertonApr 12, 2023

RIC 1521 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ18, 2.71g
Ephesus (?) mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: CAESAR DOMITIANVS AVG F; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: COS V PRINC IVVENT; S C in field; Cornucopiae
RIC 1521 (R2). BMC spec. acquired 1989. BNC -. RPC 1488 (2 spec.).
Ex Bucephalus Black auction 17, 24-25 March 2023, lot 403.

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 extremely rare small bronze struck for Domitian Caesar featuring a cornucopiae on the reverse echoes similar provincial designs from the East. 1 commentsDavid AthertonApr 10, 2023

RIC 0157 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 26.66g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: FORTVNAE REDVCI; S C in exergue; Fortuna stg. l., with branch and rudder on globe, and cornucopiae
RIC 157 (C). BMC 756. BNC 482.
Acquired from CGB, March 2023.

Vespasian struck a massive bronze issue in 71 which easily dwarfs any other of the reign. The issue is dominated by the Judaea Capta series, but many other important themes are employed by the mint. This common Fortuna reverse carries an important propaganda message concerning the safe return of the imperial household. Mattingly in BMCRE explains it as 'the Fortuna who brings Titus home in June 71; the branch which she holds, beside her own rudder and cornucopiae, is either the olive branch of Pax or the laurel of the home-returning conqueror.' Titus had been absent from Rome completing the successful siege of Jerusalem and was en route home in Spring 71.David AthertonApr 05, 2023

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 AthertonApr 03, 2023

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 AthertonMar 29, 2023

RPC 2448 VespasianÆ Drachm, 18.63g
Alexandria mint, 75-76 AD
Obv: ΑΥΤΟΚ ΚΑΙΣ ΣΕΒΑ ΟΥΕΣΠΑΣΙΑΝΟΥ, LH; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: ΑΥΤΟΚΡΑΤΩΡ ΤΙΤΟΣ ΚΑΙΣΑΡ; Head of Titus, laureate, r.
RPC 2448 (7 spec.). Emmett 209.8. Dattari-Savio 350-351.
Acquired from Incitatus Coins, March 2023.

A bronze drachm struck at Alexandria in regnal year 8 (75-76) that boldly advertises Titus Caesar as Vespasian's heir. This type was struck slightly more commonly on the tetradrachm the same year.David AthertonMar 28, 2023

RIC 007 DomitianAR Denarius, 2.94g
Rome mint, 81 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG PONT; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: P P COS VII DES VIII; Altar, garlanded and lighted
RIC 7 (R3). BMC p. 299 † note. RSC 370. BNC 9.
Ex Private Collection, February 2023.

Domitian seems to have been in somewhat of a hurry to strike coins as Augustus after Titus's death in mid September 81 AD, presumably for a legionary donative. This denarius was struck before Domitian had been awarded the power of the tribunate (TR P) and Pontifex Maximus (PM). Here his only titles are Augustus (AVG), Imperator (IMP), Consul for the 7th time (COS VII), and Pater Patriae, father of the country (P P). Perhaps it may have taken a few days for the Senate to award the power of the tribunate to Domitian because they had assembled at the small town of Reate where Titus had died and needed to be in Rome in order to vote him the right. The religious ceremonies required for Domitian to assume the title Pontifex Maximus had not yet finished by this time either, here he is simply PONT, or in other words a member of the College of Pontiffs. Some have argued that PONT is the same as PM, I disagree. Titus as Caesar early on had also used the title PONT on his denarii and he was never Pontifex Maximus under Vespasian - only the emperor can be Pontifex Maximus or greatest priest. Although this Group 2 denarius is not part of Domitian's first RIC issue, it is very likely to have been struck within the first few days of him assuming the purple. RIC notes the chronology is not precise with these issues from 81 and they are grouped only for 'convenience'. Judging by the rarity of the Group 2 denarii they could not have been struck for any great length of time. This reverse features a pulvinar altar type carried-over from Domitian's last denarius issue struck under Titus in celebration of the Colosseum's dedication. When the new RIC II.1 was published in 2007 just one specimen was known for this altar variety (BNC 9). This coin (a double die match) is now the second specimen. All the above references cite the previously unique Paris specimen.6 commentsDavid AthertonMar 26, 2023

RIC 1581 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Quadrans, 2.23g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: CAES AVG F; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: DOMIT COS II; Winged caduceus
RIC 1581 (R2). BMC 885. BNC 902. RPC 2005 (2 spec.).
Ex Sol Numismatik Auction XI, 4 March 2023, lot 150.

An extremely rare orichalcum quadrans struck for Domitian Caesar under Vespasian in 74 AD. Traditionally the issue has been attributed to various Eastern mints, however, recent scholarship has shown that it was produced in Rome. Style, die axis, metal, and circulation pattern all point to a Western coinage. The Rome mint caduceus design supports this as well. T. Buttrey in the RIC II.1 Addenda wrote: 'There is nothing like this series in the whole of Roman imperial coinage. It is a deliberate act of Orientalism, imposing the flavour of the East on a Western coinage'. Earlier scholarship catalogued this variety as a semis, however, the new RIC classifies it as a quadrans. Interesting to note Domitian's name only appears on the reverse.1 commentsDavid AthertonMar 23, 2023

RIC 508 Domitian as Caesar [Titus]Æ Sestertius, 23.43g
Eastern mint (Thrace?), 80-81 AD
Obv: CAES DIVI AVG VESP F DOMITIAN COS VII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PAX AVGVST; S C in field; Pax stg. l., with branch and cornucopiae
RIC 508 (R). BMC 315. BNC -. RPC 504.
Ex Sol Numismatik Auction XI, 4 March 2023, lot 295.

A mystery mint struck coins for Titus and Domitian as Caesar sometime between 80-81. The style (heavily seriffed letters, large portraits, massive reverse figures), and uncommon fabric (flat, almost convex flans) all suggest a mint other than Rome. Attributing exactly where these coins were struck has historically been a moving target - Mattingly in BMCRE thought Lugdunum, H.A. Cahn believed somewhere in Bithynia. More recent scholarship has looked towards Thrace as a possible location for production based on the Balkan distribution pattern of found specimens. Although the region of mintage has been narrowed down, the city itself remains elusive. RPC has suggested possibly Perinthus. Presumably a shortage of bronze coins in the region during Titus' reign prompted a localised imperial issue. The striking of imperial bronze outside of Rome was an exceptional step at the time considering the last imperial branch mint at Lugdunum had shuttered late in Vespasian's reign. The issue consisted of sestertii, dupondii, asses, and semisses which copied types struck at Rome. This rare sestertius struck for Domitian as Caesar copies the Pax type struck contemporaneously for him at Rome. It can be distinguished from that issue by style and fabric.David AthertonMar 20, 2023

RIC 1506 Vespasian Unique VariantÆ21, 3.31g
Ephesus (?) mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVGVST; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: PON MAX TR P P P COS VIII CENS; S C; Victory adv. l., holding wreath and palm
RIC 1506 var. (obv. head r.). BMC -. BNC -. RPC 1479 var. (same).
Ex Bucephalus Black Auction 16, 24-25 February 2023, lot 912.

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. Here we have a unique left facing portrait variety of the Victory type with 'AVGVST' instead of 'AVG' in the obverse legend. No specimens recorded in RPC or the RIC II.1 Addenda.David AthertonMar 15, 2023

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 AthertonMar 13, 2023

RIC 1577 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian] MuleÆ Quadrans, 3.02g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: T CAESAR IMP; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: P M TR POT P P; Winged caduceus
RIC 1577 (R2). BMC -. BNC -. RPC 2000 (0 spec.).
Ex Savoca Blue 157, 26 February 2023, lot 932.

A mule from the Rome mint's 'Eastern series' combining a Titus Caesar obverse with a reverse intended for Vespasian. Although extremely rare, a sufficient number of these mules survived antiquity to warrant their own RIC catalogue number. Traditionally the issue has been attributed to various Eastern mints, however, recent scholarship has shown that it was produced in Rome. Style, die axis, metal, and circulation pattern all point to a Western coinage. The Rome mint caduceus design supports this as well. T. Buttrey in the RIC II.1 Addenda wrote: 'There is nothing like this series in the whole of Roman imperial coinage. It is a deliberate act of Orientalism, imposing the flavour of the East on a Western coinage'. 1 commentsDavid AthertonMar 08, 2023

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 AthertonMar 06, 2023

RIC 1511 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ25, 6.67g
Ephesus (?) mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: T CAESAR IMPER PONT; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR POT COS VI CENSOR; S C in exergue; Eagle stg. l. on thunderbolt, head r.
RIC 1511 (R). BMC p. 221 ‡. BNC 893. RPC 1480 (3 spec.).
Ex Bucephalus 15, 11 February 2023, lot 662.

