| Last additions - David Atherton |
RPC 1309 Time of VespasianÆ17, 2.86g
Sardis (Lydia) mint, 69-79 AD
Obv: ΙƐΡΑ ϹΥΝΚΛΗΤ(ΟϹ); Draped bust of Senate, r.
Rev: ϹΑΡΔΙΑΝΩΝ; Temple with four columns
RPC 1309 (1 spec.).
Acquired from David Connors, August 2021.
The mint of Sardis in Asia minor had previously struck coins for the Julio-Claudians. This undated small bronze most likely was struck sometime during Vespasian's reign (although a Second Century date cannot be ruled out). The obverse features a draped bust of the Holy Senate with the reverse showing an anonymous temple. The weight indicates this piece's likely value as 1/2-assarion.David AthertonSep 06, 2021
|
|
RIC 345 DomitianAR Denarius, 3.05g
Rome mint, 85 AD (fifth issue)
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P V; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IMP VIIII COS XI CENS POT P P; Minverva stg. l., with spear (M4)
RIC 345 (R2). BMC 84. RSC 185. BNC 86.
Acquired from Akropolis Ancient Coins, August 2021.
An incredibly rare denarius struck sometime between mid September, when Domitian assumed TR P V, and December 31st, the last day of his eleventh consulship. Also, coined shortly after Domitian reduced the fineness of the denarius by 5% to the old Neronian level after having raised it in 82 to the Augustan standard. The aegis portraits on the denarii were completely phased out on this issue. They had become something of a symbol of prestige on the denarii after the mint's recent overhaul.David AthertonAug 28, 2021
|
|
RPC 2481 DomitianÆ Diobol, 6.55g
Alexandria mint, 82-83 AD
Obv: ΑΥΤΟΚ ΚΑΙΣΑΡ ΔΟΜΙΤΙΑΝΟΣ ΣΕΒ, Head of Domitian, laureate, r.
Rev: ΕΤΟΥΣ ΔΕΥΤΕΡΟΥ; Bust of Sarapis, r.
RPC 2481 (8 spec.). Emmett 297.2. Dattari-Savio 506.
Acquired from Marc Breitsprecher, August 2021.
Domitian's Alexandrian issues can be viewed in two halves. The first half largely continues the traditional style and types that came before under Vespasian and Titus. The second half, beginning in regnal years 10 and 11 with a massive overhaul of the mint, sees the development of new and innovative ethnic and Greek reverse designs combined with superior style. This fairly common diobol from the first half shows the standard stylistic characteristics that were by this time well trodden ground for the mint. The reverse type featuring a bust of Sarapis is copied from the reigns of Vespasian and Titus. The cult of Sarapis gained special importance during the Flavian dynasty because of Vespasian's vital connection to Egypt during the Civil War of 69.David AthertonAug 27, 2021
|
|
RPC 2734 DomitianÆ Diobol, 7.08g
Alexandria mint, 95-96 AD
Obv: ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙϹΑΡ ΔΟΜΙΤ ϹƐΒ ΓƐΡΜ; Head of Domitian, laureate, r.
Rev: LΙΕ; Agathodaemon serpent erect, r., with corn-ears and caduceus
RPC 2734 (1 spec.). Emmett 275.15. Dattari-Savio 6800.
Acquired from eBay, August 2021.
This is a fairly scarce diobol struck for Domitian at Alexandria featuring the Agathodaemon serpent (the 'Good Spirit' of grain fields and vineyards) on the reverse and wearing the Skhent (double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt). The 'Good Spirit' was venerated in both Greek and Roman religions, depicted as a serpent on Roman shrines and lararia and honoured as an omen of good luck among the Greeks. The Agathodaemon serpent's most developed form flourished in Roman Egypt where it became an exalted deity, far beyond the status of a mere household god. On this diobol it is a symbol of fertility and the regeneration of crops, as indicated by the corn-ear and caduceus at its side. The Skhent crown the serpent wears represents the power over both upper and lower Egypt. The type was frequently repeated on Alexandria's middle bronzes throughout Domitian's reign. RPC makes no distinction whether or not the regnal year is in exergue or across field. The plate specimen cited by the catalogue is from the ANS collection with the date in exergue. Dattari 562 is also referenced, but it has the date across field. Although not cited, Dattari-Savio 6800 is in exergue. Apparently regnal year date placement is not important!
David AthertonAug 27, 2021
|
|
RPC 1965 VespasianAR Tetradrachm, 14.33g
Caesarea Maritima mint, 70-71 AD
Obv: ΑΥΤΟΚΡ • ΚΑΙΣ - ΟΥΕΣΠΑΣΙΑΝ; Bust of Vespasian, laureate, r., with aegis
Rev: ETOYΣ Γ IEPOY; Eagle standing, l., with wreath in beak on palm branch; club in l. field
RPC 1965 (1 spec.). Prieur 129.
Acquired from CGB, August 2021.
A small issue of tetradrachms were stuck in southern Syria in the immediate aftermath of the siege and fall of Jerusalem. The coins have been connected by RPC to the Judaea Capta series struck at Caesarea Maritima for several reasons: the date coincides with the fall of Jerusalem, the series emphasises Titus's role (coins featuring Vespasian's portrait are much rarer), similar crude style to the bronze Judaea Capta coins, and the variable weight and fineness points to a military issue. Other authors (Prieur and Kraay) speculate Tyre as the mint. K. Butcher attributes them to a 'south' mint. Notably, the portraits are often depicted wearing an aegis.
Either way, these tetradrachms were almost certainly produced for payment to the troops who had just successfully completed the siege of Jerusalem (c. 6 August 70 AD). I submit that a no truer Judaea Capta coin can be found!David AthertonAug 21, 2021
|
|
RPC 2097 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ17, 3.66g
Gadara mint, 73-74 AD
Obv: ΤΙΤΟϹ ΚΑΙϹΑΡ; Head of Titus, laureate, r.
Rev: ΓΑΔΑΡΑ L ΖΛΡ; Turreted head of Tyche, r.
RPC 2097 (8 spec.).
Acquired from David Hendin, eBay, August 2021.
Gadara was a member of the Greek Decaopolis city league. It produced a fleeting issue of small bronze coinage under Vespasian, most of which were stuck for Titus Caesar. Here we have a somewhat common Tyche reverse type from civic year 137 (73-74 AD) rendered in the mint's typical crude style. The coin's main attraction is the Hendin connection.David AthertonAug 21, 2021
|
|
RIC 082 DomitianÆ Dupondius, 12.48g
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 stg. l., with thunderbolt and spear; shield at her l. side
RIC 82 (C). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Incitatus Coins, August 2021.
This middle bronze struck for Domitian's first issue in 81 is laureate, but appears to be made of brass. RIC notes: 'Examples clearly in brass, as opposed to copper, can be identified as dupondii, though the laureate head might lead one to identify them as asses.' Perhaps a carry-over formula from Domitian's middle bronzes as Caesar under Vespasian and Titus when his dupondii were laureate. Missing from both the BM and Paris collections, indicating it may be rarer than the 'common' RIC frequency rating implies. This Minerva type would later become standard on the denarii.David AthertonAug 14, 2021
|
|
RPC 2584 DomitianÆ Diobol, 6.38g
Alexandria mint, 90-91 AD
Obv: ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙϹΑΡ ΔΟΜΙΤ ϹƐΒ ΓƐΡΜ; Head of Domitian, laureate, r.
Rev: LΙ; Serpent on back of horse, r.
RPC 2584. Emmett 277.10. Dattari-Savio 6801 (this coin).
Ex Naville 67, 1 August 2021, lot 188.
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). One of those new types features an Agathodaemon serpent (the 'Good Spirit' of grain fields and vineyards) riding a horse. The 'Good Spirit' was venerated in both Greek and Roman religions, depicted as a serpent on Roman shrines and lararia and honoured as an omen of good luck among the Greeks. The Agathodaemon serpent's most developed form flourished in Roman Egypt where it became an exalted deity, far beyond the status of a mere household god. Emmett says of this unusual type 'The horse represents the changing of the seasons, and the serpent represents rebirth and regeneration of the crops upon which Egyptian life and prosperity depended.' Domitian's regnal year 10 was the first appearance of this incredible reverse - truly one of the more memorable types from the Roman world!David AthertonAug 14, 2021
|
|
RIC 625 DomitianÆ As, 9.80g
Rome mint, 88-89 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VIII CENS PER P P; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: COS XIIII LVD SAEC FEC; S C in exergue; Domitian stg. l., sacrificing over altar; to l., victimarius slaying bull, whose head is held by a kneeling figure, flute player and lyre player stg. r.; in background, six-column temple
RIC 625 (C). BMC 438. BNC 469.
Acquired from eBay, July 2021.
In October 88 AD Domitian held the Secular Games, a festival featuring theatrical performances and circus games accompanied by six various daytime and nighttime religious ceremonies. The games marked the transition from one era (saeculum) to another and were supposedly held once every 110 years, or the maximum span of a human lifetime, making them a 'once in a lifetime' event. Domitian conducted his games on the Augustan calculation, rejecting the formula for the Claudian games held in 47 AD. The festival was important enough to interrupt the normal striking of reverse types on the coinage and for the mint to produce a new unique issue commemorating the event both in precious metal and bronze. The precious metal designs tended to be symbolic while the bronze were more narrative in nature, focusing on the various religious sacrifices that were at the heart of the games.
Sacrificial ceremonies opened the games and were conducted throughout the event, five of which are depicted on the bronze coinage. These types often show Domitian's ceremonial leading role. The reverse on this as features the sacrifice of a bovine to Jupiter, possibly in front of the the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus, with Domitian sacrificing over an altar accompanied by two musicians. The main message of the design is to show the Roman people that Domitian provided and responsibly held the Secular Games. The fact these types were struck in fairly large quantities hints they were an important piece of Domitianic propaganda.David AthertonAug 07, 2021
|
|
RIC 0744 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ As, 10.00g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: T CAESAR IMP COS III CENS; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: AEQVITAS AVGVST; S C in field; Aequitas stg. l., with scales and rod
RIC 744 (R). BMC -. BNC 731.
Acquired from Civitas Galleries, July 2021.
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. Not a common type for Titus Caesar. Missing from the BM collection. The rich dark copper toning is quite fetching in hand. David AthertonAug 06, 2021
|
|
RIC 1218A VespasianÆ Dupondius, 8.76g
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: PAX AVG; S C in field; Pax stg. l., leaning on column, with caduceus and branch
RIC 1218A (R3). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Aegean Numismatics, July 2021.
In 77-78 Lugdunum (modern Lyon) after a hiatus of several years struck a decently sized issue of bronze coinage, presumably to address a shortage in the Western provinces. The Pax leaning on column type was fleetingly struck on the dupondius for the issue. One unique radiate left specimen is cited by RIC (#1219) and the unpublished Addenda & Corrigenda cites one unique radiate right example (#1218A). This dupondius is the second known radiate right specimen and a die match with coin cited in the A&C. The reverse is likely based on a well known cult image of Pax. Curtis Clay has proposed, owing to the rarity of the Pax reverse for Vespasian in this issue, that the type may be a mule with a reverse intended for Titus Caesar.
