| Last additions - David Atherton |
RIC 1402 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.16g
Ephesus mint, 69-70 AD
Obv: IMP•CAES VESPAS•AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: LIBERI IMP AVG VESPAS; Heads of Titus, bare, r., and Domitian, bare, l., confronting; Φ in r. field
RIC 1402 (R3). BMC-. RSC-. RPC 810 (0 Spec.). BNC-.
Acquired from Kölner, February 2020.
Ephesus struck a small series of denarii for Vespasian between 69 and 74. The issue is divided into groups based on evolving legends and mint marks. The same stock reverse types were repeated throughout the series, with the dynastic types perhaps being the scarcest. This is a second known example of the Ephesian Group 2 confronting heads dynastic type with the Φ mint mark in right field. The other specimen (Munzhandlung Basel 6, 18 March 1936, lot 1619) is from the same die pair but in much poorer condition. This is the first Ephesian issue to strike this particular dynastic type which copies a contemporaneous one from Rome. These early issues are undated but likely were produced in either late 69 or early 70 soon after Vespasian's accession. The Ephesian denarii were often engraved in very fine style and are highly desired by collectors for that reason. Unusually for Ephesus, this specimen has spacing dots on the obverse. Also, this coin is an obverse die match with my RIC 1406 from the same issue.
Aside from the extreme rarity, I was attracted to this coin because of the portraits. On the obverse Vespasian is presented as an old middle age man while the reverse features Titus and Domitian as virile young men looking almost like teenage boys. The obverse advertises experience and a steady hand while the reverse promises an energetic and bright future. A perfect dynastic message.
Struck on a tight flan in superb style.David AthertonMar 06, 2020
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RIC 336 DomitianAR Denarius, 3.42g
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 CENS POT P P; Minerva stg. l., with thunderbolt and spear; shield at her side (M3)
RIC 336 (R2). BMC 79. RSC 178 (no aegis). BNC -.
Acquired from Etsy, February 2020. Ex CNG 440, 20 March 2019, lot 721 (part).
In 82 Domitian increased the silver fineness of the denarius to nearly 100% purity. Three years later in mid 85 the fineness was again adjusted, this time downward to c. 90%, presumably for monetary or fiscal reasons. Domitian also assumed the powers of censor in April of 85 which was recorded on the coinage. The title was successively contracted in three issues - CENSORIA POTESTAT, CENS POTES, and CENS POT. According to metal analyses by Walker and more recently confirmed by Butcher and Ponting, Domitian's second coinage reform took place between the last two issues - the CENS POT issue being the first under the new standard. All of these denarii from the fourth issue of 85 are extremely scarce and were struck with both an aegis and non aegis portrait. The aegis portraits are somewhat more desirable.
Good metal and neat style.David AthertonMar 04, 2020
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RIC 0158 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 26.08g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: FORTVNAE REDVCI; S C in exergue; Fortuna stg. l., with branch and rudder on globe, and cornucopiae
RIC 158 (R2). BMC 757. BNC-.
Acquired from Praefectus Coins, February 2020. Ex Stack's Bowers Galleries, NYINC Auction, 17 January 2020, lot 2217. Ex P. & P. Santamaria, 4 June 1952, Signorelli Collection Part II, lot 1256. Formerly in NGC holder #4682693-014, with grade XF.
Vespasian struck a massive bronze issue in 71 which easily dwarfs any other of the reign. The issue is dominated by the Judaea Capta series, but many other important themes are employed by the mint. This Fortuna reverse carries an important propaganda message concerning the safe return of the imperial household. Mattingly in BMCRE explains it as 'the Fortuna who brings Titus home in June 71; the branch which she holds, beside her own rudder and cornucopiae, is either the olive branch of Pax or the laurel of the home-returning conqueror.' Titus had been absent from Rome completing the successful siege of Jerusalem and was en route home in Spring 71. This example is a rare variant bust left (all Vespasian's sestertii with left busts are indeed quite scarce). Interestingly, the left facing sestertius portraits are engraved in a different style than the corresponding right facing ones.
Wonderful fine style and superb EF condition. Cayón 39 (this coin).
Special thanks to Curtis Clay for the additional provenance information.
David AthertonFeb 28, 2020
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RIC 1228 VespasianÆ As, 10.19g
Lyon mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS VIII P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.; globe at point of bust
Rev: AEQVITAS AVGVSTI; S C in field; Aequitas stg. l., with scales and rod
RIC 1228 (C3). BMC 842. BNC 839.
Ex eBay, 6 February 2020.
Vespasian inherited a financial mess upon his accession in 69. His top priority was putting the state on a sound financial footing. Symbolic of that righting of the empire was the common reverse type of Aequitas. Aequitas holding her scales and measuring rod was probably based on a cult image of the deity. She first shows up as an imperial virtue on the coinage under Galba, a virtue that Vespasian was eager to emulate. This As from late in the reign was struck at Lugdunum (modern Lyon) in a fairly substantial issue, likely produced to rectify a bronze coinage shortage in the Western provinces.
Nice style and good metal.David AthertonFeb 27, 2020
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RIC 212 TitusÆ Dupondius, 11.40g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII; Head of Titus, radiate, bearded, r.
Rev: VESTA in exergue; S C in field; Vesta std. l., with palladium and sceptre
RIC 212 (C). BMC 200. BNC 203.
Ex eBay, 9 February 2020.
It's not unusual at the start of a reign for the Rome mint to strike coin types that conjure up feelings of familiarity and continuance. Vesta is certainly one of those types and Titus' moneyers made full use of her propaganda value. She frequently appears on the bronze coinage with her message of religious piety and security. Her main attribute here is the palladium - a wooden cult image of Pallas Athena which oversees the safety and well being of Rome.
Great style and good metal.David AthertonFeb 21, 2020
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RIC 468 DomitianÆ Sestertius, 22.60g
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: S C in field; Domitian standing l., with parazonium and spear; to l., river-god (Rhenus) reclining
RIC 468 (C). BMC 377. BNC 399.
Ex eBay, 9 February 2020. Ex Künker, eLive Auction 57, 12 December 2019, lot 97.
In late 82 or early 83 Domitian conducted a census of Gaul as a smoke screen in order to make preparations to invade the Germanic Chatti lands across the Rhine. Not much is known of what the actual war consisted of - perhaps some road building, punitive raids against Chatti strongholds, and minor skirmishing. No large battles, à la Mons Graupius, have come down to us, prompting Tacitus' assertion 'that in recent times, the Germans were more triumphed over than conquered'. Even the date of the conflict is in dispute - although Domitian did rack up four salutations between June 83 and September 84, several of which must be attributed to the Chattan Campaign. Domitian celebrated a triumph over the Chatti in 83, after which he claimed the title 'Germanicus'.
Beginning in 85 Domitian struck a fairly impressive issue of sestertii, M. Grant hyperbolically called it the most 'ambitious' of any one reign or year. The series is the first major aes issue of Domitian's reign and is dominated by panoramic types commemorating his military victory over the Germanic tribe the Chatti. One of the more interesting types carried over into 86 features a triumphant Domitian standing over the reclining river-god Rhenus. It is a more poetic type than those showing captives or war trophies, although, even here Domitian is resting his foot on the river-god's knee symbolising Rome's domination over Germania.
Fine style and good metal.David AthertonFeb 20, 2020
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RIC 0245 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 24.02g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPAS AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: SALVS AVGVSTA; S C in exergue; Salus std. l. with patera and sceptre
RIC 245 (C2). BMC 574. BNC 533.
Acquired from Golden Rule Enterprises Coins, February 2020.
A fairly common sestertius Salus type from the great bronze issue of 71. According to Mattingly in BMCRE II this Salus type may perhaps represents 'the salvation conferred by the imperial system', presumably after the upheavals of the Civil War. Salus here symbolises the health and welfare of the Roman state, not the person of the emperor himself.
Superb portrait in good metal.
David AthertonFeb 14, 2020
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RIC 706 DomitianÆ Dupondius, 10.34g
Rome mint, 90-91 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XV CENS PER P P; Head of Domitian, radiate, bearded, r.