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 (such as this Syrian inspired eagle on thunderbolt). A stylistic similarity with the earlier 'o' mint denarii possibly struck at Ephesus has been noted by both RIC and RPC. 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). Further, metal analyses by Carradice and Cowell ('The minting of Roman Imperial Bronze Coins for Circulation in the East: Vespasian to Trajan', NC 147, pp. 26-50) strongly supports an Asia Minor origin for the issue. 1 commentsDavid AthertonMar 01, 2023

RIC 1022 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Sestertius, 19.42g
Rome mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: T CAES VESPASIAN IMP PON TR POT COS VI; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r., with aegis
Rev: ANNONA AVGVST; S C in field; Annona std. l., with sack of corn ears
RIC 1022 (R2). BMC -. BNC 781.
Acquired from Praefectus Coins, February 2023.

Vespasian's bronze issue of 77-78 was sparingly struck and features many scarce varieties. This Titus Caesar sestertius with aegis portrait is extremely rare with no specimens in the BM. The Annona reverse is part of an agricultural themed coinage programme, perhaps promoting a contemporary governmental policy.1 commentsDavid AthertonFeb 27, 2023

RIC 1571 Vespasian MuleÆ Quadrans, 2.71g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: IMP VESP AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: VESP•PON•TR•P; Winged caduceus
RIC 1571 (R2). BMC -. BNC -. RPC 1990 (0 spec.).
Acquired from Variana Coins, February 2023.

A mule from the Rome mint's 'Eastern series' combining a Vespasian obverse with a reverse intended for Titus Caesar (Note 'VESP' occurs in both the obverse and reverse legends!). Although very rare, a Sufficient number of these mules survived antiquity to warrant its own RIC catalogue number. Traditionally the issue has been attributed to various Eastern mints, however, recent scholarship has shown that it was produced in Rome. Style, die axis, metal, and circulation pattern all point to a Western coinage. The Rome mint caduceus design supports this as well. T. Buttrey in the RIC II.1 Addenda wrote: 'There is nothing like this series in the whole of Roman imperial coinage. It is a deliberate act of Orientalism, imposing the flavour of the East on a Western coinage'. 1 commentsDavid AthertonFeb 22, 2023

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 AthertonFeb 20, 2023

RIC 0483 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Dupondius, 12.37g
Rome mint, 72 AD
Obv: T CAESAR VESPASIAN IMP III PON TR POT II COS II: Head of Titus, radiate, r.
Rev: ROMA VICTRIX; S C in exergue; Roma std. l. on cuirass, with Victory and spear
RIC 483 (R2). BMC p. 146 ‡. BNC -.
Acquired from eBay, February 2023.

An extremely rare dupondius struck for Titus Caesar under Vespasian depicting Roma on the reverse, seated on a cuirass and holding a spear in one hand and Victory in the other. She is dressed in the guise of an Amazon warrior, a typical attribute for her on the coinage during the Flavian era. H. Mattingly in BMCRE II says this Roma victorious type, along with a few other Roma reverses, 'announces the triumph and revival of the sovereign city.' Both Vespasian and Titus shared the type. This scarce Titus variety is missing from both the BM and Paris collections. Two specimens are cited by RIC, one in Stockholm and the other in Aretusa Auction 4, 22 March 1996.1 commentsDavid AthertonFeb 19, 2023

RIC 305 DomitianÆ As, 11.23g
Rome mint, 85 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG GERM COS XI; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., with aegis
Rev: SALVTI above, AVGVSTI below; S C in exergue; Altar
RIC 305 (C3). BMC 316. BNC 339.
Acquired from eBay, January 2023.

The SALVTI AVGVSTI altar type was first introduced on Domitian's aes coinage in 84 after a brief hiatus of the Senatorial mint's production in 82-83, presumably for re-organisational purposes. This earliest version of the type has the legend starting at the lower left, later issues would place the legend above and below the altar, as seen on this coin. The structure on the reverse has been traditionally described as an altar, however, Marvin Tameanko has convincingly argued it is actually a sacellum, or small shrine. He states the steps at the base leading to two doors with handles are overwhelming evidence that the structure was much larger than an altar. As far as the shrine's significance - H. Mattingly in BMCRE II interprets the type as commemorating the Senate's dedication of an altar shrine celebrating Domitian's safe return from the Germanic Wars of 82-83. Alternately, the shrine may have been dedicated as an appeal to Salus for the emperor's continued good health. Tameanko attributed the reverse to Domitian's hypochondria. In any case, no trace of the shrine has survived antiquity. 2 commentsDavid AthertonFeb 13, 2023

RIC 838 DomitianÆ Sestertius, 24.72g
Eastern Mint (Thrace?), 82 AD
Obv: IMP DOMITIAN CAES DIVI VESP F AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: S C in field; Mars, with cloak over shoulders, adv. r., with spear and trophy
RIC 838 (R2). BMC 517. BNC 552. RPC 531.
Acquired from Variana Coins, January 2023.

An unknown Eastern mint struck a small series of bronze coins for both Titus and Domitian. 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 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 issues consisted of sestertii, dupondii, asses, and semisses which copied types struck at Rome. Production at this Eastern mint continued uninterrupted between Titus's and Domitian's reigns, hinted at by Domitian's seamless adoption of Titus's types and legend formula after his accession. Owing to the scarcity of this Domitianic Mars type dated COS VIII, it could not have been struck for any great length of time. The mystery mint was likely closed when Domitian began his reform of the coinage in early 82.1 commentsDavid AthertonFeb 08, 2023

RIC 0734 VespasianÆ As, 10.91g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESP AVG COS V CENS; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: VICTORIA AVGVST; S C in field; Victory stg. r. on prow, with wreath and palm
RIC 734 (C). BMC 705. BNC 724.
Acquired from eBay, January 2023. Formerly in NGC holder #6556188-007, grade VG.

A generic Victory on prow type struck when Vespasian held the joint censorship with Titus, which is advertised in the obverse legend. This Victory type would be repeatedly struck throughout Vespasian's reign, the prow possibly alluding to 'Victory at sea'. Some collectors and dealers refer to this as a 'Judaea Capta' type, although there is not an explicit connection. This variant is rated 'common' by the new RIC II.1.1 commentsDavid AthertonFeb 06, 2023

RIC 0911 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ As, 11.12g
Rome mint, 76 AD
Obv: T CAESAR IMP COS V; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: AEQVITAS AVGVST; S C in field; Aequitas stg. l., with scales and rod
RIC 911 (R). BMC p. 171 *. BNC 763.
Acquired from Jongeling Numismatics, January 2023.

Vespasian inherited a financial mess upon his accession in 69. His top priority was putting the state on a sound financial footing. Symbolic of that righting of the empire was the common reverse type of Aequitas. Aequitas holding her scales and measuring rod was probably based on a cult image of the deity. She first shows up as an imperial virtue on the coinage under Galba - a virtue that Vespasian was eager to emulate. This rare Aequitas was struck for both Vespasian and Titus Caesar in 76. Vespasian and Titus often shared the same reverse types, a move that no doubt marked Titus as Vespasian's heir to the throne. Missing from the BM.1 commentsDavid AthertonFeb 01, 2023

RIC 486 DomitianÆ As, 9.98g
Rome mint, 86 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XII CENS PER P P; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., with aegis
Rev: FIDEI PVBLICAE; S C in field; Fides stg. r., with corn ears and plate of fruits
RIC 486 (C2). BMC 385. BNC 415.
Acquired from Ken Dorney, January 2023.