David AthertonJul 31, 2021
|
|
RIC 663 DomitianAR Denarius, 3.50g
Rome mint, 88-89 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VIII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IMP XVIII COS XIIII CENS P P P; Minerva adv. r., with spear and shield (M1)
RIC 663 (R2). BMC -. RSC 248. BNC 143.
Ex Papillon 7, 10 July 2021, lot 749.
A very rare denarius which records Domitian's 18th imperial acclamation, most likely struck in late 88. Imperial acclamations were coming fast and furious during the 88-89 time period, which is the primary means of differentiating the many various issues since Domitian did not take the consulship in 89. He was campaigning against the Dacians in 88 and presumably that is the likely explanation of the rapid succession of imperial acclamations during the time period. The denarii recording his 18th imperial acclamation are some of the rarest and were probably struck for just a few days. A military diploma dated 7 November, 88 records Domitian as IMP XVII, therefore this tiny issue must have been struck soon after that date at the end of 88 and/or very early in 89. RIC speculates mid December 88. David AthertonJul 29, 2021
|
|
RIC 506 TitusÆ Quadrans, 3.29g
Eastern Mint (Thrace?), 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES DIVI VES F AVG; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IVLIA AVGVSTA; Julia std. l., with patera and sceptre
RIC 506 (R2). BMC -. BNC -. RPC p. 137.
Acquired from Praefectus Coins, July 2021.
An unidentified Eastern mint struck coins for Titus sometime between 80-81. The style, fabric, and unique obverse legends (DIVI VES F in this case) all suggest a mint other than Rome. Attributing exactly where these coins were struck has historically been a moving target - Mattingly in BMCRE thought Lugdunum, H.A. Cahn believed somewhere in Bithynia. More recent scholarship has looked towards Thrace as a possible location for production based on the Balkan distribution pattern of found specimens. Although the region of mintage has been narrowed down, the city itself remains elusive. RPC has suggested possibly Perinthus. Presumably a shortage of bronze coins in the region during Titus' reign prompted a localised imperial issue.
This extremely rare orichalcum quadrans featuring Titus' daughter teenage Julia Titi on the reverse is unique to this mint. It is also the only time both father and daughter appeared jointly on an imperial coin. Julia was granted the title Augusta sometime in 80 or 81 which may have prompted her presence on the coinage. Missing from both the BM and Paris collections and only referenced in RPC (p. 137) as possibly from Rome with no specimen in the plates. Attractive dark patina with golden highlights.
David AthertonJul 27, 2021
|
|
RIC 446 DomitianAR Denarius, 3.09g
Rome mint, 86 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VI; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IMP XII COS XII CENS P P P; Minerva stg. r. on capital of rostral column, with spear and shield; to r., owl (M2)
RIC 446 (R2). BMC 96. RSC 204c. BNC -.
Ex Andrew Short Collection, purchased from Kölner, June 2021.
A very rare M2 type from the third issue of 86. This rare dating combination could not have been struck for very long after Domitian became TR P VI in mid September due to the the issue's extreme rarity, probably produced for just a few short weeks at the end of September. Imperial acclamations were awarded to Domitian at a fairly quick pace during 86 because of the Dacian campaign with many issues being struck rather briefly before news arrived of a new imperial salutation. The portrait is of an extremely fine style typical of Domitian's coinage during this time period. Hints of iridescent toning add to the piece's appeal.David AthertonJul 25, 2021
|
|
RIC 297 DomitianÆ Dupondius, 13.36g
Rome mint, 85 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG GERM COS XI; Head of Domitian, radiate, bearded, r.
Rev: VICTORIAE AVGVSTI; S C in field; Victory stg. l., inscribing shield set on trophy to l., and holding palm
RIC 297 (R). BMC -. BNC 334.
Acquired CGB.fr, June 2021.
A 'Germania Capta' dupondius struck during Domitian's first issue of 85, the first bronze issue that fully celebrated the German victory. The war with the German tribe the Chatti likely took place in either 82 or 83 and Domitian acquired the title 'Germanicus' in 83, the year of his German triumph. Why it took so long for these achievements to be commemorated on the bronze coinage is a mystery. Perhaps the bronze mint was not in full operation due to reorganisation until 85. These 'Germania Capta' types would be produced for only a few years between 85-88. This Victory inscribing shield was struck somewhat commonly for the dupondii and sparingly for the asses. The motif was borrowed, with some minor modifications, from Vespasian's coinage. Rare lacking aegis portrait and missing from the BM.
David AthertonJul 23, 2021
|
|
RIC 1375A VespasianAR Denarius, 3.13g
Uncertain mint, 69-71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: SECVRITAS P R; Securitas std. l., with sceptre
RIC 1375A (R2). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex NAC 125, 24 June 2021, lot 512. Ex Harry Sneh Collection.
An uncertain mint in the western provinces produced this extremely rare denarius for Vespasian sometime near the end of the Civil War of 69 AD. These denarii contain some stylistic affinities with contemporary Spanish coins, but more decisively, recent metal analysis by K. Butcher and M. Ponting show the silver content is almost identical to that of the Spanish issues. It is very likely these early military denarii were struck in Spain in late 69 soon after the province went over to Vespasian. The upward gaze and unVespasian-like portraits are hallmarks of the issue.
This is the second know example of the denarius Securitas type struck for the series (this coin cited in the RIC A&C). The first one was discussed on the Forvm discussion board in 2007. https://www.forumancientcoins.com/board/index.php?topic=38431.msg243240#msg243240 It later became the RIC plate coin for the newly discovered type.
Certainly a most appropriate and valuable propaganda type coming out of a Civil War!
David AthertonJul 22, 2021
|
|
RIC 1359 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.29g
Uncertain mint, 69-71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: ROMA PERPETVA; Roma seated l. on cuirass, holding Victory and parazonium
RIC 1359 (R2). BMC 423. RSC 423. BNC 380.
Ex NAC 125, 24 June 2021, lot 504.
In the wake of the Flavian victory in the Second Battle of Cremona came a flurry of early denarius issues fleetingly struck somewhere in the western provinces. These issues contain some stylistic affinities with the contemporary Spanish issues, but more decisively, recent metal analysis by K. Butcher and M. Ponting show the silver content is almost identical to that of the Spanish coins. It is very likely these early military denarii were also struck in Spain in late 69 soon after the province went over to Vespasian. This ROMA PERPETVA reverse is a brand new innovation with no previous proto-types. Despite the obvious propaganda value this is the only appearance of this evocative legend in the Flavian numismatic canon. Note the engraver's double guide circles on the reverse.
This is the fourth known example of this extremely rare type - remarkably two reside in the BM (#423 a reverse die match) and another in Paris (#380 a double die match). I know of no other specimens. All the coins from these early military issues are exceedingly rare likely owing to the short window of time in which they were struck, perhaps for only a few weeks in late 69.David AthertonJul 17, 2021
|
|
RIC 1361A VespasianAR Denarius, 3.29g
Uncertain mint, 69-71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: S P Q R / OB C S in two lines within oak wreath
RIC 1361A (R3, this coin cited in the A&C). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex NAC 125, 24 June 2021, lot 505. Privately purchased from Klassische Münzen 2008.
Many mints were operating during the civil war of 68/69 in the west and it is sometimes difficult to pin down certain issues to a specific one. A small military issue was struck at an uncertain mint somewhere in the western empire - Mattingly thought perhaps Aquileia. The issue contains some stylistic affinities with the Spanish series, but more importantly, recent metal analysis by K. Butcher and M. Ponting show the silver content is almost identical to that of the Spanish coins. It is very likely these early military denarii were also struck in Spain in late 69 soon after the province went over to Vespasian. The SPQR wreath reverse type symbolises the corona civica which was awarded to Vespasian by the Senate for rescuing the Roman people from civil war and bringing about peace. It echoes a similar reverse formerly struck for Galba.
Although this unique piece was recently assigned in the RIC Addenda & Corrigenda to uncertain/military mint group 3, stylistically the portrait has much more in common with the denarii of group 4 (heavy brow, upward gaze, crude style) and probably should be reassigned there.David AthertonJul 16, 2021
|
|
RIC 1382 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.23g
Uncertain mint, 69-71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: CONSEN EXERCIT (in two upright parallel lines); soldiers, two, each holding aquila and clasping hands
RIC 1382 (R3, this coin?). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex NAC 125, 24 June 2021, lot 507. Ex DNW A11, 27 September 2011, lot 2198 (part). Ex John Quinn Collection.
This iconic reverse type of two soldiers clasping hands with the legend CONSEN EXERCIT (in two vertical lines!) symbolises the harmony of the legions coming together for Vespasian during the Year of the Four Emperors. The propaganda value of such a reverse type cannot be underestimated. The coin likely would have circulated amongst the troops newly won over or the Vitellian forces that were wavering just after the second battle of Cremona in October 69. Oddly, the type is very rare and was not struck in any large quantities, probably because the window of time for such an appropriate issue was very narrow, perhaps only a few weeks.
The type is listed as unique in RIC uncertain military issue group 5 (distinguished from group 4 by superior style). This may be the coin RIC actually cites, but I do not have access to Spink Numismatic Circular 100.8 to be certain. Either way an extremely rare piece. Formerly from the John Quinn Collection. Quinn (1870-1924) was an attorney, patron, and art collector from NYC whose legendary modern art collection is still heralded today as one of the finest ever assembled and help shaped American tastes in the arts.David AthertonJul 15, 2021
|
|
RIC 1483 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 3.33g
Ephesus (?) mint, 76 AD
Obv: T CAESAR IMP VESP CENS; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r., 'o' mint mark below neck
Rev: COS V; Bull, stg. r.
RIC 1483n (R2, this coin). BMC 486. RSC 56. RPC 1458 (3 spec.). BNC 374.
Ex NAC 125, 24 June 2021, lot 583. Ex Harry N Sneh Collection. Ex Gorny & Mosch 142, 10 October 2005, lot 2398.
The infamous 'o' mint denarii (the 'o' is often not visible but is quite bold on this specimen!) struck for Vespasian, Titus Caesar, and Domitian Caesar are thought to have been minted at Ephesus due to a similar 'o' mint mark previously used at that mint. The types are the same as those struck somewhat contemporaneously at Rome. Mules are a hallmark of the series, perhaps indicating a lack of care in their production. This bull reverse copies a much more common Rome mint 'Cow of Myron' proto-type. The exact sex of the bovine is in doubt - some catalogues call it a cow, others a bull. RIC also makes a distinction between 'humped' and 'non-humped' bulls and uses the above coin in the plates to illustrate the 'non-humped' variant. Very rare, only a handful of specimens known.David AthertonJul 10, 2021
|
|
RPC 2402 VespasianAR Tetradrachm, 12.77g
Alexandria mint, 69 AD
Obv: AYT TIT ΦΛAYI OYEΣΠAΣIAN KAIΣ ; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r., date LA before neck
Rev: No Legend; Nike flying l., with wreath and palm
RPC 2402 (15 spec.). Emmett 205.1. Dattari-savio 359.