Rev: VIRTVTI AVGVSTI; S C in field; Virtus stg. r., foot on helmet, with spear and parazonium
RIC 706 (C2). BMC 446. BNC -.
Acquired from eBay, February 2020.
The Virtus type was struck repeatedly on Domitian's middle bronze 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 impressively depicted in traditional Amazon attire. This Virtus dupondius is fairly common but is oddly missing from the Paris collection.
Well struck and in good condition.David AthertonFeb 13, 2020
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RIC 0753 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ As, 8.02g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: T CAESAR IMP COS III CENS; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: VICTORIA AVGVST; S C in field; Victory stg. r. on prow, with wreath and palm
RIC 753 (R). BMC p. 163 †. BNC 734.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, January 2020.
A rare variant of the common Victory on prow struck in 74. Missing from the BM's collection. This Victory type was a fairly popular generic design with the prow possibly lending a nautical theme, perhaps alluding to a successful ongoing Flavian naval policy. It was sparingly struck for this issue.
Well centred on good metal.David AthertonFeb 08, 2020
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RPC 2015 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Semis, 7.40g
Antioch mint, undated
Obv: T CAESAR IMP PONT; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: S • C in laurel wreath
RPC 2015 (12 spec.).
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, January 2020.
An undated issue of leaded bronze coins with Latin legends were struck at Antioch sometime between 76 and 78. They can be distinguished from an earlier Rome mint issue with similar designs by the local style and 12 o'clock die axis. Production of the series likely commenced soon after the Rome issue had run its course. This semis struck for Titus Caesar is one of the more common types.
Good style and nicely centred.David AthertonFeb 07, 2020
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RIC 1578 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ As, 4.57g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: CAESAR DOMIT COS II; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: S C in laurel wreath
RIC 1578 (R2). BMC -. BNC -. RPC 2003 (0 Spec.).
Acquired from Forvm Ancient Coins, January 2020.
An extremely rare orichalcum As struck for Domitian Caesar under Vespasian in 74 AD. Traditionally the issue has been attributed to various Eastern mints, however, recent scholarship has shown that it was produced in Rome. Style, die axis, metal, and circulation pattern all point to a Western coinage, despite the 'Eastern' flavour of the reverse designs. T. Buttrey in the RIC II.1 Addenda wrote: 'There is nothing like this series in the whole of Roman imperial coinage. It is a deliberate act of Orientalism, imposing the flavour of the East on a Western coinage'. This particular As featuring a right facing portrait is rarer than the much more common left facing portrait. Missing from both the BM and Paris collections.
Beautiful patina and fine style.David AthertonJan 31, 2020
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RIC 1574 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Semis, 3.31g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: T•CAES•IMP•TR•POT; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: ANTIOCHIA; Bust of city-goddess, r.
RIC 1574 (C). BMC -. BNC -. RPC 1997 (10 spec.).
Acquired from Forvm Ancient Coins, January 2020.
Traditionally, the issue this rather interesting semis is from has been attributed to various different mints over the years. Ted Buttrey writing in the RIC II.1 Addenda commented extensively on it. Because both the Addenda has yet to see the light of day and T. Buttrey's thoughts on the subject are important (and indeed likely correct), I have largely quoted it in full here with some minor editing.
'RIC 756-767 are irregular Dupondii, which should be taken together with Asses, semisses and quadrantes (RIC 1564-1581), forming together a single extraordinary issue in four denominations, distinct in typology and metal, as well as overall character from the regular coinage of the year. Although Eastern in aspect and reverse type, the circulation area of the dupondii is almost exclusively Gaul, Germany, Italy – i.e. the West, with scarcely any penetration of the East. Finds of the smaller denominations are rarely attested anywhere, East or West. The citations in RPC II are drawn almost entirely from Western collections, and total: Western - 108, Eastern - 4.
The Eastern finds appear to be simply the débris of Mediterranean circulation. Previously the series had been attributed to Commagene (BMCRE II, pp.217-222), then as a likelihood to Antioch (e.g. RPC II 1982-2005). The correct attribution to Rome is proved by mules of the dupondii with regular issues (Buttrey, “Vespasian’s Roman Orichalcum: An Unrecognized Celebratory Coinage” in David M. Jacobson and Nikos Kokkinos, Judaea and Rome in Coins, 65 CBE – 135 CE (2012).
The series had nothing to do with Syria or with the East at all, yet it was purposefully designed to appear non-Roman: the suppression of the traditional reverse sub-inscription S C throughout; the suppression of the radiate crown of the Dupondius; the shifting of the consular dating from the obv. to the rev.; the striking of all four denominations in orichalcum; and most obviously the selection of rev. dies which reek of the East (while admitting that they are not Eastern, see on the semis the bust of the city-goddess accompanied by the Latin legend ANTIOCHIA, in imitation of the type actually struck there with the Greek legend ΑΝΤΙΟΧΕΩΝ – SNG Cop Antioch 99-103, 112, etc. ).
There is nothing like this series in the whole of Roman imperial coinage. It is a deliberate act of Orientalism, imposing the flavour of the East on a Western coinage. The key to its understanding is the reverse type of the dupondius, two crossed cornuacopiae with a winged caduceus between. It replicates the type of an obscure issue of the Galilean city of Sepphoris, an issue which had been, astonishingly, signed by Vespasian himself (ΕΠΙ ΟΥΕCΠΑCΙΑΝΟΥ, “on the authority of…”) when on duty there in the last days of Nero.
The whole of this series memorializes not Vespasian the conquering general (IVDAEA CAPTA, VICTORIA AVGVSTI), but the man. His re-use of earlier coin types is well-known; here he re-uses his own, harking back to his career just prior to his final success in seizing the empire. And the series was struck in 74 A.D., co-terminous with the celebration of Vespasian’s first quinquennium.'
I think it quite extraordinary that the Rome mint would produce a coin blatantly featuring a provincial city-goddess that was intended for circulation in the West. Vespasian's fondness for the region that elevated him to the purple must have been strong indeed! The heavy use of dots in the obverse legend is a curiosity as well.
Good style and well centred.David AthertonJan 30, 2020
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RPC 2009 VespasianÆ As, 14.85g
Antioch mint, undated
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev S • C in laurel wreath
RPC 2009 (15 spec.).
Acquired from eBay, January 2020.
In the mid 70s the Antioch mint struck a series of leaded bronze coins with Latin legends. Presumably the Antiochene series picked up where the Rome mint orichalcum 'Syrian' issue struck in 74 left off. They can be distinguished from the Rome issues by the local style, 12 o'clock die axis, and metal. This As likely dates between 76-78 and is very close in style to the contemporary Cypriot tetradrachms struck at Antioch.
Fine Antiochene style struck on a large flan.David AthertonJan 23, 2020
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RIC 760 Diva Julia Titi [Domitian]Æ Sestertius, 24.33g
Rome mint, 92-94 AD
Obv: DIVAE IVLIAE AVG DIVI TITI F above; S P Q R in exergue; Carpentum drawn r. by two mules
Rev: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XVI CENS PER P P; S C, large, in centre
RIC 760 (R). BMC 471. BNC 502.
Acquired from Ken Dorney, January 2020. Ex Agora Auctions Sale 84, 4 September 2019, lot 187. Ex CNG E314, 6 November 2013, lot 364.
Titus' daughter Julia Titi was granted the title Augusta sometime in 80 or 81 during his reign. After Titus' death she lived with her uncle Domitian at the imperial residence. In 90 or 91 AD she died and was deified by Domitian, this was commemorated on the coinage. The ancient sources are quick to malign her reputation in the name of smearing Domitian. It is said she had an ongoing affair with Domitian and became pregnant. She then was forced by Domitian to abort the baby and died during the attempted abortion sometime in 90 or 91. The Flavian historian Brian Jones has called the supposed affair between Domitian and his niece Julia (some ten or eleven years his junior) and the subsequent forced abortion which killed her as "implausible" and "nonsense". Further he wrote "Scholars seem not to have stressed one of the most significant factors in assessing the rumour's accuracy - Martial's epigram 6.3, written not long after Julia's death and deification. In it, he expresses the hope that Domitian will produce a son, implies that the baby's name will be Julius (6.3.1) and states that (the now deified) Julia will be able to watch over him (6.3.5). Martial was neither a hero or a fool. Had there been the slightest hint of an affair between emperor and niece, he would hardly have written those lines; had Julia's recent death been caused by an abortion forced on her by Domitian, would Martial have so far neglected the bounds of 'safe criticism' and common sense as to humiliate Domitia publicly, urging her to become pregnant, to give the child a name reminiscent of her husband's mistress and finally to remember that same mistress, now dead and deified (thanks to her husband), would be able to protect the child?" No doubt, the Diva coins testify that Domitian felt great affection towards his niece, however, there is no evidence that they had an illicit love affair. The incestuous rumour was spread after Domitian's death.