Fides holding a plate of fruits was a recurring type under Domitian until 88. It copies a similar reverse struck for Vespasian and must have held some special meaning to Domitian. H Mattingly in BMCRE II (p. xci) speculated on the importance of Fides to Domitian: 'The word 'Fides' has a wide scope and includes the ideas that we express by the words "loyalty", "integrity", "honour". Probably "credit", in a wide sense, is the nearest English equivalent. If, as seems probable, the type is closely associated with the Emperor's activities as censor, we can at once understand its popularity under Domitian. The censorship of Domitian is usually represented as a device to secure control of the composition of the senate. But this was only part of its significance. Domitian was simply carrying on from his father Vespasian the policy of close attention to the business affairs of the state and, in making himself censor for life, he was offending susceptibilities rather than serious interests. In view of the care of Domitian for the Italian land we can perhaps explain the 'agricultural' attributes of "Fides". It appears certain that the Flavians developed a financial policy of great importance, of which only the barest hints have come down to us. The fact that a festival of Fides fell on the first day of October, the month which was rechristened "Domitianus" in A.D. 84, lends further appropriateness to the type.'1 commentsDavid AthertonJan 30, 2023

RIC 1569 VespasianÆ Quadrans, 2.86g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: IMP VESP AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: P M TR POT P P; Winged caduceus
RIC 1569 (R). BMC 880. BNC 894. RPC 1989 (4 spec.).
Acquired from Aegean Numismatics, January 2023.

An extremely rare orichalcum quadrans struck for Vespasian in 74. Traditionally the issue has been attributed to various Eastern mints, however, recent scholarship has shown that it was produced in Rome. Style, die axis, metal, and circulation pattern all point to a Western coinage. The Rome mint caduceus design supports this as well. T. Buttrey in the RIC II.1 Addenda wrote: 'There is nothing like this series in the whole of Roman imperial coinage. It is a deliberate act of Orientalism, imposing the flavour of the East on a Western coinage'. 2 commentsDavid AthertonJan 25, 2023

RIC 277 DomitianÆ Sestertius, 23.67g
Rome mint, 85 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG GERM COS XI; Bust of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., with aegis
Rev: S C in field; Domitian stg. l., sacrificing with patera over altar in front of shrine containing cult statue of Minerva
RIC 277 (C2). BMC 296. BNC 316.
Acquired from CGB.fr, January 2023.

85 AD saw the mint at Rome introduce many new types on Domitian's aes coinage, many of which are monumental in nature. This sestertius from the first issue of the year shows Domitian sacrificing in front of a small shrine. Mattingly in BMCRE (p. xciii) had this to say concerning the type - 'Minerva is not represented here by her own types, as on the gold and silver, but by a type that recurs year after year of Domitian sacrificing before the goddess in a shrine. While recording his achievements, Domitian does not omit to acknowledge the goddess to whom they are due.' K. Scott in his 'Le « Sacrarium Minervae » de Domitien' argues it is the private sacrarium set up to Minerva in Domitian's bedchamber at the Palatine palace. The shrine in question is a mystery and may perhaps just be a generic set piece to frame the cult image and display Domitian's piety and not meant to be taken literally.
1 commentsDavid AthertonJan 22, 2023

RPC 0320 VespasianÆ23, 8.00g
Thessalonica (Macedonia) mint, undated
Obv: ΑΥΤΟΚΡΑΤΩΡ ΚΑΙΣΑΡ ΟΥΕΣΠΑΣ; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: ΘΕΣΣΑ/ΛΟΝΙΚΕ/ΩΝ in three lines within oak wreath; above inscription, eagle standing, l., head r.
RPC 320 (6 spec.).
Acquired from Ephesus Numismatics, January 2023.

During the Flavian era Thessalonica produced a smattering of coins under Vespasian and then again under Domitian. This 1 assarion piece struck for Vespasian is quite scarce with only 6 specimens recorded in the core collections cited by RPC.

1 commentsDavid AthertonJan 18, 2023

RIC 702 DomitianÆ Sestertius, 22.24g
Rome mint, 90-91 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XV CENS PER P P; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IOVI VICTORI; S C in exergue; Jupiter std. l., with Victory and sceptre
RIC 702 (C2). BMC 439. BNC 476.
Acquired from Marc Breitsprecher, January 2023. Ex Librairie Numismatique Monnaies & Medailles, E. Boudeau, Paris.

Similar to the silver and gold, Domitian's aes coinage in the mid 80s settled down to a few predicable reverse types that were annually struck throughout the reign. The Sestertii were dominated by Victory crowning the emperor and this seated Jupiter with Victory. 'Jupiter the giver of Victory' was an important propaganda type because of the periodic conflicts on the Northern frontier that flared up form time to time. Also, according to Suetonius, Domitian established 'a quinquennial contest in honour of Jupiter Capitolinus of a threefold character, comprising music, riding, and gymnastics, and with considerably more prizes than are awarded nowadays.'

This coin comes with an interesting old provenance as noted by Marc Breitsprecher: 'Includes old yellowed paper envelope from the coin dealer Librairie Numismatique Monnaies & Medailles, E. Boudeau Expert, 11 Rue Ramaeu, Paris - dating prior to 1912 - with dealer name printed on the envelope - coin description and price (3.45 francs, about 70 cents) hand-written in French with an ink pen. Élie Boudeau (1853-1912) was a politician and numismatist in late 19th century-early 20th century Paris. He served in the 5th legislature of the Third French Republic from 12 November 1889 to 14 October 1893. He owned a shop in the numismatic district of Paris at 11 Rue Rameau, only a stones throw from the Bibliotheque Nationale and one block from the Rue Vivienne where several coin shops, including CGB, still exist today.'

NB: Seller's comment - 'Possible damnatio across bust.' More likely it is just a random scrape.2 commentsDavid AthertonJan 16, 2023

RIC 0181 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 21.72g
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 stg. l., with branch and cornucopiae
RIC 181 (C2). BMC 554. BNC 512.
Acquired from Savoca Coins, January 2023.

The standing Pax is one of the most common types encountered on Vespasian's sestertii struck during the great bronze issue of 71, mirroring the prominent role Pax played on his early denarii. Colin Kraay counted 16 obverse dies paired with this second issue reverse type, undoubtedly there are more. Here Pax is represented holding a cornucopiae (on the denarius she holds a caduceus) symbolising the emperor's gift of peace and prosperity to the empire.

A fantastic veristic portrait.
1 commentsDavid AthertonJan 11, 2023

RPC 2693 DomitianÆ Obol, 4.03g
Alexandria mint, 92-93 AD
Obv: ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙϹΑΡ ΔΟΜΙΤ ϹƐΒ ΓƐΡΜ; Head of Domitian, laureate, l.
Rev: LΙB; Dolphin coiled round anchor
RPC 2693 (0 spec.). Emmett 308.12f. Dattari-Savio -.
Acquired from Marc Breitsprecher, December 2022.

An extremely scarce Alexandrian obol from Domitian's regnal year 12. The dolphin is the totem animal of Poseidon and likely can be viewed in that context here. One cannot help but be reminded of an identical dolphin and anchor pulvinar type struck previously by Titus and Domitian between 80-82 at Rome on the denarius.

Missing from the Dattari collection.1 commentsDavid AthertonJan 09, 2023

RIC 076 DomitianÆ Sestertius, 21.65g
Rome mint, 81 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIAN AVG P M; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P COS VII DES VIII P P; S C in field; Minerva adv. r., with spear and shield
RIC 76 (C). BMC 260. BNC 274.
Acquired from Marc Breitsprecher, December 2022. Ex Librairie Numismatique Monnaies & Medailles, E. Boudeau, Paris.

While Domitian's initial denarius output is dominated by the carry-over pulvinar types struck by Titus, his first issue of sestertii have a more personal touch with the reverses featuring his patron deity Minerva. These first bronze coins were not struck in massive quantities and likely date between mid October and 31 December 81. The reverse legend indicates he is consul for the seventh time and has already been voted consul for the eighth time beginning 1 January 82.

This coin comes with an interesting old provenance as noted by Marc Breitsprecher: 'Includes old yellowed paper envelope from the coin dealer Librairie Numismatique Monnaies & Medailles, E. Boudeau Expert, 11 Rue Ramaeu, Paris - dating prior to 1912 - with dealer name printed on the envelope - coin description and price (3.45 francs, about 70 cents) hand-written in French with an ink pen. Élie Boudeau (1853-1912) was a politician and numismatist in late 19th century-early 20th century Paris. He served in the 5th legislature of the Third French Republic from 12 November 1889 to 14 October 1893. He owned a shop in the numismatic district of Paris at 11 Rue Rameau, only a stones throw from the Bibliotheque Nationale and one block from the Rue Vivienne where several coin shops, including CGB, still exist today.'1 commentsDavid AthertonJan 04, 2023

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 AthertonJan 02, 2023

RIC 0397 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 13.08g
Rome mint, 72-73 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS IIII; Head of Vespasian, radiate, r.
Rev: ROMA VICTRIX; S C in exergue; Roma std. l. on cuirass, with Victory and spear
RIC 397 (R2). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Moneta Romana, December 2022.