Ex Den of Antiquity, ebay, 24 June 2021.
The first coins struck for Vespasian anywhere in the empire are those dated "Year 1" (LA) from Alexandria Egypt. The two legions stationed there under the Prefect Tiberius Julius Alexander were the first to declare him emperor. According to Tacitus - "The first move to convey imperial status to Vespasian took place at Alexandria. This was due to the eagerness of Tiberius Alexander, who caused his legions to swear allegiance to the new emperor on 1 July" (Hist 2.79). The year 1 coins were struck between 1 July and 28 August. The obverse legend of these first coins lack the title Augustus (sebastos). However, those dated Year 2 (29 August 69 - 28 August 70) include the title, which is strong evidence that Vespasian did not immediately adopt it during the first two months of his reign. Vespasian did not arrive in Alexandria until December, so the Alexandrian die engravers probably had no idea of the new emperor's appearance. Understandably, these early portraits have more than a passing similarity to those of Vitellius. This Nike reverse is also a Vitellian carry-over type. It is interesting to note this tetradrachm was struck nearly 6 months before the senate in Rome recognised Vespasian as emperor and the first imperial coins in his name were struck there.
I had a devil of a time acquiring an example of this 'common' type from regnal year 1. Perhaps not as prevalent in trade as once thought?David AthertonJul 09, 2021
|
|
RIC 0621 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ As, 10.35g
Rome mint, 73 AD
Obv: T CAES IMP PON TR P COS II CENS; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: AEQVITAS AVGVST; S C in field; Aequitas stg. l., with scales and rod
RIC 621 (R). BMC -. BNC 681.
Acquired from CGB.fr, July 2021.
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. Not a common type for Titus Caesar. Missing from the BM collection.David AthertonJul 08, 2021
|
|
RPC 1825 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian] VariantÆ29, 12.38g
Koinon of Cyprus, 75-76 AD
Obv: ΚΑΙϹΑΡ ΔΟΜΙΤΙΑΝΟϹ; Head of Domitian, laureate, r.
Rev: ΚΟΙΝΟΝ ΚΥΠΡΙΩΝ ƐΤΟΥϹ Η; Temple of Aphrodite at Paphos, in which canonical xoanon; paved semicircular walled courtyard; garland between two antae; star on either side of xoanon; dove facing inwards on apex
RPC 1825 var. (larger denomination).
Acquired from Forvm ancient Coins, June 2021.
A smattering of bronzes were struck under the name of the Koinon of Cyprus during Vespasian's reign dated regnal year 8 in either 75 or 76. All are fairly rare today. Just like the Cypriot tetradrachms, two reverse designs were employed: a standing Zeus and the Temple of Aphrodite at Paphos. This Æ29 temple reverse struck for Domitian Caesar is apparently unique. RPC 1825 list one specimen in Berlin, but it is an Æ33 weighing 24.31g, twice the weight of the above piece. https://rpc.ashmus.ox.ac.uk/coins/2/1825 RPC 1826 has the same temple reverse description as 1825, which clearly is a mistake - it should to be the smaller bronze standing Zeus type pictured in the plates. https://rpc.ashmus.ox.ac.uk/coins/2/1826
Either way, I cannot find another example of the temple reverse in the smaller denomination. So, for now I'll catalogue it as RPC 1825 var.
David AthertonJul 03, 2021
|
|
RIC 144c DomitianAR Denarius, 3.53g
Rome mint, 82-83 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IVPPITER CONSERVATOR; Eagle stg. front on thunderbolt, wings outspread flat, head l.
RIC 144c (R). BMC 52 var. (eagle's wings hunched). RSC 320 var. (same). BNC 53 var. (same).
Acquired from Kölner, June 2021. Ex Obolos 19, 8 May 2021, lot 835, Ex Brett Telford Collection. Ex CNG E302, 8 May 2013, lot 359.
In 82 AD Domitian banished his a rationibus Tiberius Julius and then proceeded to increase the fineness of both the silver and gold coins to pre-Neronian standards. The portraits also became more refined and stylish. This denarius from the first post reform issue features a reverse which possibly commemorates Domitian's escape from Vitellian forces after hiding in the Temple of Jupiter during the last days of the Civil War of 69 AD. There are three variants of this reverse type with the eagle's wings either: a. upright, b. hunched, or c. flat. This type c. is extremely rare - out of 76 specimens in the asearch.com database only 6 feature 'flat' wings, the remainder are the common 'hunched' variant. Type a. is only known on the aureus.David AthertonJul 01, 2021
|
|
RIC 1120 Vespasian FourréeFourrée Denarius, 2.75g
Unknown mint, After 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG TR P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: IVDAEA DEVICTA; Palm tree; to l., Judaea stg. l., hands bound in front
RIC 1120 (R). BMC 388. RSC 243. BNC 423. Hendin 1488.
Acquired from NumisCorner, June 2021.
Fourrées are ancient counterfeits composed of a copper core coated with a thin silver plating. The IVDAEA DEVICTA Flavian denarius type from Lugdunum is commonly found as a fourrée, so much so that the auctioneer Ira Goldberg states 'Of the 12-15 specimens of this IVDAEA DEVICTA type that this cataloguer has examined, all have been fourrées!' Personally, I have observed that nearly 60% of these denarii seen in trade are fourrées. Why this is so remains a mystery. Could the plated examples be the work of unscrupulous Lugdunese mint workers skimming profits? Or, did a talented forger in Gaul have a fondness for this one reverse type? The fact that there are no known die links between plated and solid specimens lends credence to the latter theory.
Either plated or solid the type is fairly scarce, so much so the as yet unpublished Flavian A&C changed the frequency rating from 'common' to 'rare'. It also must be noted that many of the specimens in major museum collections are fourrées. http://numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric.2_1(2).ves.1120
My plated specimen is an obverse die match with the Berlin coin.David AthertonJun 26, 2021
|
|
RIC 829 Claudius, Restored by DomitianÆ As, 10.89g
Rome or Thrace?, 81-82 AD
Obv: TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG P M TR P IMP P P; Head of Claudius, bare, l.
Rev: IMP D AVG REST; S C in field; Minerva advancing right, holding spear and shield
RIC 829 (C2). BMC 512. BNC -.
Acquired from Rudnik Numismatics, June 2021.
Titus and Domitian struck an extensive restoration series of bronze coins of Flavian approved past emperors and imperial family members which reproduced the original coins in their entirety. The restoration coinage was very briefly continued into the reign of Domitian after Titus's death in September 81. It is highly likely the only mint still producing the series under Domitian was an unidentified Thracian mint, although there is some stylistic ambiguity to be certain. This restored As of Claudius featuring Minerva on the reverse has some interesting Flavian connections: Vespasian completed the Temple to the Divine Claudius and Minerva was Domitian's patron deity. Symbolically a very important coin indeed!
Missing from the BN collection.David AthertonJun 24, 2021
|
|
RIC 403 Divus Augustus, Restored by TitusÆ Sestertius, 24.96g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: DIVVS AVGVSTVS PATER; Augustus, radiate, std. l. on curule chair, feet on stool, holding patera in r. hand and long vertical sceptre in l.
Rev: IMP T CAES DIVI VESP F AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; REST above S C in centre
RIC 403 (R). BMC 263. BNC -.
Acquired from Incitatus Coins, June 2021.
Titus struck an extensive restoration series of bronze coins of Flavian approved past emperors and imperial family members which reproduced the original coins in their entirety. While this veneration of past coinages was not a new idea (Vespasian copied past types on many reverses for the precious metal issues) it was quite an innovation to copy both the obverse and reverse of these past coinages. To do so likely had a dual purpose - one, to recoin types that were being recalled or falling out of circulation and to keep their memory alive, and secondly to link the Flavian house with those past revered personages. The meaning is quite clear on the reverse with Titus declaring he has restored (REST) the coin.
This sestertius struck for Divus Augustus copies a Tiberian proto-type. Titus produced the type in several various designs (throne with or without high-back, curule chair). Here we have the somewhat scarcer 'curule chair' variant. Interestingly, a similar version was also struck for Divus Vespasian.David AthertonJun 19, 2021
|
|
RIC 0731 VespasianÆ As, 7.44g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESP AVG COS V CENS; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: S C in field; Spes stg. l., with flower
RIC 731 (C). BMC -. BNC 722.
Acquired from Rudnik Numismatics, June 2021.
Although rated as 'common' in RIC, this left facing portrait variant is missing from the BM. Perhaps slightly rarer than right facing?David AthertonJun 16, 2021
|
|
RPC 2812 VespasianÆ22, 9.42g
Uncertain mint, Undated
Obv: ΑΥΤΟΚΡΑΤΩΡ ΟΥƐϹ[ ] ΚΑΙϹΑΡ ϹƐΒΑϹΤΟϹ; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: ΤΙΤΟϹ ΚΑΙ ΔΟΜΙΤΙΑΝΟϹ; Bare heads of Titus and Domitian facing one another
RPC 2812 (0 spec.).
Acquired from eBay, June 2021.
A true mystery coin. Struck at some point during Vespasian's reign, this rare dynastic issue's origins remains elusive. RPC's footnote concerning the type: 'The editors of the SNG Schweiz II tentatively attributed these coins to Crete, which seems unlikely. A Cicilian mint is a possibility.' There are not enough surviving specimens for findspots to help determine a region of circulation. As is, we are left only with style to go by. With that being said, somewhere in Asia Minor is a good bet. The reverse design was fairly popular throughout the region and the style is similar to several cities which were producing coins during Vespasian's reign. The bevelled edge flan may also be a clue, perhaps pointing to a mint closer to Syria or Commagene. The dynastic type itself hints that this issue was struck earlier rather than later in the reign. David AthertonJun 13, 2021
|
|
RIC 550 DomitianÆ As, 9.31g
Rome mint, 87 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XIII CENS PER P P; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: VIRTVTI AVGVSTI; S C in field; Virtus stg. r., foot on helmet, with spear and parazonium
RIC 550 (C3). BMC 404. BNC 435.
Acquired from CGB.fr, June 2021
The Virtus type was struck repeatedly on Domitian's middle bronzes from 84 onwards. I. Carradice in his 1983 monograph on Domitian's coinage says the following concerning the type - 'Virtus is a military type, symbolic of the courage of Domitian and the mutual devotion between the army and emperor.' Virtus first appears on the coinage in the flurry of Germania Capta types that were struck soon after Domitian's German triumph. She is seen on this common As from 87 impressively depicted in traditional Amazon attire. David AthertonJun 11, 2021
|
|
RIC 465 DomitianÆ Sestertius, 25.01g
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: IOVI VICTORI; S C in exergue; Jupiter std. l., with Victory and sceptre
RIC 465 (C2). BMC 373. BNC 396.