This sestertius struck for Diva Julia Titi between 92 and 94 copies an early carpentum and mules type struck under Tiberius for Diva Livia and another under Titus struck for her grandmother Domitilla. It is the second issue of this type struck under Domitian and is slightly rarer than the earlier one produced in 90-91. In the early empire the carpentum was granted to ladies of the imperial house by the Senate as an imperial honour. It was frequently used to convey an image of the deceased Divae and to symbolise the event on the coinage. The style of the Diva Julia Titi sestertii are so similar to those of the earlier Memoriae Domitilla sestertii that the RIC authors speculate a few of the older Domitilla dies were recut for Julia's issues (p. 317, note). It's astonishing to think that the mint still had access to dies that were nearly a decade old and were able to re-use them for a new issue!
Dark brassy tone with some minor pitting.David AthertonJan 17, 2020
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RIC 0810 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Quinarius, 1.41g
Rome mint, 75(?) AD
Obv: T CAESAR IMP VESPASIAN; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: VICTORIA AVGVSTI; Victory std. l., with wreath and palm
RIC 810 (C). BMC 314. RSC 375. BNC 277.
Acquired from eBay, December 2019.
Vespasian revived the quinarius after a long hiatus going back to the time of Augustus. Striking this denomination was quite in keeping with the antiquarian flavour of the Rome mint during the reign. Vespasian's moneyer's struck a great issue of undated quinarii in 75, possibly in conjunction with the opening of his Temple of Peace. These tiny coins may have been distributed during special occasions. Two standard Victory types (seated or advancing) were employed along with various variant legend spellings and orientations. The variations are: obverse legend - VESPASIANVS or more commonly for Titus Caesar VESPASIAN; reverse legend - AVGVSTI or less commonly AVGVST. The reverse legend can also either be oriented from low r. or high l. Dating this undated issue is a little tricky. The quinarii struck before 75 have AVGVSTI in the reverse legend, while those struck after 75 use the shorter AVGVST. The undated issue employs both forms, therefore it fits neatly to 75. This quinarius struck for Titus Caesar is perhaps the most common variant struck for him in the issue.
Nicely centred with hints of rainbow toning.David AthertonJan 15, 2020
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RIC 703 DomitianÆ Sestertius, 25.05g
Rome mint, 90-91 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XV CENS PER P P; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: S C in exergue; Domitian stg. l., with thunderbolt and spear, crowned by Victory, stg. l.
RIC 703 (C). BMC 443. BNC 477.
Acquired from iNumis, December 2019.
In 85 AD Domitian rolled out a new set of reverse designs for the bronze coinage, most of which would be repeatedly struck over the next decade. The Victory crowning Domitian was a particular favourite for the sestertius. It copies a similar type struck for Vespasian's aurei with one key difference - throwing modesty aside, Domitian is holding Jupiter's thunderbolt, an unprecedented divine attribute for a living emperor 'which has no doubt been given to him by his patroness Minerva' (BMCRE p. xciv). It brings to mind Suetonius' anecdotes concerning Domitian's megalomania of wishing to be addressed as 'Lord and God' and having statues of himself erected only in gold or silver, itself a divine attribute (Dom. 13.2). The Flavian historian Brian Jones speculated 'Domitian was both intelligent and committed to the traditional religion. He obviously knew that he was not a God, and, whilst he did not ask or demand to be addressed as one, he did not actively discourage the few flatterers who did' (Jones 1992). This coin's reverse seems to contradict Jones' generous explanation. It shows a concious decision to depict the emperor in a divine light. It's a decision that could only have come from the top. Perhaps Jones is correct and Domitian did not directly order people to address him as 'Lord and God', however, the numismatic evidence at the very least shows that he was very open to it. Mattingly in BMCRE sums up Domitian's coinage thus - 'The one ugly feature is the vanity that leads Domitian to take over for himself a divine attribute - the thunderbolt' (p. xcv).
This example from 90-91 is likely a generic Victory type perhaps celebrating the recent double triumph over the Chatti and the Dacians in late 89. A fairly large number of the type were struck for the COS XV issue. Because Domitian did not renew the consulship in 91, these COS XV sestertii cannot be precisely dated and were likely struck for an extended period of time.
A gorgeous coin in fine style, struck on a large flan.
NB: RIC cites Paris 447, it is actually 477.David AthertonJan 10, 2020
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RIC 1210 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 12.67g
Lyon mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS VIII P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.; globe at point of bust
Rev: FIDES PVBLICA; S C in field; Fides stg. l., with patera and cornucopiae
RIC 1210 (C3). BMC 828. BNC 825.
Acquired from eBay, January 2020.
FIDES PVBLICA, the good faith of the state, was a common personification on Vespasian's coinage. The figure on the reverse is likely based on a cult statue of the goddess whose annual sacrifice occurred on 1 October. Important documents of state and treaties were store in her temple for safe keeping. The Fides type came into common imperial use during the Flavian era and was an important part of Vespasian's numismatic propaganda. This very common dupondius was struck at the Lugdunum (Lyon) mint in 77-78 in a fairly large issue that presumably addressed a shortage of bronze coinage in the Western provinces. Oddly enough, dupondii in this issue are more commonly encountered with a laureate bust instead of the normally radiate one.
A respectable example in typical Lugdunese style.David AthertonJan 09, 2020
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RIC 0894 VespasianÆ As, 11.90g
Rome mint, 76 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESP AVG COS VII; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: S C in field; Spes stg. l., holding flower
RIC 894 (C2). BMC 725. BNC 757.
Acquired from eBay, December 2019.
This Spes As is considered by RIC (p. 51) to be the single most common bronze coin struck for Vespasian. Oddly enough, the frequency rating in the catalogue of 'very common' is a notch below the 'extremely common' rating reserved for the most common types. Spes was a popular reverse type under Vespasian, connected to future dynastic hope and harmony. Note the classic 'straining' portrait for which Vespasian is well known for.
Nice olive green patina and heavy weight.David AthertonJan 03, 2020
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RIC 333 Domitian as Caesar [Titus]Æ Dupondius/As, 9.38g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIAN COS VII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: CERES AVGVST; S C in field; Ceres stg. l., with corn ears and torch
RIC 333 (R). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Aegean Numismatics, December 2019.
The dupondii struck for Domitian Caesar under Vespasian and Titus have portraits that lack the radiate crown normally associated with that denomination. At times it can be a bit confusing determining if a coin is a dupondius or an As. The new RIC authors firmly assume all the bronze Ceres types struck for Domitian Caesar under Vespasian and Titus are dupondii and are catalogued as such. This bronze Ceres struck under Titus defies that neat categorisation. The low weight and coppery metal suggests this is actually an As not a dupondius! Confusingly, it is struck on a dupondius sized flan. Regardless, one would assume the average Roman on the street would have treated this coin as an As.
Fine style struck on a large flan.
David AthertonDec 29, 2019
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RIC 0266 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 13.83g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, radiate, r.
Rev: CONCORDIA AVGVSTI; S C in exergue; Concordia std. l., with patera and cornucopiae
RIC 266 (C). BMC 589. BNC 565.
Acquired from Romae Aeternae Numismatics, December 2019.
A very common Concordia dupondius struck for Vespasian during the great bronze issue of 71. This type comes in two variants: one with an altar and one without. Both have the same frequency rating of 'common'. Mattingly in BMCRE speculated the type 'stands for harmony in the imperial house'.