A rare dupondius depicting Roma on the reverse, seated on a cuirass and holding a spear in one hand and Victory in the other. She is dressed in the guise of an Amazon warrior, a typical attribute for her on the coinage during the Flavian era. This scarce variety is missing from both the BM and Paris collections. Only two specimens are cited by RIC: one in Budapest and the other from a 1972 Rauch auction (this coin?).

1 commentsDavid AthertonDec 28, 2022

RPC 2610 DomitianÆ Hemidrachm, 7.74g
Alexandria mint, 91-92 AD
Obv: ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙϹ ΘƐΟ(Υ) ΥΙΟϹ ΔΟΜΙΤ ϹƐΒ ΓƐΡΜ; Head of Domitian wreathed with corn (?), r.
Rev: LΙΑ; Nike advancing l., with wreath and palm
RPC 2610 (1 spec.). Emmett 269.11. Dattari-Savio 6749 (this coin).
Ex CNG E529, 14 December 2022, lot 561. Ex Naville Auction 64, 21 March 2021, lot 323. Ex Dattari Collection.

The Alexandrian mint under Domitian around regnal year 10 or 11 experienced a 'dramatic improvement in style' and the 'adoption of a wide range of new types' (Milne). This reverse featuring the Greek goddess Nike is one of the more abundant hemidrachm types struck after the mint's overhaul. This specimen is an extremely rare variety of the type and is also the Dattari-Savio plate coin (pl. 19, 6749). RPC's description indicates the obverse portrait of Domitian may possibly be wearing a corn wreath, however, this specimen is too worn to be certain. Another oddity - it is categorised as a hemidrachm, but at 25mm and 7.74g it is woefully small for the denomination. This coin is illustrated in the RPC online database.1 commentsDavid AthertonDec 25, 2022

RPC 2688 corr. DomitianÆ Obol, 4.09g
Alexandria mint, 92-93 AD
Obv: ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙϹΑΡ ΔΟΜΙΤ ϹƐΒ ΓƐΡΜ; Head of Domitian, laureate, l.
Rev: LΙB; Eagle standing facing, head l. (wings open)
RPC 2688 corr. (eagle’s head to left). Emmett 310.12. Dattari-Savio 6812.
Acquired from Aegean Numismatics, December 2022. Ex CNG E511, 9 March 2022, lot 281.

An extremely rare Alexandrian obol variant of the eagle reverse with left facing portrait. The reverse design is borrowed from earlier Greek coinages of Egypt. The eagle is the sacred animal of Zeus.1 commentsDavid AthertonDec 21, 2022

RPC 1758 Domitian Æ23, 6.97g
Flaviopolis (Cilicia) mint, 89-90 AD
Obv: ΔΟΜƐΤΙΑΝΟϹ ΚΑΙϹΑΡ; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: ƐΤΟΥϹ ΖΙ ΦΛΑΥΙΟΠΟΛƐΙΤWΝ; Veiled Tyche seated on throne, r., holding two corn-ears; at her feet, river god
RPC 1758 (20 spec.).
Acquired from Ephesus Numismatics, December 2022.

Flaviopolis was founded under Vespasian in 72-73 AD to help further Roman interests in the region. A small issue of coins were struck under Domitian in 89-90, this Tyche with river god being the most common type. The depiction of a river god at the feet of the city goddess Tyche was a common motif on coins from the Greek east during the early Roman imperial period. The river god depicted on this coin is Pyramus.David AthertonDec 20, 2022

RPC 2262 Domitian [Agrippa II]Æ22, 10.48g
Caesarea Paneas mint, 83-84 AD
Obv: ΔΟΜΕΤ ΚΑΙϹΑΡ - ΓΕΡΜΑΝΙ; Bust of Domitian, laureate, draped and cuirassed, r.
Rev: ΕΤΟ - ΚΔ ΒΑϹ / ΑΓΡΙ-ΠΑ; Nike standing, r., holding wreath and palm
RPC 2262 (3 spec.). Hendin 1315.
Acquired from Holyland Ancient Coins, December 2022.

Agrippa II sporadically struck coinage for the Flavian dynasty throughout his long reign. The coins circulated within his client kingdom (Northern Palestine) and were likely coined at Caesaera Panesa, although the mint is not certain (Hendin places it at Caesarea Maritima). Confusingly, Agrippa's mint(s) employed two different dating eras for his coinage - one starting in 56 and the second in 60 or 61. This middle bronze struck in the name of Domitian is dated regnal year 26 by the second era and was produced in either 83 or 84 AD. Domitian is given the title Germanicus on the obverse, which would indeed place this coin after the Chattan war of 83.1 commentsDavid AthertonDec 19, 2022

RIC 1225 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 11.25g
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; Victory flying l., with shield inscribed SPQR
RIC 1225 (C2). BMC 839. BNC 836.
Acquired from eBay, November 2022.

A somewhat common Victory type unique to Lyon for Vespasian that was struck during his massive Lugdunese bronze issues of 71-72 and again in 77-78. It copies an earlier type produced for Nero at the mint. This example from 77-78 is characterised by the mint's distinctive style, globe at the point of the bust, and the majestic, sweeping Victory on the reverse. A majority of the Flavian bronzes found in France and the UK dating to Vespasian's reign are from the Lyon mint. Apparently there was a real need for another western mint to help supplement Rome's coinage production!1 commentsDavid AthertonDec 14, 2022

RIC 837 DomitianÆ Sestertius, 24.93g
Eastern Mint (Thrace?), 82 AD
Obv: IMP DOMITIAN CAES DIVI VESP F AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PAX AVGVST; S C in field; Pax stg. l., holding branch and cornucopiae
RIC 837 (R2). BMC 516. BNC 551. RPC 530.
Acquired from Gert Boersema, November 2022.

An unknown Eastern mint struck a small series of bronze coins for both Titus and Domitian. 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 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 issues consisted of sestertii, dupondii, asses, and semisses which copied types struck at Rome. Production at this Eastern mint continued uninterrupted between Titus's and Domitian's reigns, hinted at by Domitian's seamless adoption of Titus's types and legend formula after his accession. Owing to the scarcity of this Domitianic Pax sestertius dated COS VIII, it could not have been struck for any great length of time. The mystery mint was likely closed when Domitian began his reform of the coinage in early 82.

Struck on a large flan (37mm!) in fine 'Balkan' style.2 commentsDavid AthertonDec 13, 2022

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 AthertonDec 12, 2022

RPC 1263 DomitianÆ22, 5.56g
Cibyra (Phrygia) mint, Klau Bias high priest
Obv: ΔΟΜΙΤΙΑΝΟϹ ΚΑΙ ϹƐΒΑΥΟϹ (sic); Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: ƐΠΙ ΑΡΧΙƐΡΕΩϹ ΚΛΑΥ ΒΙΑΝΤΟϹ, ΚΙ ΒΥ; Dionysus standing, l., holding cantharus and thyrsus; to l., panther
RPC 1263 (9 spec.).
Acquired from Forvm Ancient Coins, November 2022.

Cibyra struck coins during the reign of Domitian under the authority of the high priest Klau Bias. Dräger proposes a date of c. 93-96 for the issue, although this cannot be certain. Previously, the city had produced coins under Augustus, Tiberius, and Vespasian. The Domitanic issue shows a marked improvement in style along with an increase in production. This coin shows one of the more popular reverse types from the issue depicting Dionysus the god of wine, fertility, and ritual madness pouring wine for his beloved panther companion. It is almost certainly based on a cult image.1 commentsDavid AthertonDec 07, 2022

RIC 1056 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ As, 10.22g
Rome mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: CAESAR AVG F DOMITIAN COS V; Head of Domitian, laureate, r.
Rev: VICTORIA AVGVST; S C in field; Victory stg. r. on prow, with wreath and palm
RIC 1056 (C). BMC -. BNC 793.
Acquired from Roman Coin Shop, November 2022.