Acquired from CGB.fr, June 2021.
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 the seated Jupiter with Victory, as seen on this coin. ‘Jupiter the giver of Victory’ was an important propaganda type because of the periodic conflicts that flared up from time to time on the Northern frontier. This early example of the type features the fine style and superior craftsmanship that was a hallmark of the Rome mint in the mid 80s under Domitian. Not only is the portrait exquisitely engraved, but the reverse featuring a super buff Jupiter is no slouch either. Both are evidence of a mint firing on all cylinders.David AthertonJun 10, 2021
|
|
RIC 432 Tiberius, Restored by TitusÆ As, 11.18g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVST IMP VIII; Head of Tiberius, bare, l.
Rev: IMP T CAES DIVI VESP F AVG REST; S C in centre
RIC 432 (C2). BMC -. BNC 294.
Acquired from Ken Dorney, May 2021. Ex James Pickering Collection.
Titus struck an extensive restoration series of bronze coins of Flavian approved past emperors and imperial family members which reproduced the original coins in their entirety. While this veneration of past coinages was not a new idea (Vespasian copied past types on many reverses for the precious metal issues) it was quite an innovation to copy both the obverse and reverse of these past coinages. To do so likely had a dual purpose - one, to recoin types that were being recalled or falling out of circulation and to keep their memory alive, and secondly to link the Flavian house with those past revered personages. The meaning is quite clear on the reverse with Titus declaring he has restored (REST) the coin.
This restoration As struck for Tiberius copies a familiar type originally struck by both Augustus and Tiberius as emperor. From a modern point of view the choice of the coin's subject for restoration is puzzling. Long before Suetonius's infamous swimming pool scene in his Life of Tiberius immortalised Tiberius as a sexual deviant, he apparently was considered in Flavian times as one of the 'good' emperors worthy of remembrance, despite his lack of deification.
David AthertonJun 05, 2021
|
|
RIC 0909 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Dupondius, 11.37g
Rome mint, 76 AD
Obv: T CAESAR IMP COS V; Head of Titus, radiate, bearded, r.
Rev: FELICITAS PVBLICA; S C in field; Felicitas stg. l., with caduceus and cornucopiae
RIC 909 (R). BMC -. BNC 761.
Ex eBay, 27 May 2021. Ex CNG Triton X, 7 January 2007, lot 1565 (part). Ex Henry Chitwood Collection.
This Felicitas reverse was one of the most common types on the middle bronze of Vespasian's reign. Struck for all the three Flavians, it symbolises the abundance and prosperity the Flavian house has brought to the empire. This Titus Caesar dupondius was produced at a time when Vespasian's bronze production was winding down at Rome. Missing from the BM's collection.David AthertonJun 04, 2021
|
|
RIC 0433 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Sestertius, 23.97g
Rome mint, 72 AD
Obv: T CAES VESPASIAN IMP PON TR POT COS II; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: VICTORIA AVGVSTI; S C in field; Victory stg. r., l. foot on helmet, inscribing VIC AVG on shield on palm tree
RIC 433 (R). BMC 637. BNC 624. Hendin 1526.
Acquired from Praefectus Coins, May 2021.
This iconic sestertius struck in 72 at Rome from Titus's second bronze issue commemorates his recent Judaean War victory. The iconography on the reverse is quite explicit. Victory, nude from the waist up, is inscribing a shield attached to the trunk of a palm tree, the palm being a topographical symbol for the land of Judaea. There is no mistaking this for anything other than a Judaea Capta commemorative. The type was also appropriately struck for Vespasian. David AthertonJun 02, 2021
|
|
RIC 106 DomitianÆ Sestertius, 21.73g
Rome mint, 82 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIAN AVG P M; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: TR P COS VIII DES VIIII P P; S C in field; Minerva stg. l., with spear
RIC 106 (C). BMC 276. BNC 286.
Acquired from Ken Dorney, May 2021.
Minerva's prominence on Domitian's coinage first showed up on his early bronzes produced in 81-82 before she dominated his denarii. This fantastic sestertius struck in early 82 demonstrates that the finest engravers were not just reserved for Domitian's aurei. A superb portrait and fine reverse.David AthertonMay 29, 2021
|
|
RIC 1209 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 26.76g
Lyon mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r., globe at point of bust
Rev: S P Q R /OB/CIVES/SERVATOS within oak wreath
RIC 1209 (R). BMC -. BNC 824.
Acquired from eBay, May 2021. Formerly in NGC holder #2104827-029, grade VG.
In 77-78 Lugdunum (modern Lyon) after a hiatus of several years struck a decently sized issue of bronze coinage, presumably to address a shortage in the Western provinces. This sestertius reverse type was struck at both Rome and Lyon (Lugdunum) commemorates the Senate awarding the corona civica to Vespasian. The corona civica was originally a military honour bestowed upon a Roman who had saved a fellow citizen's life in battle. It was one of the greatest public honours. In the imperial era the honour developed from a coveted military decoration into an imperial emblem granted by the Senate to the emperor. The wreath was made of oak leaves and is sometimes called a corona quercea after the common name for the oak. Artistically it is sometimes depicted with acorns scattered amongst the leaves. Plutarch believed the oak was chosen for this highest of honours for several reasons. The tree was easily found throughout the countryside and was quite convenient for fashioning a wreath when the need arose. Also, the oak is sacred to Jupiter and Juno and thus was an appropriate symbolic honour given to one who has saved the life of a fellow Roman citizen, or indeed the state. Finally, the early settlers of Rome, the Arcadians, were nicknamed 'acorn-eaters' in an oracle of Apollo.
The Wreath was awarded to Vespasian early in his reign by the Senate for rescuing the Roman people from civil war and bringing about peace. The fact the type was still struck seven to eight years after the initial award demonstrates the potent propaganda value of it on the coinage.David AthertonMay 28, 2021
|
|
RIC 470 Agrippa, Restored by TitusÆ As, 9.95g
Rome mint, 80 -81 AD
Obv: M AGRIPPA L F COS III; Head of Agrippa with rostral crown, l.
Rev: IMP T VESP AVG REST; S C in field; Neptune stg. l., with dolphin and trident
RIC 470 (C2). BMC 281. BNC 289.
Acquired from Ken Dorney, May 2021.
A restoration As struck by Titus for M. Agrippa, faithfully copying both obverse and reverse of a famous type originally struck by Tiberius and Caligula. Neptune was a most appropriate reverse for Augustus's naval commander at the Battle of Actium. David AthertonMay 27, 2021
|
|
RIC 1141 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 11.86g
Lyon mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, radiate, r.
Rev: FORTVNAE REDVCI; S C in field; Fortuna stg. l., with branch and rudder on globe and cornucopiae
RIC 1141 (R). BMC p. 199 †. BNC -.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, May 2021.
Struck during Vespasian's great bronze issue of 71, this Fortuna 'home-bringer' type commemorates Vespasian and Titus's safe return to Rome after the Jewish War. She is depicted here with her rudder competently steering the fate of the world. The cornucopiae she holds symbolises prosperity. The type comes in several different legend and bust variants in this issue, all of which are fairly scarce.
David AthertonMay 26, 2021
|
|
RIC 0716 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 12.85g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESP AVG P M TP COS V CENS; Head of Vespasian, radiate, l.
Obv: FELICITAS PVBLICA; S C in field; Felicitas stg. l., with caduceus and cornucopiae
RIC 716 (C2). BMC 698. BNC 714.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, May 2021.
Felicitas was by far the most common type struck on the dupondius during Vespasian's reign. Here she symbolises the abundance and prosperity the emperor has brought to the empire.David AthertonMay 26, 2021
|
|
RPC 2045 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ24, 14.20g
Berytus mint, undated
Obv: IMP T CAESAR AVG F; Head of Titus, bare, l.
Rev: COL IVL AVG; Veiled figure ploughing to r., with two oxen
RPC 2045 (10 spec.).
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, May 2021.
The Roman colony of Berytus struck an undated issue of bronze coinage under Vespasian for both himself and Titus Caesar. The coins feature Latin legends with the traditional reverse type of a founder ploughing with two oxen. The ploughing ritual depicted is the creation of a boundary known as the sulcus primigenius, the first furrow, which delineated the line of the pomerium. The pomerium was a city’s ritual boundary which demarcation the sacred from the profane. The creation of this boundary was the first step in the foundation of a new colony. Berytus became a Roman colony in 14 BC during the reign of Herod the Great.David AthertonMay 26, 2021
|
|
RPC 0607 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Assarion, 5.41g
Koinon of Bithynia, Reign of Vespasian (69-79 AD), M. Maecius Rufus proconsul
Obv: ΔΟΜΙΤΙΑΝΟΣ ΚΑΙΣΑΡ ΣΕΒΑΣ ΥΙΟΣ; Head of Domitian, laureate, r.
Rev: ΕΠΙ Μ ΜΑΙΚΙΟΥ ΡΟΥΦΟΥ ΑΝΘΥΠΑΤΟΥ; Spear and round shield
RPC 607 (6 spec.).
Acquired from eBay, May 2021.
The Koinon of Bithynia produced several issues of bronze coinage during Vespasian's reign under four separate proconsuls, all of which are undated which makes assigning a chronology difficult. This assarion of Domitian Caesar struck under the proconsulship of Maecius Rufus possibly dates towards the middle of Vespasian's reign, but hard evidence is lacking to be certain. The reverse likely commemorates the silver shield and spear granted to Domitian Caesar as princeps iuventutis by the equestrian order. A most appropriate reverse type for the young prince.
As mentioned above, I purchased this coin because of the artistic portrait, which is one of the finest I've come across for this issue (normally they are a bit more unrefined). In other words it's not a 'Friday afternoon' die.David AthertonMay 26, 2021
|
|
RPC 2094 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ17, 4.59g
Gadara mint, 71-72 AD
Obv: ΤΙΤΟϹ ΚΑΙϹΑΡ; Head of Titus, laureate, r.
Rev: ΓΑΔΑΡΑΕΩΝ L ΕΛΡ; Two crossed cornucopias
RPC 2094 (1 spec.).
Acquired from David Hendin, eBay, May 2021.
Gadara was a member of the Greek Decaopolis city league. During ther Jewish War the Greek inhabitants opened the city gates and tore down part of the wall for Vespasian in a show of allegiance with Rome. It produced a fleeting issue of small bronze coinage under Vespasian, most of which were stuck for Titus Caesar. This somewhat rare crossed cornucopiae type dated civic year 135 was struck in 71-72. The coin's crude style hints that the mint was a temporary affair, likely contracted out to local tradesmen.David AthertonMay 14, 2021
|
|
RIC 0657 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Dupondius?, 14.34g
Rome mint, 73-74 AD
Obv: CAESAR AVG F DOMITIAN COS II; Bust of Domitian, laureate, draped, bearded, r.
Rev: AEQVITAS AVGVST; S C in field; Aequitas stg. l., with scales and rod
RIC 657 (R). BMC spec. acquired 1958. BNC -.