Decent standard style and well centred. David AthertonDec 26, 2019
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RIC 0295 VespasianÆ As, 9.19g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: CONCORDIA AVGVST; S C in exergue; Concordia std. l., with patera over altar and cornucopiae
RIC 295 (R2). BMC p. 130 *. BNC -.
Acquired from Musa, December 2019.
The seated Concordia type is more frequently encountered on the dupondii and rarely on the As issues. This As featuring Concordia and an altar is quite rare, with RIC citing only one specimen in Munich. Mattingly mistakenly conjectured the type was possibly struck at Tarraco (BMC p. 130). The style, however, is unabashedly Rome mint. Mattingly also speculated the type 'stands for harmony in the imperial house'.
David AthertonDec 20, 2019
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RIC 0279 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 13.37g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, radiate, r.
Rev: ROMA in exergue; S C in field; Roma std. l. on cuirass, with wreath and parazonium; behind, shields
RIC 279 (C2). BMC 591. BNC 569.
Acquired from Aristos Coins, eBay, December 2019.
One of the most common dupondius types struck during Vespasian's great bronze issue of 71 was this seated Roma. Mattingly in BMCRE II says this about the type - 'The wreath which Roma holds on the dupondius is the sign of Victory, or, perhaps rather the rejoicing for it.' The traditional Greek Amazon guise of Roma is copied from the coinage of Nero.
Fetching olive green patina and nicely centred with full legends.David AthertonDec 19, 2019
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RIC 1044 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Dupondius, 14.29g
Rome mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: CAESAR AVG F DOMITIAN COS V; Bust of Domitian, laureate, draped, r.
Rev: CERES AVGVST; S C in field; Ceres stg. l., with corn ears and poppy and sceptre
RIC 1044 (R). BMC p. 176 note. BNC 790.
Acquired from ANE, November 2019.
Dupondii struck for Domitian as Caesar under Vespasian lack a radiate crown and are unusually laureate and quite rare. This Ceres type struck in 77 or 78 was part of series of coins likely advertising some sort of agricultural programme. Same dies as the Paris specimen (BNC 790).
Solid style with dark patina.David AthertonDec 13, 2019
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RIC 237 TitusÆ As, 11.25g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: S C in field; Spes stg. l., with flower
RIC 237 (C). BMC 216. BNC 220.
Acquired from ANE, November 2019.
Spes was a fairly common reverse type under Vespasian, connected to future dynastic hope and harmony. It continued to be struck by Titus and can be viewed as his hope for the future with his chosen heir Domitian. As Mattingly put it: '...the recurring types of Spes suggests that Titus gave Domitian full due as heir to the throne.' Suetonius would have us believe this public fraternal affection was a sham and Domitian did everything he could to plot against Titus. The Flavian historian Brian Jones speculates the brother's relationship was one of 'mutual indifference and ignorance' due to their age and personality differences. Regardless, as the numismatic evidence shows, Titus looked upon Domitian as his legitimate heir until his untimely natural death in mid September 81.
Struck with a somewhat worn reverse die, otherwise in good style.David AthertonDec 11, 2019
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RIC 230 TitusÆ As, 12.12g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: PAX AVGVST; S C in field; Pax stg. l., with branch and caduceus
RIC 230 (C). BMC 212. BNC 219.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, November 2019.
A common carry-over Pax type from Vespasian's reign. She is seen here with an olive branch and Felicitas' caduceus. The perennial propaganda value of advertising and taking credit for peace on the coinage cannot be underestimated.
A fine style left facing portrait.David AthertonDec 05, 2019
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RIC 1176 VespasianÆ As, 9.99g
Lyon mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.; globe at point of bust
Rev: VICTORIA AVGVSTI; S C in field; Victory adv. l., with wreath and palm
RIC 1176 (R). BMC p. 201 note. BNC -.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, November 2019.
This Lugdunese As was struck in 71 when both Lugdunum (modern Lyon) and Rome produced a massive issue of bronze coinage. Victory was a common theme on Vespasian's early issues and should be viewed in a generic context with no specific link to the Jewish War. This type with Victory sans prow is scarcer than those that include it. Oddly, although the BMC cites Cohen for this variant obverse legend with 'VESPASIAN', who in turn cites a specimen in the Paris collection, no such specimen is listed in the BNC.
Struck on a large 29mm flan with choice coppery toning.David AthertonDec 05, 2019
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RIC 0727 Vespasian VariantÆ As, 9.73g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESP AVG COS V CENS; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: PAX AVGVST; S C in field; Pax stg. l., leaning on column, with caduceus and branch
RIC 727 var. (obv. head r.). BMC -. BNC 719 var. (same).
Acquired from eBay, November 2019. Ex Incitatus Coins.
An unpublished As struck for Vespasian in 74. The obverse legend IMP CAES VESP AVG P M T P COS V CENS is a rare variant of the much more common obv legend which reads CAESAR for this issue. It is unrecorded with a left facing portrait paired with the PAX AVGVST reverse. Unlisted in the RIC II.1 Addenda.
David AthertonNov 30, 2019
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RIC 167 DomitianAR Denarius, 3.05g
Rome mint, 83 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR POT II COS VIIII DES X P P; Minerva stg. l., with thunderbolt and spear; shield at her side (M3)
RIC 167 (R). BMC 43. RSC 604. BNC 40.
Ex AMCC Auction 2, 9 November 2019, lot 147.
In 82 Domitian reformed the coinage by raising the weight of the gold, refining the silver, and improving the over all quality. 83 was also a landmark year for his coinage - it was the first year that the all four standard Minerva types were struck together, serving as a blueprint for the remainder of the reign for the precious metal issues. This 'type 3' Minerva denarius is from that rare first Minerva issue.
A bit rough, but in fine style on a large flan.David AthertonNov 24, 2019
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RIC 204 TitusÆ Dupondius, 11.48g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII; Head of Titus, radiate, bearded, l.
Rev: SALVS AVG; S C in exergue; Salus std. l., with patera
RIC 204 (C). BMC 197. BNC 198.
Acquired from Incitatus Coins, November 2019. Ex Wendt Auction XIII, 9 November 1976, lot 973.
Titus' bronze issue dated COS VIII is quite large due to the fact he did not renew the consulship in 81 and the coins most likely spanned both years. With that in mind, the meaning behind this Salus type is quite intriguing. Titus died on 13 September 81 and there is some circumstantial evidence hinting that the illness was prolonged, perhaps evident as early as June of that year. Dio and Suetonius report that he wept openly in front of the crowds at the games, perhaps due to deteriorating health. Did the mint master have time enough before Titus' death to strike a coin reverse featuring the goddess of health and well-being in the hopes of divine aid? Conversely, H. Mattingly speculates the Salus reverse commemorates an altar to the goddess dedicated by Titus. Perhaps that may be so. It is not a rare coin, indicating it was struck for a longer rather than shorter period of time.
Dark chocolate patina and good style.David AthertonNov 22, 2019
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RIC 259 Divus Vespasian [Titus]Æ Sestertius, 25.01g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: DIVO AVG VESPAS above; S P Q R in exergue; Deified Vespasian std. r. holding sceptre and Victory in car drawn by four elephants with riders
Rev: IMP T CAES DIVI VESP F AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; S C, large, in centre
RIC 259 (R2). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Wallin Mynt, November 2019.
The coinage struck by Titus commemorating Divus Vespasian is closely modelled on those struck for Divus Augustus by Tiberius. The obverse of this coin shows a cult image of the defied Vespasian seated on a car drawn by four elephants, mounted by their riders (mahouts?). Presumably, this spectacular display was part of Vespasian's funerary pompa (would such a car drawn by elephants be realistically feasible?). The carnavalesque atmosphere of a Roman imperial funeral procession is readily apparent by this coin's obverse design. The reverse legend date with Titus as COS VIII places the coin between 80-81, at least a full six months after Vespasian's death on 24 June 79 (assuming the coins were produced contemporaneously with Vespasian's deification). Epigraphic evidence shows Vespasian had been deified sometime before 29 May 80. Why they were struck so late remains a mystery. Perhaps the delay for deification was an attempt on Titus' part to avoid his father becoming a court joke as Claudius had become, or so B. Levick has asserted. She believes the famous 'Woe's me ...' quip attributed to Vespasian is likely a later cruel jest parodying Claudius' last utterance 'Woe's me, I think I've messed myself'. Regardless, the political expediency of having a deified father likely overruled any such qualms. All of the sestertii of the Divus Vespasian series are rare - this particular specimen showcases a rare variant obverse legend (VESPAS instead of the slightly commoner VESP) and the reverse legend starting from the lower left.