The perennial favourite reverse of Victory on prow, commonly found on the issues throughout much of Vespasian's reign for all three Flavians. Unlike the VICTORIA NAVALIS variant which in all likelihood celebrated a minor naval victory from the Jewish War, this Victory can be viewed in more generic terms. It was normally struck without an overt connection to any conflict and was probably based on a familiar cult image. A similar type was also struck in silver on the denarii the previous year. This Domitian Caesar variety is considered 'common' in RIC, but is missing from the BM.1 commentsDavid AthertonDec 05, 2022

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 AthertonNov 30, 2022

RIC 0244 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 26.08g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPAS AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: ROMA; S C in field; Roma stg. l., with Victory and spear
RIC 244 (C2). BMC 564. BNC 529.
Acquired from CGB.fr, November 2022.

Part of the third sestertius issue of 71 AD, this fairly common reverse type features Roma holding Victory. Roma is depicted in the guise of an Amazon warrior, a typical attribute for her on the coinage during the Flavian era likely based on a cult image. The massive portrait on the obverse is rendered in fine veristic style. C. H. V. Sutherland in his work Roman Coins commented on the Vespasianic portraits of the era - '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.' I believe this coin to be a fine example of what Sutherland had in mind.1 commentsDavid AthertonNov 28, 2022

RIC 512 Domitian as Caesar [Titus]Æ Dupondius/As, 12.76g
Eastern mint (Thrace?), 80-81 AD
Obv: CAES DIVI AVG VESP F DOMITIAN COS VII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: CERES AVGVST; S C in field; Ceres stg. l., holding corn-ears and torch
RIC 512 (C). BMC spec. acquired 1988. BNC -. RPC 508.
Acquired from Ken Dorney, November 2022.

Late in Titus' reign an unidentified mint struck a series of imperial bronze coins. They can be distinguished from the products of Rome by style (heavily seriffed letters, large portraits, massive reverse figures), fabric (flat or convex flans), and distribution (Balkans). Attributing exactly where these coins were struck has historically been a moving target - Mattingly in BMCRE thought Lugdunum, H.A. Cahn believed somewhere in Bithynia. More recent scholarship has looked towards Thrace as a possible location for production based on the Balkan distribution pattern of found specimens. Although the region of mintage has been narrowed down, the city itself remains elusive. RPC has suggested possibly Perinthus. Presumably a shortage of bronze coins in the region during Titus' reign prompted a localised imperial issue. The striking of imperial bronze outside of Rome was an exceptional step at the time considering the last imperial branch mint at Lugdunum had shuttered late in Vespasian's reign. The issue consisted of sestertii, dupondii, asses, and semisses which copied types struck at Rome. Dupondii and asses shared the same reverse designs for Domitian as Caesar, making it sometimes difficult to distinguish them. This CERES AVGVST specimen's heavy weight, large diameter, and brass composition undoubtedly favours it to be a dupondius.David AthertonNov 24, 2022

RIC 0482 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Dupondius, 12.09g
Rome mint, 72 AD
Obv: T CAESAR VESPASIAN IMP III PON TR POT II COS II: Head of Titus, radiate, r.
Rev: FELICITAS PVBLICA; S C in field; Felicitas standing l., holding caduceus and cornucopiae
RIC 582 (R2). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Forvm Ancient Coins, October 2022.

All the bronze coinage of Titus Caesar's fourth issue dated IMP III PON TR POT II COS II of 72 are quite rare. This Felicitas variety is cited by RIC in only the Rome and Belgrade collections. Despite its fleeting nature early on, Felicitas later became one of the commonest bronze reverse types of the reign. Here she symbolises the prosperity and abundance Vespasian has brought to the empire.1 commentsDavid AthertonNov 22, 2022

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 AthertonNov 16, 2022

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 AthertonNov 14, 2022

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 AthertonNov 08, 2022

RIC 1218 Vespasian Æ Dupondius, 12.53g
Lyon mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS VIII P P; Head of Vespasian, radiate, r.; globe at point of bust
Rev: FORTVNAE REDVCI; S C in field; Fortuna stg. l., with rudder on globe and cornucopiae
RIC 1218 (R2). BMC 836. BNC -.
Acquired from eBay, October 2022.

A possible shortage of bronze coinage in the Western provinces late in Vespasian's reign likely prompted the Lugdunum mint to temporarily reopen in 77-78 and strike a fairly substantial issue of coinage. The reverses are standard types copied from Rome. This common Fortuna REDVCI reverse featuring her with a steady hand steering the rudder of the world was a familiar propaganda type both at Rome and Lugdunum that continued to commemorated the safe return of Vespasian and Titus from the East at the beginning of the reign. Most of the dupondii from this issue are seen with a laureate portrait. This specimen is an example of the exceedingly rare radiate right portrait variant. Missing from the Paris collection. 1 commentsDavid AthertonNov 07, 2022

RIC 0631 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ As, 8.13g
Rome mint, 73 AD
Obv: T CAES IMP PON TR P COS II CENS; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: PROVIDENT in exergue; S C in field; Altar
RIC 631 (R). BMC -. BNC -.
Ex Savoca Blue 145, 16 October 2022, lot 1306.

Originally, Tiberius struck the Provident altar type for Divus Augustus. 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. Vespasian began striking it early in his reign both at Rome and Lyon, confining the type to the as issues. Nathan T. Elkins in his Monuments in Miniature wrote the following concerning the type - 'Asses with an altar enclosure labeled PROVIDENT, combine with obverses of Vespasian or his sons, are the emperor's most common architectural type and were produced from c. 71 to 78. The Ara Providentiae, which had appeared before on coins of Tiberius, Galba, and Vitellius, celebrated the emperor's foresight in the designation of his successors. The combination of the reverse type with obverses of one of the two Caesars further underscored the dynastic message.' This PROVIDENT from 73 features the less common left facing portrait of Titus Caesar. Missing from both the BM and Paris collections.1 commentsDavid AthertonNov 02, 2022

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 AthertonOct 31, 2022

RPC 2803 VespasianÆ22, 8.78g
Uncertain mint, Regnal Year 2
Obv: ΑΥΤΟΚΡΑΤΩΡ ΚΑΙ ΟΥΕϹΑΠϹΙΑΝΟϹ ϹΕ; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: ΕΤΟΥϹ Β; Nike advancing l., with wreath and palm
RPC 2803 (1 spec.).
Acquired from Savoca Coins, October 2022.

An uncertain mint struck this regnal year 2 coin for Vespasian. The style and fabric suggests a location in Asia Minor. The generic Nike/Victory type is of no assistance for helping to identify the mint. Since RPC II's publication several specimens of the type have surfaced with a clear reading of the coin's date. RPC notes: 'Sydenham attributed this coin to Caesarea, but it does not fit into the bronze issues of the city which normally have the name of the proconsul together with the regnal year of the emperor. The year can now be read as 2.'1 commentsDavid AthertonOct 25, 2022

RIC 1137 Vespasian (2)Æ Sestertius, 24.61g
Lyon mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.; globe at point of bust
Rev: S P Q R / •P•P• / OB CIVES / SERVATOS within oak wreath
RIC 1137 (R). BMC p. 198 note ‡. BNC 800.
Acquired from Savoca Coins, October 2022.

The Corona Civica Wreath was awarded to Vespasian by the Senate for rescuing the Roman people from civil war and bringing about peace. The legend within the wreath S P Q R / P P / OB CIVES / SERVATOS translates as: 'The Senate and the Roman People / Father of the Nation / For Having Saved the Citizens'. This rare Lugdunese specimen commemorating the award was struck during the first bronze issue at that mint.1 commentsDavid AthertonOct 22, 2022

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 AthertonOct 19, 2022

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 AthertonOct 16, 2022

RIC 197 Titus Æ Dupondius, 11.78g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII; Head of Titus, radiate, bearded, r.
Rev: CONCORDIA AVGVST; S C in exergue; Concordia std. l., with patera and cornucopiae
RIC 197 (C). BMC -. BNC 192.
Acquired from Roman Coin Shop, September 2022.

Titus' bronze issue dated COS VIII is quite large due to the fact he did not renew the consulship in 81 and most likely the coins span both years. Concordia, the personification of harmony, may have been an appropriate propaganda type if there were grumblings from Domitian and his clique of followers. According to Suetonius - 'After the death of his father, he (Domitian) hesitated for a long time whether he should offer the soldiery a double bounty and he never had any hesitation in stating that he had been left as a partner in the imperial position but that fraud had been applied to the will.' (Suet., Dom., 2) The rumours surrounding Domitian's sour grapes towards Titus could be post Domitianic backlash against the hated tyrant, but the coins may provide contemporary evidence that all was not well between the two siblings. The Concordia type was struck in several variants, this one with the full spelling of 'Concordia' is the most common. Missing from the BM.