Acquired from Marc Breitsprecher, May 2021.
An uncertain early middle bronze struck for Domitian Caesar. His dupondii come with draped busts, however, the Aequitas reverse was normally reserved for the asses. This rare specimen with a weight of 14.34g favours the denomination to be a dupondius, although the coin's heavy patina makes determining the metal (orichalcum or copper?) impossible. The type is missing from the extensive Paris collection.David AthertonMay 12, 2021
|
|
RIC 323 DomitianAR Denarius, 3.36g
Rome mint, 85 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P IIII; Bust of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., with aegis
Rev: IMP VIIII COS XI CENSORIA POTESTAT P P; Minverva stg. l., with spear (M4)
RIC 323 (R2). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex Heritage Auction 232117, 28-29 April 2021, lot 65186. Formerly in NGC holder #5749336-008, grade VF.
An extremely rare denarius from the second issue of 85, struck before Domitian reformed the precious metal coinage once again by slightly lowering the silver fineness after raising it to nearly 100% in 82. This was also the first denarius issue produced after Domitian assumed the censorship (given right to conduct census), note the full spelling of the title in the reverse legend.David AthertonMay 08, 2021
|
|
RIC 0427 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Sestertius, 28.15g
Rome mint, 72 AD
Obv: T CAES VESPASIAN IMP PON TR POT COS II; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: S C in field; Mars adv. r., with spear and trophy
RIC 427 (C). BMC -. BNC 621.
Acquired from Incitatus Coins, April 2021.
Mars advancing right is one of the more common types struck for Titus Caesar's second bronze issue at Rome. Like many of his reverses, this Mars type is shared with Vespasian. It also shows up on the contemporaneous denarii. H. Mattingly in BMCRE II states the Mars with spear and trophy "was perhaps traditionally regarded as 'Mars Pater' - the ancestor of the Roman nation." Oddly enough, this type for Titus Caesar is missing from the BM's extensive collection.David AthertonMay 07, 2021
|
|
RPC 2486 DomitianÆ Obol, 4.27g
Alexandria mint, 82-83 AD
Obv: ΑΥΤΟΚ ΚΑΙΣΑΡ ΔΟΜΙΤΙΑΝΟΣ ΣΕΒ; Head of Domitian, laureate, r.
Rev: LΒ; Hawk standing, r., with head-dress
RPC 2486 (5 spec.). Emmett 317.2. Dattari-Savio 618.
Acquired from Copper Penny Galleries, April 2021. Ex CNG E113, 11 May 2005, lot 103. From the Garth R. Drewry Collection. Ex Antioch Associates 38, 4 March 2002, lot 118. Ex Hank Lindgren Collection.
Various different references and catalogues identify the reverse as depicting either a hawk or hooded-falcon. The bird in question is wearing a pschent crown and is almost certainly a reference to the Egyptian god Horus.
The Lanner falcon, native to Egypt and north Africa, was likely the bird upon which the ancient Egyptians based their depictions of Horus and is the one shown on the obol's reverse.David AthertonMay 06, 2021
|
|
RIC 564 DomitianAR Denarius, 3.25g
Rome mint, 88 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR DOMITIAN AVG GERMANICVS; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: COS XIIII across field; Minerva stg. r. on capital of rostral column, with spear and shield; to r., owl (M2)
RIC 564 (R2). BMC p. 328 *. RSC 68. BNC -.
Ex CNG E490, 21 April 2021, lot 296. From the Peter J. Merani Collection, purchased from Sam Kazmi.
This denarius is part of a short lived but remarkable issue struck in early 88. It features an extremely rare obverse legend (notice the full spelling of GERMANICVS and DOMITIAN) combined with the simple design of COS XIIII across the reverse field. Also of note, the TR P and IMP numbers are absent. Only a handful of specimens are known with RIC citing 3 examples from Berlin, Madrid, and a private collection. Missing from both the BM and Paris collections. All the coins from the series are struck on large flans in fine style.David AthertonMay 01, 2021
|
|
RIC 0672 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ As, 9.87g
Rome mint, 73-74 AD
Obv: CAESAR AVG F DOMITIAN COS II; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: S C in field; Domitian riding l., r. hand raised, holding sceptre
RIC 672 (R). BMC 689. BNC 704.
Acquired from Kölner, April 2021.
This rare bronze As copies a triumphal reverse more commonly found on Domitian Caesar's early denarii at Rome. It commemorates his participation in Vespaisan and Titus's joint Judaean War Triumph in 71 - 'while taking part in the Judaean triumph, he rode on a white horse' (Suetonius, Domitian, ii). Bizarrely, H. Mattingly in BMCRE II describes the sceptre Domitian is holding on the reverse as sporting a human head(!) and RIC notes (p. 106) that on some examples 'the sceptre knop clearly has a human head'.David AthertonApr 30, 2021
|
|
RIC 393 DomitianAR Denarius, 3.55g
Rome mint, 85 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P V; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IMP XI COS XI CENS P P P; Minverva stg. l., with spear (M4)
RIC 393 (R). BMC 87. RSC 189. BNC -.
Ex Asta 91, 15-16 December 2020, lot 173.
All the denarii from Domitian's sixth issue of 85 are extremely rare. It is the first denarius issue which marks Domitian's assumption of the perpetual censorship (CENS P). Of note, both obv. and rev. legends are riddled with spacing dots, a trademark of these issues.David AthertonApr 28, 2021
|
|
RIC 1118 VespasianAR Denarius, 2.98g
Lyon Mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG TR P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: IVDAEA; Palm tree; to r., Judaea std. r., hands bound behind
RIC 1118 (R2). BMC Spec. acquired 1980. RSC 231. BNC 298. Hendin 1487.
Acquired from eBay, April 2021.
Lugdunum produced a small issue of undated denarii in 71 which copied contemporary Rome mint types. Curiously, this is the only Judaea Capta denarius reverse the Lugdunum mint duplicated from Rome. The depiction of a bound personification of Judaea is similar to the unique IVDAEA DEVICTA denarius type from this same issue. Very rare at Rome, this Lugdunese variety is exceedingly so and scarcely shows up in trade.David AthertonApr 24, 2021
|
|
RIC 1201 VespasianÆ As, 9.59g
Lyon mint, 72 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVG COS IIII; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.; globe at point of bust
Rev: PROVIDENT in exergue; S C in field; Garlanded Altar
RIC 1201 (R). BMC spec. acquired 1936. BNC -.
Acquired from CGB.fr, April 2021.
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. This popular type was later revived during the Civil War by Galba and Vitellius. Vespasian began striking it early in his reign both at Rome and Lyon. This rare ornate variant depicts the altar as garlanded.David AthertonApr 23, 2021
|
|
RIC 1274 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ As, 9.30g
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: VICTORIA NAVALIS; S C in field; Victory stg. r. on prow, with wreath and palm
RIC 1274 (C). BMC 870. BNC 883.
Acquired from CGB.fr, April 2021.
This Victory type would be repeatedly struck throughout Vespasian's reign for both father and son, perhaps indicating how important it was to their military gravitas. The reverse legend variant of 'VICTORIA NAVALIS' has been traditionally attributed to the naval victory Vespasian and Titus won on Lake Gennesaret (the Sea of Galilee) during the Jewish War. This Titus Caesar As was struck in Lyon (Lugdunum) and is scarcer than the Rome mint varieties. RIC's frequency rating of 'Common' underplays the rarity.David AthertonApr 22, 2021
|
|
RIC 756 DomitianÆ As, 11.66g
Rome mint, 92-94 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XVI CENS PER P P; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: MONETA AVGVSTI; S C in field; Moneta stg. l., with scales and cornucopiae
RIC 756 (C2). BMC 469. BNC 497.
Acquired from Marc Breitsprecher, March 2021.
This very common As features Moneta, 'mint goddess of the emperor'. H. Mattingly believes Moneta in this context can be seen as symbolising Domitian's control of the mint and as paymaster to the empire. A fitting reverse design for an emperor who cared so much for his coinage. The COS XVI bronze issue was struck sometime between 92 and 94 and cannot be more precisely dated because Domitian did not take up the consulship again until 95.
David AthertonApr 15, 2021
|
|
RIC 753 DomitianÆ Dupondius, 13.28g
Rome mint, 92-94 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XVI CENS PER P P; Head of Domitian, laureate, radiate, bearded, r.
Rev: FORTVNAE AVGVSTI; S C in field; Fortuna stg. l., with rudder and cornucopiae
RIC 753 (C). BMC 467. BNC 495.
Acquired from Marc Breitsprecher, March 2021.
This common Fortuna type was repeatedly struck throughout Domitian's reign on his middle bronze. She also fleetingly showed up on the denarii 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.' The COS XVI bronze issue was struck sometime between 92 and 94 and cannot be more precisely dated because Domitian did not take up the consulship again until 95.David AthertonApr 15, 2021
|
|
RIC 087 DomitianÆ As, 11.10g
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 87 (C). BMC 268. BNC 279.
Acquired from Ken Dorney, March 2021.
A common as from Domitian's first bronze issue struck in late 81. The reverse features his patron deity Minerva in a design which would later become more familiar on his denarii. It is likely based on a cult image.David AthertonApr 14, 2021
|
|
RIC 0408 VespasianÆ Quadrans, 2.06g
Rome Mint, 72-73 AD
Obv: IMP VESPASIAN AVG; Palm tree
Rev: P M TR P P P · COS IIII; S C in field; Vexillum
RIC 408 (R). BMC 626. BNC -. Hendin 1571.
Acquired from Calgary Coin, March 2021.
During Vespasian's reign the Rome mint produced sporadic issues of quadrantes. Their rarity today is likely a result of them being of low value and typically not hoarded. Mimicking the larger bronzes, the Jewish War victory was celebrated on them as well. Because of the small flan size brevity is called for: a palm tree representing Judaea on the obverse, and a Vexillum symbolising military victory on the reverse - straight and to the point! Ironically, despite their rarity today, more of the plebeian population would have seen these quadrantes than their more famous 'Judaea Capta' silver or bronze cousins. This specimen is remarkably well preserved for the denomination, perhaps it was lost soon after striking.
Missing from the Paris collection.David AthertonApr 12, 2021
|
|
RPC 1949 VespasianAR Tetradrachm, 11.99g
Antioch mint, 70-71 AD
Obv: ΑΥΤΟΚ ΚΑΙΣ ΣΕΒΑ ΟΥΕΣΠΑΣΙΑΝΟΥ, LΓ (in right field); Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: ΕΤΟΥΣ Γ ΙΕΡΟΥ; Eagle standing, l., on club; in field, palm branch
RPC 1949 (0 spec.). Prieur 115 (this coin).
Acquired from CGB.fr, April 2021. Ex Banias Hoard.