Fine details with a slightly grainy surface.David AthertonNov 21, 2019
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RIC 1273 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ As, 10.61g
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: S C in field; Spes stg. l., with flower
RIC 1273 (C3). BMC 868. BNC 877.
Acquired from eBay, November 2019.
The Lyon mint struck a fairly substantial issue of bronze coinage for the Western provinces late in Vespasian's reign, presumably to rectify a shortage in the region. One of the most popular types struck during the issue was Spes, the goddess of hope. Here she represents Vespasian's hope for a happy dynastic future. The depiction of Spes raising her skirt and holding a flower likely copies a familiar cult statue of the goddess.
Fine style with hints of rainbow toning.David AthertonNov 14, 2019
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RIC 0999 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 12.31g
Rome mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN COS VIII; Head of Vespasian, radiate, l.
Rev: CERES AVGVST; S C in field; Ceres stg. l., with corn ears and poppy and sceptre
RIC 999 (C). BMC 735. BNC 772.
Acquired from Dr. Boris Kaczynski, October 2019.
During the last several years of Vespasian's reign both the precious metal and bronze coinage featured reverse types with agrarian themes. It is not known why there was a special emphasis on such types, perhaps it was an effort to advertise a new agricultural programme. This dupondius features the popular standing Ceres reverse, which was shared with Titus and Domitian and also struck on the gold and the silver. It is one of the most common types from this issue.
Beautiful patina and fine wear.David AthertonNov 08, 2019
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RPC 2313 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ24, 11.84g
Caesarea Maritima mint, 71-73 AD
Obv: AYTOKP TITOΣ KAIΣAP; Head of Titus, laureate, r.
Rev: IOYΔAIAΣ EAΛWKYAΣ; trophy; at foot, l., a crouching captive with arms tied behind; on r., a pelta-shaped shield
RPC 2313 (21 spec.). Hendin 1449.
Acquired from Marc Breitsprecher, October 2019.
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. D. Barag speculates this captive and trophy type may have come a bit later, perhaps sometime in 72 or 73. 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.
Large portrait in typical 'Judaean' style.David AthertonNov 07, 2019
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RIC 021 DomitianAR Denarius, 2.87g
Rome mint, 81 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG PONT; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: COS VII DES VIII P P; Curule chair, wreath above
RIC 21 (R2). BMC p. 299 note. RSC 58. BNC -.
Ex Andrew Short Collection.
This denarius was issued very early in Domitian's reign, perhaps just prior to him being elected Pontif Maximus, hence the abbreviation PONT in the obverse legend.
Worn, but with a fine style portrait.David AthertonNov 02, 2019
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RIC 189 TitusÆ Dupondius, 11.80g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII; Head of Titus, radiate, bearded, r.
Rev: CERES AVGVST; S C in field; Ceres stg. l., with corn ears and torch
RIC 189 (C). BMC 191A. BNC 191.
Acquired from Excalibur Coins, eBay, October 2019. Formerly in ANACS holder 4892849, grade 'F 15', wrongly attributed to Vespasian.
The standing Ceres type was a carry-over reverse from the reign of Vespasian. During Titus' reign it was sparingly struck in silver, but more commonly so in bronze. This dupondius is from Titus' great issue of bronze of 80-81. Because Titus did not take up the consulship in 81, the issue cannot be dated more precisely.David AthertonNov 01, 2019
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RIC 0615 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Dupondius, 9.66g
Rome mint, 73 AD
Obv: T CAESAR IMP COS II CENS; Head of Titus, radiate, bearded, r.
Rev: FELICITAS PVBLICA; S C in field; Felicitas stg. l., with caduceus and cornucopiae
RIC 615 (R). BMC -. BNC 674.
Acquired from eBay, October 2019. Formerly in NGC holder 5767629-014, with grade 'VF'.
A rare variant of the common Felicitas reverse with a unique obverse legend struck for this one type in this one issue. A die pair match with the BNC plate coin. Missing from the BM's extensive collection.
Felicitas symbolising prosperity and abundance was one of the more common types struck during Vespasian's reign, often shared with Titus Caesar.
Strong early style portrait.David AthertonOct 30, 2019
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RIC 788 Domitian VariantAR Denarius, 3.10g
Rome mint, 95-96 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P XV; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IMP XXII COS XVII CENS P P P; Minerva stg. r. on capital of rostral column, with spear and shield (M2, missing owl)
RIC 788 var. (owl on prow). BMC 231 var. (same). RSC 293 var. (same). BNC 207 var. (same).
Ex Private Collection.
An unusual example of the standard Minerva on capital of rostral column lacking the owl, which should be at her feet to the right. Not long after this coin was struck Domitian fell victim to a palace plot. I wonder if Domiitan had seen this coin would he have taken it as an ill omen?
Good late style.David AthertonOct 24, 2019
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RIC 0700 VespasianAR Denarius, 2.68g
Rome Mint, 74 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: OB CIVES SERVATOS around oak wreath
RIC 700 (R2). BMC p. 7 †. RSC 275. BNC -.
Ex Private Collection.
A very rare variant of the oak wreath type struck for Vespasian in 74. The much more common variants of this type have SPQR within the oak wreath. Alternately, here we have the legend OB CIVES SERVATOS around the wreath: OB CIVES above; SERVATOS below. This variant is so rare Mattingly citing Cohen in BMCRE stated in a footnote that this type needed verification. Curiously, in the RIC concordance with the first edition, this type is listed as old RIC 17 'Unverified: plated hybrid?' (again citing Cohen) without a new corresponding RIC number even though it is in the catalogue as RIC 700 with no such disclaimers. My example possibly has evidence of being plated; however, the flaking and cracking on the surface could just be due to preservation issues, the style is consistent with official denarii, and it is a double die match with the similarly worn RIC plate coin which shows no signs of plating. Additionally, Curtis Clay has an example from different dies that is solid silver.
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. The Wreath was awarded to Vespasian by the Senate for rescuing the Roman people from civil war and bringing about peace.
NB: The coin was originally posted here in 2015: https://www.forumancientcoins.com/board/index.php?topic=103696.0David AthertonOct 23, 2019
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RIC 295 DomitianÆ Dupondius, 13.50g
Rome mint, 85 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG GERM COS XI; Head of Domitian, radiate, bearded, r., with aegis
Rev: S C in field; Trophy; to l., German captive std. l.; to r., Germania std. r.
RIC 295 (C). BMC 310. BNC 332.
Acquired from Forvm Ancient Coins, October 2019. Ex Edgar L. Owen.
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. 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 until 85? The motif of the reverse design closely follows the 'Judaea Capta' types of Vespasian (who in turn copied it from well known republican types). The trunk of the trophy even resembles a palm. The 'Germania Capta' types would be struck for only a few short years between 85-88.
Beautiful dark olive green patina.David AthertonOct 19, 2019
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RIC 0287 VespasianÆ As, 9.19g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: AEQVITAS AVGVSTI; S C low in field; Aequitas stg. l., with scales and rod
RIC 287 (C). BMC 600. BNC 576.
Acquired from eBay, October 2019.
After the financial mess Nero had left the empire in and the heavy costs of the recent Civil War and Judaean revolt, restoring the state's finances were a top priority for Vespasian upon his accession. This Aequitas type struck during his great bronze issue of 71 proclaims the honest administration of public finances and that lapsed standards would be restored. Aequitas holding her scales and measuring rod was probably based on a cult image of the deity. She first shows up as an imperial virtue on the coinage under Galba, a virtue that Vespasian was eager to emulate. The type comes in two variants - one with S C in exergue and, as seen here, S C low in field.