Luckily for me a mint worker nearly 2000 years neglected to change out a worn die and kept using it beyond its natural usefulness. The results of that 'Friday afternoon' decision is a coin with a fairly decent obverse and a mushy reverse ... and a bargain for me! David AthertonOct 12, 2022

RIC 1447 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 2.91g
Ephesus mint, 71 AD
Obv: DOMITIANVS CAESAR AVG F; Bust of Domitian, cuirassed, seen from front, Medusa head on breast of cuirass, fold of cloak on left shoulder, head bare, r.
Rev: PACI AVGVSTAE; Victory, draped, advancing r., holding wreath extended in r. hand and palm over l. shoulder. EPHE lower r.
RIC 1447 (R). BMC 472. BNC 365. RSC 336. RPC 848 (4 spec.).
Ex Solidus 105, 13 September 2022, lot 406.

For Domitian's first imperial coinage issue at Ephesus special treatment was given regarding the bust type. The engravers depicted him cuirassed with a cloak draped over his left shoulder. Vespasian and Titus were not engraved so elaborately (although at Antioch Titus's bust is draped). Why this is so is a mystery. Unusually Domitian shares the same reverse types as Vespasian and Titus in this series, unlike at Rome where he largely had his own unique types. This PACI AVGVSTAE type is one of the scarcer ones stuck for the young Caesar.1 commentsDavid AthertonOct 09, 2022

RIC 1572 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ As, 4.84g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: T•CAES•IMP•TR•POT; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: S • C in laurel wreath
RIC 1572 (C). BMC -. BNC 897. RPC 1996 (6 spec.).
Acquired from Sebastian Sänn, September 2022

In 74 AD the Rome mint produced an extraordinary issue of bronze coinage of dupondii, asses, semisses, and quadrantes with a somewhat Eastern theme. Previously, these coins had been attributed to either Commagene (BMCRE) or Syria (RPC, and doubtfully so in RIC), but more recent scholarship has shown they actually were struck in Rome. The circulation pattern confirms this - out of a total of 112 of the smaller denominations cited by RPC, all but 4 were found in Western Europe. Ted Buttrey confirms 'The Eastern finds appear to be simply the débris of Mediterranean circulation.' But why was this series produced in such a fashion? Buttrey proffers a plausible theory - 'Previously the series had been attributed to Commagene (BMCRE II, pp.217-222), then as a likelihood to Antioch (e.g. RPC II 1982-2005). The correct attribution to Rome is proved by mules of the dupondii with regular issues (Buttrey, “Vespasian’s Roman Orichalcum: An Unrecognized Celebratory Coinage” in David M. Jacobson and Nikos Kokkinos, Judaea and Rome in Coins, 65 CBE – 135 CE (2012). The series had nothing to do with Syria or with the East at all, yet it was purposefully designed to appear non-Roman: the suppression of the traditional reverse sub-inscription S C throughout; the suppression of the radiate crown of the Dupondius; the shifting of the consular dating from the obv. to the rev.; the striking of all four denominations in orichalcum; and most obviously the selection of rev. dies which reek of the East. There is nothing like this series in the whole of Roman imperial coinage. It is a deliberate act of Orientalism, imposing the flavour of the East on a Western coinage. The key to its understanding is the reverse type of the dupondius, two crossed cornuacopiae with a winged caduceus between. It replicates the type of an obscure issue of the Galilean city of Sepphoris, an issue which had been, astonishingly, signed by Vespasian himself (ΕΠΙ ΟΥΕCΠΑCΙΑΝΟΥ, “on the authority of…”) when on duty there in the last days of Nero. The dupondius-sized bronze was accompanied by a half-unit with the type of a large, central S C – again signed by Vespasian, and now imitated on the As of the orichalcum series with the wreath of the As of Antioch (RPC I 4849-50). The whole of this series memorializes not Vespasian the conquering general (IVDAEA CAPTA, VICTORIA AVGVSTI), but the man. His re-use of earlier coin types is well-known; here he re-uses his own, harking back to his career just prior to his final success in seizing the empire. And the series was struck in 74 A.D., co-terminous with the celebration of Vespasian’s first quinquennium.' So, in essence, a very personally important issue for Vespasian.

Curtis Clay has a few objections to Buttrey's theory. 'As far as I am aware, there is nothing "astonishing" about Vespasian's "signing" of the two coins of Sepphoris. EΠI followed by the governor's name appeared frequently on Roman provincial coins, meaning simply, "Struck while the man named was governor". So there was no evident reason for Vespasian to consider it extraordinary that he had been named as governor of Syria on coins of Sepphoris struck for Nero near the end of his reign (Year 14), and no evident reason why he should have referred to the Sepphoris coins in his orichalcum issue struck at Rome five years later. It seems quite probable that Vespasian never even noticed his name on the coins of Sepphoris, and certainly very few Romans in the West will ever have seen such a coin, though Buttrey thinks the orichalcum coins were struck for circulation in the West in 74 in order to recall precisely those Sepphoris coins with their reference to Vespasian some months before his accession. Why waste coin types on references that were inconsequential, and that nobody was likely to comprehend?

If the orichalcum issue was meant to recall those two coins of Sepphoris, shouldn't it have been struck for Vespasian only, and using only those two rev. types, caduceus between crossed cornucopias and large SC? But that was not the case. Both the caduceus between crossed cornucopias type and the large SC type were struck not only for Vespasian, but also for Titus and Domitian as Caesars. Moreover those were not the only two rev. types of the issue: other coins showed a bust of Antioch with legend ANTIOCHIA , and (on small coins only) the same winged caduceus as on the crossed cornucopias dupondii, but without the cornucopias (see images below). It seems to me highly unlikely that the three main types of this issue, all struck for Titus and Domitian as well as Vespasian, were inspired by and meant to recall the far simpler issue of Sepphoris, using just two changing types (obv. types in this case) and of course naming Vespasian only.'

If Buttrey's argument is wrong it brings us back to the original question - why was an Eastern flavoured coinage struck for circulation in the West? Perhaps the issue may be nothing more than Vespasian paying homage to the part of the world that elevated him.

This as is a fine example of the smaller denomination - nicely centred, darkly toned, and sporting a stylish portrait of the young prince.1 commentsDavid AthertonOct 04, 2022

RIC 0386 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 24.67g
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 exergue; Vespasian riding r., spearing fallen foe
RIC 386 (R). BMC 622. BNC 610. Hendin 1518.
Acquired from Aegean, September 2022.

This extremely rare reverse type featuring a rider spearing a fallen enemy combatant most likely alludes to the Jewish War (per Hendin), although H. Mattingly in BMCRE II conjectures it refers to the contemporary campaigns in Dacia or Germany. It was sparingly struck for Vespasian in just one issue and slightly more frequently for Titus Caesar through several issues. Only one die pair is known for the Vespasian variant - a testament to its great rarity! I could locate only one heavily tooled example in trade on asearch. OCRE and RIC cites two examples, one in the BM and the other in Paris. IMHO, the RIC frequency rating of 'rare' seems a bit understated. Did the RIC authors know of any other specimens?

NB: Because of its extreme rarity, this type for Vespasian could possibly be a mule with a reverse intended exclusively for Titus Caesar.1 commentsDavid AthertonOct 02, 2022

RIC 008 DomitianAR Denarius, 3.13g
Rome mint, 81 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG PONT; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: P P COS VII DES VIII; Curule chair, wreath above
RIC 8 (R2). BMC p. 299 * note. RSC 372. BNC -.
Ex Savoca Blue 142, 11 September 2022, lot 926.