A most remarkable regnal year 3 Antiochene tetradrachm struck with an obverse die intended for an Alexandrian tetradrachm. The regnal year on the obverse combined with the Alexandrian legend and style is proof beyond doubt that this obverse die was intended for an Alexandrian billon tetradrachm, but how could this be? The RPC Antiochene groups 1-3 tetradrachms are all struck in 'Alexandrian' style. Many scholarly theories abound as to why: either the coins were struck at the Alexandria mint and then sent to Syria for circulation or, at the very least, the dies were engraved there. It's also possible (but unlikely) that Alexandrian mint workers were sent to Antioch to help set up the mint or bolster its production. This Alexandrian/Antiochene hybrid strongly hints that these Alexandrian style coins were indeed struck at Alexandria. In this case a die intended for a domestic tetradrachm somehow got mixed up with their Syrian work order. It must be said however that Antiochene silver is of a different composition than that used at Alexandria, so it is possible the dies were engraved in Alexandria and then shipped to the Antioch mint, in which case an Alexandrian die got mixed up with the shipment. Only two specimens have been recorded of this rare hybrid, surprisingly both are from different die pairs. This example is illustrated in Michel and Karin Prieur's type corpus The Syro-Phoenician Tetradrachms.
Is this coin the Rosetta Stone needed to solve the complicated questions surrounding the mintage of these Vespasianic tetradrachms? Perhaps, but I fear it raises more questions than answers. A fascinating coin nonetheless!David AthertonApr 10, 2021
|
|
RPC 2309 DomitianÆ21, 6.97g
Caesarea Maritima mint, 92-93 AD?
Obv: IMP DOMIT AVG GERM; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: VICTOR AVG; Trophy
RPC 2309 (9 spec.). Hendin 1460.
Acquired from Marc Breitsprecher, March 2021.
An undated Latin bronze Struck for Domitian at the Roman colony of Caeserea Maritima in possibly 92 or 93. The reverse features a trophy, commemorating either the Jewish War fought by Domitian's father and brother or his own Germanic war against the Chatti. David AthertonApr 08, 2021
|
|
RPC 2750 DomitianÆ Dichalkon, 1.58g
Alexandria mint, 91-92 AD
Obv: No legend; Head of Domitian, laureate, r.
Rev: LΙΑ; Crocodile, r., with sun disc
RPC 2750. Emmett 333.11. Dattari-Savio 6815-16.
Acquired from Athena, March 2021.
A series of small bronzes were struck at Alexandria without obverse inscriptions. Identifying which reign they belong to is down to identifying the obverse portrait and the regnal year date on the reverse. We are on firm ground with this dichalkon which unmistakably features a portrait of Domitian on the obverse and regnal year 11 on the reverse. This ethnic type featuring a Nile crocodile is fairly rare, being struck for just a handful of regnal years. It almost certainly depicts the ancient Egyptian crocodile god Sobek, god of the Nile and fertility. Sobek was particularly venerated during the Roman period in the Fayum, a swampy area west of the Nile Valley that was a natural home for crocodiles.
One of the finest known specimens of this rare type.David AthertonApr 03, 2021
|
|
RIC 1078A Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 3.42g
Rome Mint, 79 AD
Obv: T CAESAR IMP VESPASIANVS; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: TR POT VIII COS VII; Venus stg. r., leaning on column, with helmet and spear
RIC 1078A (R3). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex Numismatik Naumann Auction 100, 7 March 2021, lot 462.
Second known specimen of this Venus Victrix type with obverse bust left. Harry Sneh reported an example to the RIC authors who then assigned it as RIC 1078A in the RIC II.1 Addenda. Oddly, these two specimens are from different dies. It is part of Vespasian's last denarius issue struck before his death on 24 June 79. Venus is depicted here with a helmet and spear as the goddess of both love and war. The type would later be struck as a carry-over reverse for Titus as Augustus until the mint designed new reverse dies specifically for him.David AthertonApr 01, 2021
|
|
RIC 0884 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 25.22g
Rome mint, 76 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS VII; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: S C in field; Spes stg. l., with flower
RIC 884 (C). BMC 719. BNC 749.
Acquired from Kölner, March 2021.
Spes was a common Flavian reverse type connected to future dynastic hope and harmony. Under Vespasian it is more commonly found on the middle bronzes.David AthertonMar 31, 2021
|
|
RIC 824 Divus Augustus, Restored by DomitianÆ As, 10.01g
Rome or Thrace?, 80-81 AD
Obv: DIVVS AVGVSTVS PATER; Head of Augustus, radiate, l., star above
Rev: IMP D CAES AVG RESTITVIT; S C in field; Eagle stg. front on globe, wings spread, head r.
RIC 824 (C2). BMC 506. BNC 555.
Ex Papillon Auction 5, 6 March 2021, lot 540.
Titus and Domitian struck an extensive restoration series of bronze coins of Flavian approved past emperors and imperial family members which reproduced the original coins in their entirety. The restoration coinage was very briefly continued into the reign of Domitian after Titus's death in September 81. It is highly likely the only mint still producing the series under Domitian was an unidentified Thracian mint, although there is some stylistic ambiguity to be certain. This common As struck for Divus Augustus restores a well known posthumous type originally coined by Tiberius. Oddly, on this one die the eagle is having trouble staying on the globe!David AthertonMar 27, 2021
|
|
RPC 2427 VespasianÆ Drachm, 17.32g
Alexandria mint, 70-71 AD
Obv: ΑΥΤΟΚ ΚΑΙΣ ΣΕΒΑ ΟΥΕΣΠΑΣΙΑΝΟΥ; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: LΓ; Winged bust of Nike, r.
RPC 2427 (23 spec.). Emmett 208.3. Dattari-Savio 389-390.
Acquired from Marc Breitspreicher, March 2021.
The first drachms struck for Vespasian at Alexandria featured the 'Greek' winged Nike reverse - regnal year three being by far the most common. This Nike bust is a continuation of the same type struck for Galba, Otho, and Vitellius.David AthertonMar 26, 2021
|
|
RIC 504 TitusÆ Semis, 4.11g
Eastern Mint (Thrace?), 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAESAR DIVI VESPAS F AVG; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IVD CAP across field; S C in field; Palm tree; to l., Judaea std. l. on arms; to r., yoke
RIC 504 (R). BMC 259. BNC 275. RPC -. Hendin 1598.
Acquired from Herakles, March 2021. Ex Forvm Ancient Coins. Ex Ancient Imports.
An unidentified Eastern mint struck coins for Titus sometime between 80-81. The style (heavily seriffed letters, large portraits, and massive reverse figures), unique obverse legends (DIVI VESP F for Titus), and uncommon fabric (flat, almost convex flans) all suggest a mint other than Rome. Attributing exactly where these coins were struck has historically been a moving target - Mattingly in BMCRE thought Lugdunum, H.A. Cahn believed somewhere in Bithynia. More recent scholarship has looked towards Thrace as a possible location for production based on the Balkan distribution pattern of found specimens. Although the region of mintage has been narrowed down, the city itself remains elusive. RPC has suggested possibly Perinthus. Presumably a shortage of bronze coins in the region during Titus' reign prompted a localised imperial issue. The striking of imperial bronze outside of Rome was an exceptional step at the time considering the last imperial branch mint at Lugdunum had shuttered late in Vespasian's reign. The issue consisted of sestertii, dupondii, asses, and semisses which copied types struck at Rome. This rare Judaea Capta, reminiscent of the ones struck for the sestertii, is the only reverse type that was produced for the semis. Oddly not listed in RPC.David AthertonMar 24, 2021
|
|
RPC 2308 DomitianÆ24, 12.92g
Caesarea Maritima mint, 92-93 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM PM TR P XII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IMP XXIII (sic) COS XVI CENS P P P; Victory holding wreath and trophy, l.
RPC 2308 (10 spec.). Hendin 1459.
Ex Forvm Ancient Coins, March 2021.
Struck for Domitian at the Roman colony of Caeserea Maritima in either 92 or 93, this Latin inscribed bronze provincial mistakenly on the reverse records Domitian receiving a twenty third imperial acclamation. Domitian was assassinated a few years later in 96 still having received twenty two imperial acclamations, so it is very surprising that this error at the Caeserea mint occurred. Remarkably, it shows up on all the known dies for the type. Did news briefly, but falsely, reach the colony of a twenty third acclamation and the die engraver(s) followed suite? Or did one die engraver repeatedly make the same honest mistake over and over? It's a numismatic mystery likely never to be answered.David AthertonMar 19, 2021
|
|
RIC 0985A Titus as Caesar [Vespasian] UniqueAR Denarius, 3.22g
Rome Mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: T CAESAR VESPASIANVS; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IMP XIII across field; Modius, standing on three legs, containing five ears of corn upright and two hanging over the sides
RIC 985A. BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex CNG eAuction 487, 10 March 2021, lot 515.
A unique and unpublished new type for Titus Caesar. In RIC II.1, page 129, note 186 reads as follows: 'A plated example of this coin with rev IMP XIII (Budapest) suggests the possibility that the parallel issue for Titus might have used this modius reverse type (if such a coin was the prototype for the ancient imitation), though no examples have yet been attested.' Dr. Lucia Carbone, Assistant Curator for Roman Coins, at the American Numismatic Society has confirmed this coin as 'the prototype for the silver-plated fourrée in the Budapest museum.... The T preceding CAESAR on the obverse is absolutely clear and there is no doubt about the identification of the obverse.' The small denarius issue from which this coin was struck consists of three reverse types: goatherd, modius, and sow with piglets. Previously, all three were known for Vespasian, but only the goatherd and sow types had been attested for Titus Caesar. In hand there is the faintest trace of the reading IMP XIII on the reverse. We can now confidently add the modius for Titus to complete our picture of the series - a tremendous discovery!David AthertonMar 17, 2021
|
|
RIC 422 DomitianÆ As, 10.33g
Rome mint, 85 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XI CENS PER P P; Head of Domitian, laureate, r., with aegis
Rev: VICTORIAE AVGVSTI; S C in field; Victory stg. l., inscribing shield set on trophy to l., and holding palm
RIC 422 (R2). BMC 367. BNC 389.
Ex Ancient Treasures, eBay, 28 February 2021.
The senatorial mint introduced new Germania Capta reverse designs for the bronze issues in 85 AD. Among them was this Victory inscribing shield type which was struck somewhat commonly for the dupondii and sparingly for the asses. The motif was borrowed, albeit with some minor modifications, from Vespasian's coinage. This As from the third and last bronze issue of 85 is exceedingly rare, perhaps owing to the short window of time at the end of the year prior to Domitian becoming COS XII on 1 January 86.
NB: I believe this seemingly generic Victory type to be part of the Germania Capta issues because of the commemorative 'Germanic' character of the bronze issues in which it was struck. Also, the trophy design is identical to the one used on the Germania Capta sestertii. David AthertonMar 13, 2021
|
|
RPC 2671 DomitianÆ Hemidrachm, 11.95g
Alexandria mint, 92-93 AD
Obv: ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙϹ ΘƐΟ(Υ) ΥΙΟϹ ΔΟΜΙΤ ϹƐΒ ΓƐΡΜ; Head of Domitian, laureate, l.