Nice dark tan patina and well centred.David AthertonOct 17, 2019
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RIC 0159 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 26.69g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: IVDAEA CAPTA; S C in exergue; Palm tree; to l. Captive stg. r.; to r., Judaea std. r. on cuirass; both figures surrounded by arms
RIC 159 (C3). BMC 532. BNC 490, pl. XLIV (same dies). Hendin 1500.
Acquired from Witter Coins, eBay, October 2019. Ex Triton V, 16 January 2002, lot 1913 (From the Robert Schonwalter Collection). Ex Worner List 1, January 1951, no. 394. Formerly in NGC holder #4683650-005, with grade 'F', strike 5/5, surface 3/5.
Ambition sighed: she found it vain to trust
The faithless column and the crumbling bust;
Huge moles, whose shadow stretched from shore to shore,
Their ruins perished, and their place no more!
Convinced, she now contracts her vast design,
And all her triumphs shrink into a coin.
A narrow orb each crowded conquest keeps,
Beneath her palm here sad Judea weeps. -
Alexander Pope, To Mr. Addison, Occasioned by his Dialogues on Medals II. 19-26
For Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen ... Thy men shall fall by the sword and thy mighty in the war. And her gates shall lament and mourn, and she being desolate shall sit upon the ground - Isaiah III.25-26.
In 70 AD Jerusalem was besieged and sacked and the Temple razed by the Roman forces commanded by Titus Caesar. The following year a massive joint Triumph was held in Rome for Vespasian and Titus to celebrate their successful conclusion of the Jewish Rebellion. Coins were also issued to commemorate their victory. These so called 'Judaea Capta' coins first appeared in late 70 just after the fall of Jerusalem in August, both in the precious metals and at first sparingly in bronze. It wasn't until 71, the year of the triumph, that the bronze coinage came into its own with a whole host of 'Judaea Capta' types. Probably the most famous of these depicts the ubiquitous date palm with a standing bound captive to the left and a seated Judaea to the right, both surrounded by arms. The second bronze issue of 71 saw these produced in massive quantities (Colin Kraay knew of 23 reverse dies paired with this obverse). Although the overall allegorical meaning of the reverse is readily apparent, what each individual device specifically symbolises is open to debate. We are on firm ground to assume the date palm represents the land of Judaea as H. Mattingly proposed in BMCRE II (although J. M. Cody speculated the palm possibly represents the Roman victory). The motif of the standing captive is copied from earlier Republican coin issues, reminiscent of the Gaulish and Spanish captives on those Republican types. His dress indicates he is a barbarian from outside the boundaries of Roman civilisation. In the spirit of the 'Vercingetorix' denarius, H. St. J. Hart proposed the captive is actually either Simon Bar Giora or John of Gischala(!), the two defeated Jewish commanders. The seated female figure is the personification of Judaea, the daughter of Zion. This figure is frequently seen on the various designs of the series, often paired with the palm tree. Her attitude of mourning and dejection leaves little doubt she is lamenting the defeat of her people.
Modern viewers see this as a forlorn scene of defeat, however, to the Roman coin designers the images are meant to convey victory over a worthy foe. The Jewish War was an important event for the fledgling Flavian dynasty - in essence it gave them the legitimacy to rule. The ensuing propaganda onslaught after the 'Gotterdammerung' fall of Jerusalem is awe inspiring. The slight of hand the Flavian regime pulled off which transformed defeated rebel provincials into a foreign menace is truly amazing. The coins were a major part of the regime's propaganda commemorating Vespasian's defeat of the Jews and saving the empire. Their efforts paid off, for even today this 'Judaea Capta' type is one of the most iconic and recognised reverses in the whole of Roman coinage.
Fantastic surfaces in good metal. A beauty in hand.David AthertonOct 11, 2019
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RIC 0221 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 19.38g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: VICTORIA AVGVSTI; S C in exergue; Victory stg. r., l. foot on helmet, inscribing OB / CIV / SERV on shield on palm tree; to r., Judaea std. r.
RIC 221 (C3). BMC 582. BNC 561. Hendin 1508.
Ex CNG eAuction 453, 2 October 2019, lot 522.
The commonness of most Judaea Capta types underscores how important the Jewish War and subsequent defeat of the Jews was to the fledgling Flavian dynasty. This iconic sestertius from the second bronze issue of 71 was struck in fairly plentiful numbers and copies a similar Victory type coined under Vitellius. It very likely was the first 'Judaea Capta' type struck for Vespasian. Colin Kraay records 21 different reverse dies used for this one type alone. 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. The personification of Judaea herself sits in dejected mode to the right of the palm. The inscription on the shield, OB CIV SERV - 'for saving the citizens', credits the emperor for keeping the empire safe. The clear allegorical message of the reverse giving the credit to Vespasian for defeating the Jews and saving the empire would have been quite apparent to most people handling this coin. The amount of propaganda squeezed from the rebellion of such a small region is indeed remarkable. Josephus' declaration of the Jewish War as the 'greatest' of all time would have been quite welcomed by the Flavian regime.
Beautiful dark olive green patina good style.
NB: Special thanks to Curtis Clay for the Kraay citation.David AthertonOct 07, 2019
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RIC 137 TitusÆ Sestertius, 23.56g
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: ANNONA AVG; Annona stg. l., with statuette of Aequitas and cornucopiae; to l., modius with corn ears; to r., stern of ship
RIC 137 (C2). BMC 153. BNC 152.
Acquired from Dr. Busso Peus Nachf., September 2019.
Ensuring that the urban plebs were well fed was an important responsibility of the emperor. The reliability of the imperial grain supply from Africa was crucial. This sestertius struck in 80-81 by Titus advertises his commitment, through the auspices of Annona, to fairly provide enough bread for the dole. Annona holding a figure of Aequitas, while standing next to a modius full of corn, and with a docked grain ship in the background was explicitly powerful propaganda. The government provided a dole of free grain to around 200, 000 citizens in the city. Every pleb had little doubt who to thank for their daily bread and coins like this are one of the reasons why. This fairly common sestertius was struck during Titus’ great issue of bronze in 80-81. Oddly, the reverse lacks the Senatus Consulto decree seen on most of his imperial bronze. Perhaps Titus wanted full credit?
A fabulous portrait in fine style.David AthertonOct 03, 2019
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RIC 070 TitusÆ As, 8.70g
Rome mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PAX AVGVST; S C in field; Pax stg. l., leaning on column, with caduceus and branch
RIC 70 (R2). BMC p. 253 note. BNC -.
Acquired from Münzen & Medaillen, September 2019.
Titus' first issues of bronze as Augustus struck in 79, dated COS VII, are all very rare. They were produced sometime during the last six months of the year after his rise to the purple at the end of June, presumably in very modest numbers based on the meagre specimens that have survived antiquity. This As from that scanty issue features the familiar Pax and column type, likely based on a familiar cult image of the deity. Pax is holding a caduceus, an allusion to the peaceful prosperity credited to the emperor. Missing from both the London and Paris collections.
Worn, but with a beautiful olive green patina and bold legends.David AthertonSep 27, 2019
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RIC 0064 VespasianÆ As, 9.15g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG P M TR P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r., with aegis
Rev: T ET DOMITIAN CAESARES PRIN IVVENT; S C in field; Titus and Domitian riding r., with hands raised
RIC 64 (R2). BMC 750. BNC 469.
Acquired from Praefectus Coins, September 2019.
An extremely rare early dynastic As struck during Vespasian's first As issue at Rome. H. Mattingly in the BMCRE mistakenly attributes it to Tarraco, but does express doubt in a footnote. Only one reverse die is known and apparently it was used to produce both dupondii and Asses. This specimen is undoubtedly an As due to the copper composition and the low weight. It is a double die match with the lone specimen in the BM and both examples in the BN. This reverse with Titus and Domitian on horseback (oddly, Cohen has them holding spears) copies a similar type struck on the denarius and boldly announces Vespasian's intention to found a dynasty.