Domitian seems to have been in somewhat of a hurry to strike coins as Augustus after Titus's death in mid September 81 AD, presumably for a legionary donative. This denarius was struck before Domitian had been awarded the power of the tribunate (TR P) and pontifex maximus (PM). Here his only titles are Augustus (AVG), Imperator (IMP), Consul for the 7th time (COS VII), and pater patriae, father of the country (P P). Perhaps it may have taken a few days for the Senate to award the power of the tribunate to Domitian because they had assembled at the small town of Reate where Titus had died and needed to be in Rome in order to vote him the right. The religious ceremonies required for Domitian to assume the title pontifex maximus had not yet finished by this time either, here he is simply PONT, or in other words a member of the College of Pontiffs. Some have argued that PONT is the same as PM, I disagree. Titus as Caesar early on had also used the title PONT on his denarii and he was never pontifex maximus under Vespasian - only the emperor can be Pontifex Maximus or greatest priest. Although this Group 2 denarius is not part of Domitian's first RIC issue, it is very likely to have been struck within the first few days of him assuming the purple. RIC notes the chronology is not precise with these issues from 81 and they are grouped only for 'convenience'. Judging by the rarity of the Group 2 denarii they could not have been struck for any great length of time, perhaps for just a few days. The reverse features a pulvinar type carried-over from Titus's last denarius issue struck in celebration of the Colosseum's dedication. It possibly represents the pulvinar of Divus Vespasian, honouring his labours in building the structure. Missing from both the BM and Paris collections.1 commentsDavid AthertonSep 25, 2022

RPC 2310 Vespasian Æ21, 6.94g
Caesarea Maritima mint, 71-73 AD
Obv: ΑΥΤΟΚΡ ΟΥΕΣΠ ΚΑΙΣ ΣΕΒ; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: ΙΟΥΔΑΙΑΣ ΕΑΛWΚΥΙΑΣ; Nike standing to r., foot on helmet, inscribing a shield set on a palm tree
RPC 2310 (3 spec.). Hendin 1445.
Ex CNG eAuction 523, 7 September 2022, lot 358. Formerly in NGC holder #6158320-003, grade ch VF, strike 4/5, surface 2/5, repatinated.

The Roman authorities in Judaea struck a localised 'Judaea Capta' issue at the Caeserea Maritima mint early in the reign of Vespasian. The series, featuring the reverse legend ΙΟΥΔΑΙΑΣ ΕΑΛWΚΥΙΑΣ ('Judaea Capta' in Greek), strongly echoes the imperial bronze types produced at Rome and Lugdunum. Coins were produced for both Vespasian and Titus Caesar with the same Victory reverse design. Oddly enough, Vespasian's coins from the issue are much rarer than those of Titus, perhaps owing to Titus's recent achievement successfully concluding the siege of Jerusalem. The Caesarean issue most likely dates contemporaneously with the imperial ones struck in the spring and summer of 71, perhaps not long after the celebratory joint Judaean War triumph of Vespasian and Titus Caesar. It is interesting to note these coins would have circulated in the very region where the Jewish Revolt took place. 1 commentsDavid AthertonSep 20, 2022

RIC 633 Domitian Æ Sestertius, 22.95g
Rome mint, 88-89 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XIIII CENS PER P P; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IOVI VICTORI; S C in exergue; Jupiter std. l., with Victory and sceptre
RIC 633 (C). BMC 406. BNC 436.
Acquired from Marc Breitsprecher, September 2022.

Just like the silver and gold, Domitian's aes coinage in the mid 80s settled down to a few predicable reverse types that were annually struck throughout the reign. The Sestertii were dominated by Victory crowning the emperor and this seated Jupiter with Victory. 'Jupiter the giver of Victory' was an important propaganda type because of the periodic conflicts on the Northern frontier that flared up form time to time. Also, according to Suetonius, Domitian established "a quinquennial contest in honour of Jupiter Capitolinus of a threefold character, comprising music, riding, and gymnastics, and with considerably more prizes than are awarded nowadays."David AthertonSep 16, 2022

RIC 0082 Vespasian Æ Sestertius, 24.75g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG P M T P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: LIBERTAS PVBLICA; S C in field; Libertas stg. l., with pileus and rod
RIC 82 (C2). BMC 801. BNC 503.
Acquired from Savoca Coins, August 2022.

Vespasian struck a massive bronze issue in 71 which easily dwarfs any other produced during his reign. The reverse themes are largely given over to ones an incoming dynasty would find useful, such as this Libertas type, copied from the coinage of Galba. Libertas here symbolises Vespasian's rescue of the Roman people from tyranny - a most fitting type in the wake of civil war. She is seen at Rome early in the reign on the bronze issues and a few rare denarii from an unknown western mint. This specimen sports a more youthful and thinner portrait of Vespasian, quite different from what would become standardised later on. Clearly the engravers were still grappling with the appearance of their new emperor who had only arrived in Rome the previous October. David AthertonSep 13, 2022

RIC 0418 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian] Æ Sestertius, 23.05g
Rome mint, 72 AD
Obv: T CAES VESPASIAN IMP PON TR POT COS II; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: CAESAR DOMITIAN COS DES II; S C in field; Domitian riding l., with sceptre
RIC 418 (R). BMC 628. BNC 615.
Acquired from Andrew Cichos, August 2022.

An early sestertius struck for Titus Caesar featuring a reverse of Domitian Caesar on horseback. The type was commonly struck for Domitian under Vespasian in silver and on the middle bronzes, rarely for the sestertii. It likely commemorates Domitian's role in Vespasian and Titus' joint Jewish War Triumph - 'while taking part in the Judaean triumph, he rode on a white horse' (Suetonius, Domitian, ii), this was the normal practice for a young prince on such occasions. One couldn't ask for better dynastic propaganda than to have Titus pay homage to his younger brother on his very own coinage! This type has always intrigued me because of the contemporary gossip surrounding the brother's negative attitude towards one another. Was this a deliberate attempt to counter those rumours? A double die match with the Paris specimen. 2 commentsDavid AthertonSep 09, 2022

RPC 2511 Domitian (2)Æ Diobol, 6.56g
Alexandria Mint, 85-86 AD
Obv: AYT KAIΣAP ΔOMITIANOΣ ΣEB ΓΕΡM; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: No legend: Apis-bull standing, r.; before altar; date LE above
RPC 2511 (10 spec.). Emmett 279.5. Dattari-Savio 576.
Acquired from eBay, August 2022.

Missing altar?1 commentsDavid AthertonSep 08, 2022

RIC 213 TitusÆ Dupondius, 13.42g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII; Head of Titus, radiate, bearded, l.
Rev: VESTA in exergue; S C in field; Vesta std. l., with palladium and sceptre
RIC 213 (C). BMC 201. BNC 204.
Acquired from Carthago Numismatics, August 2022.

This seated Vesta type is quite common on Titus' bronze coinage, much more so than on Vespasian's earlier issues where she is more commonly represented as standing. Vesta, the goddess of home and hearth, is seen here holding a palladium - a wooden cult image of Pallas Athena which oversees the safety and well being of Rome. Her cult was maintained by the Vestal Virgins.David AthertonSep 03, 2022

RIC 537 Domitian Æ Dupondius, 9.30g
Rome mint, 87 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VI; Head of Domitian, radiate, bearded, r.
Rev: S C in centre; IMP XIIII COS XIII CENSOR PERPETVVS P P
RIC 537 (R). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Numismática Prados, August 2022.

Rare instance of the full spelling of CENSOR PERPETVVS on Domitian's coinage. He assume the title censor perpetus in 85 and held it until the end of his reign and apparently exercised it with 'unprecedented zeal'. Unfortunately, because of the off-centre reverse, the pertinent part of the legend is off flan! Of note, the large S C reverse type makes its only appearance on Domitian's imperial coinage here. The radiate portrait without aegis variant is missing from both the BM and Paris collections. David AthertonSep 02, 2022

RIC 1221 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 11.48g
Lyon mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS VIII P P; Head of Vespasian, radiate, r.; globe at point of bust
Rev: ROMA in exergue; S C in field; Roma std. l. on cuirass, with wreath and parazonium; behind, shields
RIC 1221 (C). BMC -. BNC 831.
Acquired from CGB.fr, August 2022.

Lugdunum (modern Lyon) after a brief hiatus struck a fairly large issue of aes coinage under Vespasian in 77 or 78, likely in response to a coin shortage in the Western provinces. Most of the reverse types copy those produced at Rome, such as this Roma. Mattingly in BMCRE II says this about the type - 'The wreath which Roma holds on the dupondius is the sign of Victory, or, perhaps rather the rejoicing for it.' The traditional Greek Amazon guise of Roma is copied from the coinage of Nero and likely is based on a familiar cult image of the goddess. Listed as common in RIC, although missing from the BM.1 commentsDavid AthertonAug 28, 2022

RIC 291 DomitianÆ Dupondius, 12.16g
Rome mint, 85 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG GERM COS XI; Head of Domitian, radiate, bearded, r., with aegis
Rev: FORTVNAE AVGVSTI; S C in field; Fortuna stg. l., with rudder and cornucopiae
RIC 291 (C). BMC -. BNC 329 var. (bust without aegis).
Acquired from CGB.fr, August 2022.