Rev: LΙΒ; Nike advancing l., with wreath and palm
RPC 2671 (12 spec.). Emmett 269.12. Dattari-Savio 512 (this coin).
Acquired from Marc Breitsprecher, February 2021. Ex Dattari Collection.
A fairly common hemidrachm struck at Alexandria during Domitian's regnal year 12. 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 the Dattari-Savio plate coin, pl. 19, 512.David AthertonMar 12, 2021
|
|
RIC 442 Germanicus, Restored by TitusÆ As, 10.16g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: GERMANICVS CAESAR TI AVG F DIVI AVG N; Head of Germanicus, bare, l.
Rev: IMP T CAES DIVI VESP F AVG REST; S C in centre
RIC 442 (C). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Herakles, March 2021.
Titus struck an extensive restoration series of bronze coins of Flavian approved past emperors and imperial family members which reproduced the original coins in their entirety. While this veneration of past coinages was not a new idea (Vespasian copied past types on many reverses for the precious metal issues) it was quite an innovation to copy both the obverse and reverse of these past coinages. To do so likely had a dual purpose - one, to recoin types that were being recalled or falling out of circulation and to keep their memory alive, and secondly to link the Flavian house with those past revered personages. The meaning is quite clear on the reverse with Titus declaring he has restored (RESTITVIT) the coin.
Germanicus Julius Caesar (24 May 15 BC – 10 October 19 AD) was an immensely beloved member of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. Son of Nero Claudius Drusus and Antonia the Younger, grandson to the emperor Augustus, nephew to the emperor Tiberius, and brother to the emperor Claudius. He was a very successful general in Germania and celebrated a triumph for those campaigns. He later died in Syria of unknown causes (although, it is rumoured the 'Tiberius friendly' Senator Piso had him poisoned). Apparently, he was still a beloved figure during the Flavian era.David AthertonMar 11, 2021
|
|
RIC 0895 VespasianÆ As, 7.20g
Rome mint, 76 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESP AVG COS VII; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: S C in field; Spes stg. l., holding flower
RIC 895 (R). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from eBay, February 2021.
An extremely rare left facing portrait variant of the common COS VII Spes. The right facing variant of the type is considered by RIC (p. 51) to be the single most common bronze coin struck for Vespasian. The left facing portrait is another story! RIC cites only Berlin for the left facing variant, although the catalogue's authors Carradice and Buttrey must have known of a few other specimens in order to assign it a frequency rating of just 'rare'. I could not locate any other specimens online either in trade or in a major collection. A truly scarce coin!David AthertonMar 06, 2021
|
|
RIC 161 TitusÆ Sestertius, 28.24g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PROVIDENT AVGVST; S C in exergue; Vespasian and Titus, both togate, stg. r. and l., together holding globe over rudder
RIC 161 (R). BMC 181. BNC 171.
Ex Teutoburger Auction 132/133, 1-5 December 2020, lot 459 .
An iconic dynastic type struck during Titus' fairly large bronze issue of 80-81. Mattingly in BMCRE II succinctly sums up the reverse: "A type of 'Providentia Augusti' shows Vespasian, now a god, handing over to Titus the 'regimen orbis', symbolized by a globe over a rudder. 'Providentia' is the virtue of wise foresight, which leads an Emperor to make the succession sure." This bit of imperial propaganda must have been extremely important to the new regime based on the commonness of the type. It was very important for Titus as the new princeps to show continuity with his father's policies. The powerful symbolism of Vespasian handing over 'the rudder of the world' to Titus is a brilliant piece of visual storytelling. This right facing portrait is slightly rarer than the left facing variant.
David AthertonMar 05, 2021
|
|
RIC 0835 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ As, 11.16g
Rome mint, 75-76 AD
Obv: CAESAR AVG F DOMITIAN COS III; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PRINCIP IVVENT; S C in field; Domitian riding l., r. hand raised, holding sceptre
RIC 835 (R). BMC -. BNC 736.
Acquired from CGB.fr, February 2021.
This rare as struck in either 75 or 76 AD, prior to Domitan's fourth consulship in early 76, commemorates his appearance at Vespasian and Titus's joint Jewish War Triumph in 71 - 'while taking part in the Judaean triumph, he rode on a white horse' (Suetonius, Domitian, ii). This triumphal type was first struck in silver and gold and is somewhat rare on the asses. The bronze version closely resembles the precious metal prototypes, although it lacks their 'human head'(!) mounted on the sceptre as described by H. Mattingly in BMCRE II. The fact this type continued to be struck several years after the Jewish War Triumph possibly hints at how important its iconography was to the young prince. Missing from the BM's collection.David AthertonFeb 27, 2021
|
|
RIC 162 TitusÆ Sestertius, 23.74g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: PROVIDENT AVGVST; S C in exergue; Vespasian and Titus, both togate, stg. r. and l., together holding globe over rudder
RIC 162 (C). BMC 178. BNC 169.
Acquired from CGB.fr, February 2021.
A dynastic type struck during Titus' fairly large bronze issue of 80-81. Mattingly in BMCRE II succinctly sums up the reverse: "A type of 'Providentia Augusti' shows Vespasian, now a god, handing over to Titus the 'regimen orbis', symbolized by a globe over a rudder. 'Providentia' is the virtue of wise foresight, which leads an Emperor to make the succession sure." This bit of imperial propaganda must have been extremely important to the new regime based on the commonness of the type. David AthertonFeb 25, 2021
|
|
RPC 2645 DomitianÆ Obol, 4.26g
Alexandria mint, 91-92 AD
Obv: ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙϹΑΡ ΔΟΜΙΤ ϹƐΒ ΓƐΡΜ; Head of Domitian, laureate, r.
Rev: LΙΑ; Sphinx, r.
RPC 2645 (11 spec.). Emmett 326.11. Dattari-Savio 570.
Acquired from Athena, February 2021.
In Domitian's 11th regnal year at Alexandria the city's mint struck a most fascinating obol featuring the Great Sphinx of Giza on the reverse. The monolith of a mythical beast with a pharaoh's head and lion's body was carved out of solid limestone during the reign of pharaoh Khafre (c. 2558–2532 BC) and sits on the west bank of the Nile in front of the Great Pyramid. During the Roman era the monument was a source of wonderment and awe. Pliny the Elder in the late first century wrote - 'In front of these pyramids is the Sphinx, a still more wondrous object of art, but one upon which silence has been observed, as it is looked upon as a divinity by the people of the neighbourhood. It is their belief that King Harmaïs was buried in it, and they will have it that it was brought there from a distance. The truth is, however, that it was hewn from the solid rock; and, from a feeling of veneration, the face of the monster is coloured red. The circumference of the head, measured round the forehead, is one hundred and two feet, the length of the feet being one hundred and forty-three, and the height, from the belly to the summit of the asp on the head, sixty-two.' A stela was erected by the people of the nearby village of Busiris during the reign of Nero and it commemorates the Sphinx being completely freed from the sand. At this time it served as a romantic backdrop to local theatrical performances.
This rare obol was struck in the early 90's soon after the Alexandrian mint was overhauled and new types were introduced. Traditional Sphinxes from Greek myth with a winged lion's body and woman's head had been depicted on coins before, but this is the first instance of the Great Sphinx being shown on any coin. The reclining position, lack of wings, and pharaoh's head leave no doubt that the Giza monolith is indeed what we see on the reverse. The Sphinx obol along with the Pharos hemidrachm serve as a sort of first century travelogue for the ancient traveller of what to see when visting Roman Egypt.David AthertonFeb 19, 2021
|
|
RIC 111 Domitian Engraver's ErrorÆ As, 12.69g
Rome mint, 81 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DIVI VEP (sic) F DOMITIAN AVG P M; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: TR P COS VIII DES VIIII P P; S C in field; Minerva adv. r., with spear and shield
RIC 111 (C). BMC 283. BNC 291.
Acquired from Marc R. Breitsprecher, January 2021.
It wasn't often that the extremely professionally run Rome mint made mistakes during the Flavian era, especially so during Domitian's tight reign. Here we have a rare example of a blundered obverse legend on an early bronze As of Domitian struck in late 81: DIVI VEP instead of DIVI VESP. It's a common enough type, but perhaps unique featuring this engraver's error. I wonder how many were struck before the mistake was noticed?
The engraver almost redeemed himself with the fine style portrait.David AthertonFeb 18, 2021
|
|
RIC 509 Domitian as Caesar [Titus]Æ Sestertius, 24.47g
Eastern mint (Thrace?), 80-81 AD
Obv: CAES DIVI AVG VESP F DOMITIANVS COS VII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: S C in field; Mars, with cloak over shoulders, adv. r., with spear and trophy
RIC 509 (R2). BMC p. 296 *. RPC 505. BNC 326.
Acquired from Aegean, January 2021.
An unidentified Eastern mint struck coins for Titus and Domitian as Caesar sometime between 80-81 AD. The style (heavily seriffed letters, large portraits, massive reverse figures), and uncommon fabric (flat, almost convex flans) all suggest a mint other than Rome. Attributing exactly where these coins were struck has historically been a moving target - Mattingly in BMCRE thought Lugdunum, H.A. Cahn believed somewhere in Bithynia. More recent scholarship has looked towards Thrace as a possible location for production based on the Balkan distribution pattern of found specimens. Although the region of mintage has been narrowed down, the city itself remains elusive. RPC has suggested possibly Perinthus. Presumably a shortage of bronze coins in the region during Titus' reign prompted a localised imperial issue. The striking of imperial bronze outside of Rome was an exceptional step at the time considering the last imperial branch mint at Lugdunum had shuttered late in Vespasian's reign. The issue consisted of sestertii, dupondii, asses, and semisses which copied types struck at Rome. This very rare sestertius produced for Domitian as Caesar copies the more commonly found Mars type contemporaneously struck for Titus at this mint. Missing from the BM's extensive collection.David AthertonFeb 12, 2021
|
|
RPC 2312 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ21, 6.93g
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, supporting shield on her l. knee and writing on it with her r. hand; on r. palm tree
RPC 2312 (15 spec.). Hendin 1447.
Acquired from Zuzim, January 2021.
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 not long after the imperial ones were struck in the spring and summer of 71. 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. Unusually, this specimen is struck in very fine style, perhaps the handiwork of a particularly talented engraver. This is the slightly less common variant with the shield resting on Victory's knee rather than mounted on the palm tree.David AthertonFeb 11, 2021
|
|
RPC 2435 VespasianÆ Obol, 3.78g
Alexandria mint, 71-72 AD
Obv: ΑΥΤΟΚ ΚΑΙΣ ΣΕΒΑ ΟΥΕΣΠΑΣΙΑΝΟΥ; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: LΔ; Canopus, r.
RPC 2435 (11 spec.). Emmett 219.4. Dattari-Savio 371.
Acquired from Lodge Antiquities, January 2021.