Interestingly, this early style portrait features an aegis, an added level of prestige.David AthertonSep 25, 2019
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RIC 383 DomitianÆ As, 9.49g
Rome mint, 85 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XI CENS POT P P; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., with aegis
Rev: MONETA AVGVST; S C in field; Moneta stg. l., with scales and cornucopiae
RIC 383 (C3). BMC -. BNC 374.
Acquired from Musa Numismatic, September 2019.
In 82 Domitian reformed the coinage by increasing the weight of the gold and fineness of the silver. Production of the bronze coinage was suspended while the mint was reorganised and resumed in 84 with new reverse types and a higher artistic standard. Appropriately, one of the first types struck on the bronze after the coinage reform was 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. Mirroring the silver, many of the bronze coins struck in the first year or so after the coinage reform have portraits with an aegis, an extra detail likely due to Domitian's attentive care. Under Domitian Moneta became a regular feature of the coinage and was struck year after year on the As issues. This example from 85 is one of the most common types struck for the As that year. Oddly enough, it is missing from the BM.
One gets the impression that Domitian was quite proud of his coinage reforms and Moneta was a symbolic reverse celebrating that achievement.
A nice example in hand, much better than the photo suggests.David AthertonSep 20, 2019
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RIC 0635 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ As, 10.08g
Rome mint, 73 AD
Obv: T CAES IMP PON TR P COS II CENS; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: S C in exergue; Titus stg. r., with branch and sceptre, in quadriga r.
RIC 635 (R). BMC -. BNC 688.
Acquired from Marc Breitsprecher, September 2019.
In 71 AD Vespasian and Titus held a double triumph celebrating their victory in the recently concluded Judaean War. The spectacular triumph was held a few days after Titus' arrival from the East in June and could be viewed as his effective homecoming party. Mary Beard has shrewdly observed that the triumph served as 'the Flavian coronation, the official launch party and press night of the Flavian dynasty.' It was the first time after Vespasian's rise to the purple that the whole family could be seen together by the Roman populace. Vespasian and Titus were identically dressed riding in matching quadrigas while Domitian trotted alongside on a splendid mount. By showcasing his eldest son on an equal footing in the procession, it left little doubt who would succeed after his death. Coins were struck in all metals to commemorate the event. Here is a rare As with a reverse depicting Titus Caesar in a triumphal quadriga, a clear commemoration of the joint triumph. Oddly, this type is more commonly seen in silver from Antioch. The piece serves as a superb memento of the 'Greatest Show on Earth' triumph put on by the Flavian regime in the late First century.
Not in the BM. RIC cites only a specimen in the Paris collection (BNC 688), a double die match with this coin as pointed out by C. Clay.
Worn, but the major devices are still quite visible.David AthertonSep 19, 2019
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RIC 248 TitusÆ As, 10.39g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: VICTORIA AVGVST; S C in field; Victory stg. r. on prow, with wreath and palm
RIC 248 (C). BMC 217. BNC 222.
Acquired from eBay, September 2019.
A fairly common As struck in Titus' large second issue of bronze in 80-81. Because Titus did not take up the consulship in 81, the issue cannot be dated more precisely. The Victory on prow is a carry-over type from the coinage of Vespasian, who in turn borrowed it from the coinage of Augustus. It is a fairly popular generic design symbolising the emperor's military successes. The prow lends it a nautical theme, perhaps alluding to a successful ongoing Flavian naval policy.
Very attractively toned with a pleasing portrait.
David AthertonSep 14, 2019
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RIC 0243 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 25.77g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPAS AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PAX AVGVSTI; S C in field; Pax stg. l., with branch and cornucopiae
RIC 243 (C3). BMC 555. BNC 516.
Acquired from Wallinmynt, September 2019.
The standing Pax is one of the most common types encountered on Vespasian's sestertii struck during the great bronze issue of 71, mirroring the prominent role Pax played on his early denarii. Colin Kraay counted a staggering 31 obverse dies paired with this sestertius reverse type alone. Here Pax is represented holding a cornucopiae (on the denarius she holds a caduceus) symbolising the emperor's gift of peace and prosperity to the empire.
A strong veristic portrait in good metal.David AthertonSep 12, 2019
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RIC 0669 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ As, 11.05g
Rome mint, 73-74 AD
Obv: CAESAR AVG F DOMITIAN COS II; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PAX AVGVST; S C in field; Pax stg. l., leaning on column, with caduceus and branch
RIC 669 (C). BMC -. BNC 699.
Acquired from Musa Numismatics, August 2019.
The propaganda value of Pax for the Flavian dynasty after the Civil War, the revolt of Civilis, and the Jewish War cannot be underestimated. In her various guises she is one of the most popular types on Vespasian's coinage and shows up quite frequently during the reign on the coins struck for both himself and his sons. This As struck for Domitian as Caesar shows Pax leaning on a column, which likely copies a well known cult image of the goddess.
Tellingly, less than a decade later, Pax would not feature so prominently on Domitian's own coinage as Emperor.
Fine style early portrait.David AthertonSep 07, 2019
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RIC 709 DomitianÆ As, 10.61g
Rome mint, 90-91 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XV 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 709 (C2). BMC 452. BNC 482.
Acquired from Prafectus Coins, August 2019.
The Virtus type was struck repeatedly on Domitian's middle bronze 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 depicted in traditional Amazon attire.
A superb example in fine style.David AthertonSep 05, 2019
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RPC 1672 DomitianAR Didrachm, 6.47g
Rome mint (for Cappadocia), 93-94 AD
Obv: AYT KAI ΔOMITIANOC CЄBACTOC ΓЄPM; Head of Domitian, laureate, r.
Rev: ЄTO ΙΓ; Mt Argaeus; on summit, radiate figure standing l., globe in r. hand, sceptre in l. hand
RPC 1672 (17 spec.).
Acquired from Praefectus Coins, August 2019.
During Domitian's reign, the mint at Rome struck silver drachms and didrachms for circulation in Cappadocia, all of which can be dated to 93-94 AD. They can be distinguished as Rome mint issues by style and their 6 o'clock die axis. This didrachm features the ethnic reverse type of Mt. Argaeus surmounted by a figure. The engravers at Rome presumably had never seen the mountain in person and likely based the design on a standardised model, possibly a cult image. The figure's identity atop the mountain is uncertain - perhaps it is either Helios or the personification of the mountain itself. The portrait style is similar to Domitian's contemporaneous denarii.
In good style and well centred.David AthertonAug 29, 2019
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RIC 397 DomitianÆ Sestertius, 26.19g
Rome mint, 85 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XI CENS PER P P; Head of Domitian, laureate, r., with aegis
Rev: GERMANIA CAPTA; S C in exergue; Trophy; to r., German captive stg. r., hands bound, head l.; to l., Germania std. l.; around arms
RIC 397 (R2). BMC 361. BNC -.
Acquired from Incitatus Coins, August 2019.
In 85 Domitian struck a fairly impressive issue of sestertii, M. Grant hyperbolically called it the most 'ambitious' of any one reign or year. The series is the first major aes issue of Domitian's reign and is dominated by panoramic types commemorating his military victory over the Germanic tribe the Chatti. The details of the war are unclear, but the overall impression is that the conflict was a minor affair blown out of proportion by an emperor eager for military glory. Consequently, Domitian's Germanic triumph of 83 received a certain amount of ridicule from ancient writers who thought the whole thing was a sham (Dio goes so far as to say Domitian raided the palace's furniture stores for his fake spoils!), no doubt the numismatic propaganda for the victory was likely viewed in the same manner by contemporary senatorial elites. Germania Capta types were first struck in silver in 84 and in bronze in 85. This iconic Germania Capta sestertius strongly echoes Vespasian's Judaea Capta types - but instead of a palm tree we see a trophy and a bound captive replaces the triumphal emperor. H. Mattingly writes in BMCRE 'the type is closely modelled on the Judaea Capta of Vespasian, but the German element is indicated by the heavy angular cloak worn by the man and by the oblong shields.' Comparing the two triumphs, the Josephian scholar Steve Mason remarked - 'The same people who produced Flavian Triumph I: Judaea were on hand for Flavian Triumph II: Germania, and sequels are rarely as good as the originals.'