This common Fortuna type was repeatedly struck throughout Domitian's reign on his middle bronze coins from 85 onwards. She also fleetingly showed up on the denarius in 82. Mattingly calls this Fortuna 'the special Fortuna that watches over the imperial office'. Suetonius writes that near the end of Domitian's reign on 1 January 96 'The Fortuna of Praeneste, which throughout the whole time he was emperor had habitually given him a happy and virtually the same answer to him whenever he entrusted the new year to her care, finally gave a most gloomy answer - and not without the mention of blood.' This is her first appearance on Domitian's bronze coinage. Missing from both the BM and Paris collections with aegis portrait.1 commentsDavid AthertonAug 26, 2022

RIC 274 Domitian Æ Sestertius, 24.21g
Rome mint, 85 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG GERM COS XI; Bust of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., with aegis
Rev: GERMANIA CAPTA; S C in exergue; Trophy; to r., German captive stg. r., hands bound, head l.; to l., Germania std. l.; around arms
RIC 274 (R). BMC 244. BNC 312.
Acquired from Savoca Coins, August 2022.

In 85 Domitian struck a fairly impressive issue of sestertii, M. Grant hyperbolically called it the most 'ambitious' of any one reign or year. The series is the first major aes issue of Domitian's reign and is dominated by panoramic types commemorating his military victory over the Germanic tribe the Chatti. The details of the war are unclear, but the overall impression is that the conflict was a minor affair blown out of proportion by an emperor eager for military glory. No large battles, a la Mons Graupius, have come down to us, prompting Tacitus' assertion, 'that in recent times, the Germans were more triumphed over than conquered'. Consequently, Domitian's Germanic triumph of 83 received a certain amount of ridicule from ancient writers who thought the whole thing was a sham (Dio goes so far as to say Domitian raided the palace's furniture stores for his fake spoils!), no doubt the numismatic propaganda for the victory was likely viewed in the same manner by contemporary senatorial elites. Germania Capta types were first struck in silver in 84 and in bronze in 85. This iconic Germania Capta sestertius strongly echoes Vespasian's Judaea Capta types - but instead of a palm tree we see a trophy which appears to be mounted on a palm trunk(?). H. Mattingly writes in BMCRE 'the type is closely modelled on the Judaea Capta of Vespasian, but the German element is indicated by the heavy angular cloak worn by the man and by the oblong shields.' Comparing the two triumphs, the Josephian scholar Steve Mason remarked - 'The same people who produced Flavian Triumph I: Judaea were on hand for Flavian Triumph II: Germania, and sequels are rarely as good as the originals.'

The Germania Capta commemorative sestertii were produced for only a few short years between 85-88. The present example from the first issue of 85 debuts this iconic reverse type and is slightly rarer than the variant struck in the second issue.2 commentsDavid AthertonAug 21, 2022

RIC 482A Domitian Æ Dupondius, 10.44g
Rome mint, 86 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XII CENS PER P P; Head of Domitian, radiate, bearded, r.
Rev: S C in field; Mars adv. l., with Victory and trophy
RIC 482A (R3). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Den of Antiquity, August 2022.

The Mars advancing right type was struck for Domitian's middle bronzes for a short period between 85-87 AD. No doubt it was part of the massive Germania Capta series struck on the coinage in the wake of the Chattan war. Notably it copies a reverse design previously struck for Vespasian's sestertii. This specimen is an extremely rare variant featuring an obverse portrait lacking aegis. The overwhelming majority of aes portraits from the issue were struck with aegis. The mint engraver's would gradually move away from aegis portraits over the next couple of years, but in 86 they were dominate and any deviation can be chalked up to engraver's whim. Second known specimen. Listed as unique in the RIC II.1 Addenda.1 commentsDavid AthertonAug 19, 2022

RIC 1263 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Dupondius, 12.42g
Lyon mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: T CAES IMP AVG F TR P COS VI CENSOR; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.; globe at point of bust
Rev: ROMA in exergue; S C in field; Roma std. l. on cuirass, with wreath and parazonium; behind, shields
RIC 1263 (R). BMC -. BNC 866.
Acquired from Civitas Galleries, August 2022.

Lugdunum (modern Lyon) after a brief hiatus struck a fairly large issue of aes coinage under Vespasian in 77 or 78, likely in response to a coin shortage in the Western provinces. Most of the reverse types copy those produced at Rome, such as this Roma. Mattingly in BMCRE II says this about the type - 'The wreath which Roma holds on the dupondius is the sign of Victory, or, perhaps rather the rejoicing for it.' The traditional Greek Amazon guise of Roma is copied from the coinage of Nero and likely is based on a familiar cult image of the goddess. Missing from the BM.1 commentsDavid AthertonAug 13, 2022

RIC 347 Domitian as Caesar [Titus]Æ Dupondius/As, 10.95g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIAN COS VII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: S C in field; Minerva stg. l., with thunderbolt and spear; shield at her side
RIC 347 (C). BMC 245. BNC 255.
Acquired from Incitatus Coins, July 2022.

The dupondii and asses struck for Domitian Caesar under Vespasian and Titus at times can be difficult to differentiate. Both used the same reverse types and laureate portraits. Despite this coin's heavier weight, the copper colour and smaller flan size suggests this piece was intended to circulate as an as. The Minerva reverse hints early on at Domitian's unwavering devotion to the goddess and demonstrates that he had quite a bit of influence regarding his coin's reverse types.David AthertonAug 12, 2022

RIC 1241 VespasianÆ As, 9.41g
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: VICTORIA AVGVSTI; S C in field; Victory adv. l., with wreath and palm
RIC 1241 (C). BMC 851. BNC 853.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, July 2022.

Late in Vespasian's reign the mint at Lyon (ancient Lugdunum) struck a fairly large issue of bronze at a time when the mint at Rome was winding down its own bronze production. Presumably this late issue was produced to address a shortage of bronze coinage in the Western provinces. Many of the types were recycled from earlier issues from both Rome and Lyon, such as this common Victory type.1 commentsDavid AthertonAug 07, 2022

RPC 2437 VespasianÆ Diobol, 10.57g
Alexandria mint, 72-73 AD
Obv: ΑΥΤΟΚ ΚΑΙΣ ΣΕΒΑ ΟΥΕΣΠΑΣΙΑΝΟΥ; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: Date LE; Bust of Sarapis, r.
RPC 2437 (17 spec.). Emmett 218.5. Dattari-Savio 400.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, July 2022.

The cult of Sarapis gained importance during the Flavian dynasty because of Vespasian's vital connection to Egypt during the Civil War. Alexandria was the first city to declare for him in July 69 and in November he arrived there to await the outcome of the war and to secure the grain supply to Rome. According to both Tacitus and Suetonius during Vespasian's sojourn in Alexandria he paid a visit to the temple of Sarapis alone to consult the god about the chances of success in his bid for the empire. After receiving a positive sign he was able to administer healing miracles to the local Alexandrians. Of course, all this was later Flavian propaganda intended to bolster Vespasian's claim to the purple. It then should come as no surprise that Sarapis figured prominently on the local coinage under Vespasian, being commonly struck on the bronze diobol. 1 commentsDavid AthertonAug 05, 2022

RPC 2311 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ20, 6.42g
Caesarea Maritima mint, 71-73 AD
Obv: AYTOKP TITOΣ KAIΣAP; Head of Titus, laureate, r.
Rev: ΙΟΥΔΑΙΑΣ ΕΑΛWΚΥΙΑΣ; Nike standing to r., foot on helmet, inscribing a shield set on a palm tree
RPC 2311 (28 spec.). Hendin 1446.
Acquired from Zuzim, July 2022. Ex H. Nussbaum Collection, purchased from George Moomjian, 60's-70's.

The Roman authorities in Judaea struck a localised 'Judaea Capta' issue at the Caeserea Maritima mint early in the reign of Vespasian. The series, featuring the reverse legend 'Judaea Capta' in Greek, strongly echoes the imperial bronze types produced at Rome and Lugdunum. The Judaean issue likely dates around the time the imperial ones were struck in the spring and summer of 71, perhaps not long after the celebratory 'victory lap' Titus enjoyed in the immediate aftermath of the siege of Jerusalem. It is interesting to note this coin would have circulated in the very region where the Jewish Revolt took place. The emphasis on Titus Caesar the conqueror of Jerusalem is readily evident. This specimen is the more common variant of the type with the shield mounted on the palm tree.David AthertonJul 31, 2022

1153 files on 13 page(s)