This Alexandrian ethnic type features an Osiris-Canopus jar on the reverse. Osiris here is depicted as a jar with a human head. The lid is the head of Osiris with his hair coiffed in an Egyptian style called the klaft. He is wearing a crown and the protective uraeus, or sacred cobra. His body is a Canopic jar, a vessel which held the internal organs of the deceased for the afterlife. These jars were carried by priests to symbolically transport the Nile's sacred waters during processions. The jar may possibly symbolise the abundance brought by the waters. This fertility type began showing up on the coinage in the First Century. The regnal year four issue is the most common date for this reverse under Vespasian.David AthertonFeb 06, 2021
|
|
RPC 2677 DomitianÆ Hemidrachm, 12.15g
Alexandria mint, 92-93 AD
Obv: ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙϹ ΘƐΟ(Υ) ΥΙΟϹ ΔΟΜΙΤ ϹƐΒ ΓƐΡΜ; Head of Domitian, laureate, l.
Rev: LΙΒ; Pharos
RPC 2677 (0 spec.). Emmett 273f.12. Dattari-Savio 6784.
Ex CNG eAuction 484, 27 January 2021, lot 559.
The great lighthouse of Alexandria (or Pharos) was first depicted on the city's coinage during Domitian's reign. The structure was built on Pharos Island circa 300-283 BC under the Ptolemaic dynasty and was roughly 375 years old when these coins were struck. It was one of the most famous buildings in the ancient world and would later be considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World by early Medieval chroniclers. Standing at an estimated 300-450 ft. high it inspired awe and admiration from many Roman era writers including Strabo, Pliny, Josephus, and Lucian. Strabo records the Pharos was built of white stone and Pliny relates it cost nearly 800 talents to construct and that its light could sometimes be mistaken for a distant star on the horizon by mariners approaching the city. Josephus says the tower's shining light could be seen 34 miles away, a day's sale from Alexandria. Lucian took detailed measurements and described a building of three storeys - the bottom being square, the middle octagonal and the top circular with a total height of 436 feet (!). It was crowned by a 30 ft. statue of Zeus Soter or Neptune which can clearly be seen on the coins. Sculptures of Tritons blowing conch shells adorned the octagonal section were used to represent each of the eight winds and can clearly be seen on the coins as well. In 1117 AD Al-Andalusi travelled to Alexandria and wrote 'the entrance to the Lighthouse is very high. It is accessed by a long 600 ft. ramp. This is based on a series of arches [...]'. This high doorway is also accurately depicted on the coins. Early in the second century Achilles Tatius of Alexandria poetically described the Pharos in his novel The Adventures of Leucippe and Clitophon as 'the most remarkable and extraordinary structure upon which it rested; it was like a mountain, almost reaching the clouds, in the middle of the sea. Below the building flowed the waters; it seemed to be as it were suspended above their surface, while at the top of this mountain rose a second sun to be a guide for ships'. The great Pharos was rendered inoperable and slowly destroyed by a series of earthquakes between 796 and 1323 AD. The coins, however, remain as a powerful testament to this most remarkable structure's enduring legacy.
The hemidrachms struck under Domitian with their wonderful numismatic depiction of the Pharos are extremely rare. This superb example from regnal year 12 is the third known and finest specimen of the even rarer left facing portrait variant. Struck in very fine style.David AthertonFeb 04, 2021
|
|
RIC 1261 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Dupondius, 12.28g
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: PAX AVG; S C in field; Pax stg. l., with patera over altar and branch and caduceus
RIC 1261 (C). BMC -. BNC 864.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, January 2021.
This Pax type is a fairly common unique Lugdunese type struck for both Vespasian and Titus Caesar. 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.' Laureate portrait variant missing from the BM.
NB: The BNC catalogue erroneously cross references their laureate specimen with the BM's radiate one!David AthertonJan 30, 2021
|
|
RIC 0887 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 13.87g
Rome mint, 76 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESP AVG P M T P COS VII; Head of Vespasian, radiate, r.
Rev: FELICITAS PVBLICA; S C in field; Felicitas stg. l., with caduceus and cornucopiae
RIC 887 (C). BMC 723. BNC 752.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, January 2021.
Felicitas on the reverse symbolises the prosperity and abundance Vespasian has brought to the empire. Along with Pax, it is easily one of the commonest reverse types of his reign.
Fantastic portrait in fine style.David AthertonJan 27, 2021
|
|
RIC 1014 VespasianÆ As, 9.87g
Rome mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN COS VIII; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: VICTORIA AVGVST; S C in field; Victory stg. r. on prow, with wreath and palm
RIC 1014 (R). BMC 740. BNC 778.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, January 2021.
A slightly scarce left facing portrait with the perennial favourite reverse of Victory on prow - a type more commonly found on the As issues at Rome. Unlike the VICTORIA NAVALIS variant which likely celebrated a minor naval victory from the Jewish War, this Victory can be viewed in more generic terms. A similar type was also struck in silver on the denarii the previous year.
David AthertonJan 22, 2021
|
|
RIC 255 TitusÆ Quadrans, 2.52g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T VESP AVG COS VIII; Modius
Rev: S C in laurel wreath
RIC 255 (C). BMC 220. BNC 227.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, January 2021.
A small issue of quadrantes dated COS VIII were struck for Titus sometime in 80 or 81. The modius/ S C laurel wreath type copies the famous quadrans struck under Claudius. Although the frequency rating in RIC is 'common', this denomination for Titus is fairly uncommon.
Well centred with full legend.David AthertonJan 20, 2021
|
|
RIC 0830 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Dupondius, 13.68g
Rome mint, 75 AD
Obv: T CAESAR IMP COS IIII; Head of Titus, radiate, bearded, r.
Rev: FELICITAS PVBLICA; S C in field; Felicitas stg. l., with caduceus and cornucopiae
RIC 830 (C). BMC 715A. BNC 741.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, January 2021.
Felicitas symbolising prosperity and abundance was one of the more common types struck during Vespasian's reign, often shared with Titus Caesar. This common dupondius was struck in 75, the year of the Temple of Peace dedication.David AthertonJan 16, 2021
|
|
RIC 840 DomitianÆ As, 9.44g
Eastern Mint (Thrace?), 82 AD
Obv: IMP D CAES DIVI VESP F AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: CERES AVGVST; S C in field; Ceres stg. l. with corn ears and torch
RIC 840 (R2). BMC 520. BNC 553. RPC 533.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, January 2021.
An Eastern mystery mint struck imperial bronze coins for Titus and Domitian between 80-81. The style (heavily seriffed letters, large portraits, and 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 prompted a localised imperial issue which consists of sestertii, dupondii, asses, and semisses copying types struck at Rome. The mystery mint continued production uninterrupted for Domitian as Augustus after Titus's death in September 81 for perhaps a few months with little change in types. This Ceres type is dated by COS VIII to 82, perhaps within just the first few weeks judging by its rarity.
Fine 'eastern' style.David AthertonJan 15, 2021
|
|
RIC 0695 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 3.16g
Rome Mint, 74 AD
Obv: T CAESAR IMP VESP; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PONTIF TR POT; Titus std. r. on curule chair, with sceptre and branch
RIC 695 (R3, this coin). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex Andrew Short Collection, acquired from Forvm Ancient Coins, January 2020. Ex Stack's Bowers Galleries NYINC Auction, 11-12 January 2019, Lot 41066 (part).
An extremely rare Titus Caesar denarius struck in 74. Rated with a frequency of R3 (unique) in RIC, although since its publication another specimen has surfaced (Pegasi 152, lot 335). The reverse, shared with Vespasian, echos the famous Tribute Penny of Tiberius. Why is it so fabulously rare? The uncommon obverse legend combined with this particular reverse legend and type creates a variant that apparently was fleetingly struck. The numismatic equivalent of the planets aligning just right. This is the RIC plate coin (BM file).David AthertonJan 13, 2021
|
|
RIC 658 DomitianAR Denarius, 3.20g
Rome mint, 88-89 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG GERM P M TR P VIII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IMP XVII COS XIIII CENS P P P; Minerva advancing right, brandishing spear, on capital of rostral column, accompanied by owl (M2)
RIC 658 (R2). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Acquired from eBay, December 2020.
Domitian did not take up the consulship in 89, therefore, this denarius is dated by TR P VIII between September 88 and September 89. The date can be further narrowed down by the 17th imperial acclamation. A military diploma dated 7 November, 88 records Domitian as IMP XVII, so this issue must have been struck briefly at the end of 88, perhaps just a month or so due to the rarity of the acclamation number on the denarii and the fact they were being awarded at a fairly rapid pace due to increased military activity along the Danube. This is an extremely rare variant with 'DOMITIANVS' fully spelled out. Normally the denarius obverse legends use the abbreviated 'DOMIT'. The variant spelling is known for 3 of the 4 Minerva types from this issue, only the Minerva advancing right (M1) is missing.David AthertonJan 08, 2021
|
|
RIC 648 DomitianÆ As, 8.76g
Rome mint, 88-89 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XIIII CENS PER P P; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: FORTVNAE AVGVSTI; S C in field; Fortuna stg. l., with rudder and cornucopiae
RIC 648 (C2). BMC 416. BNC 452.
Acquired from eBay, December 2020.
This common Fortuna type was repeatedly struck throughout Domitian's reign on his middle bronze. 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.'David AthertonJan 07, 2021
|
|
RIC 1216 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 12.30g
Lyon mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS VIII P P; Head of Vespasian, radiate, l.; globe at point of bust
Rev: FORTVNAE REDVCI; S C in field; Fortuna stg. l., with rudder on globe and cornucopiae
RIC 1216 (R). BMC p. 207 note. BNC -.
Acquired from eBay, December 2020. Formerly in NGC holder #5770255-021, with grade 'F'.
A possible shortage of bronze coinage in the Western provinces late in Vespasian's reign likely prompted the Lyon mint to temporarily reopen in 77-78 and strike a fairly substantial issue of coinage. The types copy many of those struck at Rome, including this Fortuna. Very rare with radiate bust left. Missing from both the BM and Paris collections.David AthertonJan 07, 2021
|
|
RIC 316 DomitianÆ Quadrans, 3.07g
Rome Mint, 85 AD
Obv: IMP DOMIT AVG GERM COS XI; Bust of Ceres, wearing wreath of corn ears, draped, l.
Rev: S C in field; Basket with corn ears
RIC 316 (C). BMC -. BNC 347.
Acquired from CGB.fr, December 2020.
Small bronzes such as the quadrans were likely used in minor transactions by the plebs and sported very simple designs with popular motifs, often lacking an imperial portrait. Ceres briefly appeared on the obverse of Domitian's quadrantes in 85-86. She frequently was paired with an appropriate reverse design, such as a basket of corn ears as seen on this example. Some seller's erroneously refer to the obverse as Domitia. Incredibly, this bust left variant is missing from the extensive BM collection.David AthertonDec 31, 2020
|
|
| 1151 files on 13 page(s) |
 |
|
4 | |
|
|
|