The Germania Capta sestertii were produced for only a few short years between 85-88. The present example from the third issue of 85 is a rare variant with an obverse legend struck just after Domitian had become censor for life (CENS PER).David AthertonAug 25, 2019
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RIC 385 DomitianÆ As, 10.60g
Rome mint, 85 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XI CENS POT P P; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., with aegis
Rev: SALVTI above, AVGVSTI below; S C in field; Altar
RIC 385 (C2). BMC 358. BNC 379.
Acquired from Praefectus Coins, August 2019.
The SALVTI AVGVSTI altar type was first introduced on Domitian's aes coinage in 84 after a brief hiatus of the Senatorial mint's production in 82-83, presumably for re-organisational purposes. The structure on the reverse has been traditionally described as an altar, however, Marvin Tameanko has convincingly argued it is actually a sacellum, or small shrine. He states the steps at the base leading to two doors with handles are overwhelming evidence that the structure was much larger than an altar. As far as the shrine's significance - H. Mattingly in BMCRE II interprets the type as commemorating the Senate's dedication of an altar shrine celebrating Domitian's safe return from the Germanic Wars of 82-83. Alternately, the shrine may have been dedicated as an appeal to Salus for the emperor's continued good health. In any case, no trace of the shrine has survived antiquity.
This As with its aegis, large flan (30mm), and elegant idealised style are all hallmarks of the new direction introduced after the Senatorial mint's overhaul.David AthertonAug 19, 2019
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RIC 1426(5A)3 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.25g
Ephesus mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS III TR P P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PACI ORB TERR AVG; Turreted and draped female bust, r.; no mintmark
RIC 1426(5A)3 (R3). BMC -. RPC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Forvm Ancient Coins, May 2019.
This is an extremely rare denarius from Ephesus struck without a mintmark and the second known example of the Turreted female bust type lacking one. The Ephesian denarius issues struck under Vespasian all have mintmarks, save for the first and one tiny issue dated COS III. Aside from this turreted female type and the accompanying footnote, this issue is not represented in the new RIC II.1. Ted Buttrey wrote in the RIC II Addenda the following concerning the no mintmark issue:
'I’m not terribly happy about this. It’s a convenient way to draw together several pieces which lack the mintmark, placing them after the completion of the ΘΙ and ΘΥ Groups 3-5 and the inception of Group 6 with ΕΡΗ. But why should they have given up on a mintmark in mid-course, when all of Groups 2-9 are marked? The choices are – (i) mintmark on coins worn away; (ii) engraver forgot to add mintmark to the dies; (iii) issue deliberately produced without mintmark. Assuming (iii) for the moment, the new Group takes the place of fnn. 46-47, pp.162-3, and fits here nicely with V’s title for Groups 5-6, and T’s for Group 6, But I have no fixed opinion, and await the appearance of others of this variety.'
IMHO, either ii or iii are the most likely option. There are specimens from this non-mintmark issue (such as the present coin) that have no available space on the flan for a mintmark, thus, one was never intended either deliberately or accidentally. No mintmarks occur on various dies spanning different reverse types for both Vespasian and Titus Caesar, because of this I lean more towards this being intentional.
Struck in high relief with the reverse slightly off centred.
NB: This coin shares a reverse die with my Titus Caesar example of the type.
David AthertonAug 15, 2019
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RIC 367 DomitianÆ Dupondius, 11.64g
Rome mint, 85 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XI CENS POT P P; Head of Domitian, radiate, bearded, r., with aegis
Rev: ANNONA AVG; S C in exergue; Annona, std r., holding open on lap by two ends bag full of corn-ears; in front of her stands a small figure, l., also holding two ends of bag, and in the background, stern of ship
RIC 367 (C). BMC 347. BNC 364.
Ex eBay, August 2019.
A most curious reverse type was struck for Domitian on his dupondii for a short period between 84-88. Here we see Annona seated holding open a bag(?) of corn-ears and a mysterious small figure standing before her holding the other end of the bag with a ship's stern in the background. Overall, the reverse likely alludes to Domitian's care of the corn supply, hinted at by the stern, here a symbol of the all important African grain ships. The small individual before Annona has variously been described as a 'boy', a 'child', or ambiguously as just a 'figure'. H. Mattingly has the most imaginative explanation in BMCRE II - 'Annona herself, the spirit of the corn-supply, and the ship, the symbol of the overseas corn, are familiar: but who is the small figure who stands before her? He is certainly no child, but only a man reduced to tiny proportions beside the goddess; and the fact that he is bare to the waist may suggest that he is an Italian farmer. If this interpretation is right, the type records a definite policy of Domitian to encourage the growing of corn in Italy.' Mattingly may be correct about the overall meaning, but I think the figure is indeed a child, symbolic of the emperor's care, through Annona's auspices, for his subjects.
Flatly struck on one side, but in fine style.David AthertonAug 10, 2019
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RIC 833 Domitian (1)Æ Dupondius, 12.14g
Eastern Mint (Thrace?), 81 AD
Obv: IMP D CAES DIVI VESP F AVG P M TR P P P COS VII; Head of Domitian, radiate, bearded, r.
Rev: ROMA; S C in exergue; Roma std. l. on cuirass, with wreath and parazonium
RIC 833 (R). BMC 514. RPC 528. BNC 549.
Ex eBay, July 2019.
An unidentified Eastern mint struck aes coinage for Titus between 80-81 and then for Domitian in 81-82. The style (heavily seriffed letters, large portraits, and massive reverse figures), unique obverse legends, and uncommon fabric (flat, almost convex flans) all suggest a mint other than Rome. Attributing exactly where these coins were struck has historically been a moving target - Mattingly in BMCRE thought Lugdunum, H.A. Cahn believed somewhere in Bithynia. More recent scholarship has looked towards Thrace as a possible location for production based on the Balkan distribution pattern of found specimens. Although the region of mintage has been narrowed down, the city itself remains elusive. RPC has suggested possibly Perinthus. Presumably a shortage of bronze coins in the region prompted a localised imperial issue. The striking of imperial bronze outside of Rome was an exceptional step at the time considering the last imperial branch mint at Lugdunum had shuttered late in Vespasian's reign. The issues consisted of sestertii, dupondii, asses, and semisses which copied types struck at Rome.
Production at this Eastern mint continued uninterrupted between Titus' and Domitian's reigns, hinted at by Domitian's seamless adoption of Titus' types and legend formula after his accession - exemplified by the minor substitution of a 'D' for a 'T' in the obverse legend of this dupondius. Roma is the only reverse type struck on the dupondius for both issues. The coinage struck under Domitian at this mint is quite rare, owing to the short time frame in which it was produced. After its closure in early 82, the striking of imperial coinage would be consolidated at Rome for the remainder of Domitian's reign.
Handsome dark patina and honest wear.David AthertonAug 09, 2019
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RIC 0336 VespasianÆ As, 11.55g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: VICTORIA NAVALIS; S C in field; Victory stg. r. on prow, with wreath and palm
RIC 336 (C). BMC 616. BNC 595.
Acquired from J. Diller Münzenhandlung, July 2019.
A common VICTORIA NAVALAIS As struck during Vespasian's great bronze issue of 71. Traditionally, this type has been attributed to the naval victory Vespasian and Titus won on Lake Gennesaret (the Sea of Galilee) during the Jewish War. By any definition it is a most bizarre 'naval' battle indeed. Near the close of the Galilean campaign, Vespasian and Titus marched to Lake Gennesaret in order to secure the cities along its coastline. Tiberias fell without much resistance, but the neighbouring city of Taricheae was a tougher nut to crack. Home to many of the Jewish rebels who had fled Tiberias, they put up a small fight on the plain outside the city and were quickly defeated by Titus' troops who then stormed the city and began slaughtering the inhabitants. Many of the rebels took flight to waiting boats they had previously commandeered on the lake. These were likely local fishing or ferry vessels not intended for use in war. Vespasian ordered the legionaries to construct large rafts in order to pursue the rebel's makeshift flotilla. With the coastline guarded by Roman horsemen the legionaries launched their rafts and sailed out in a large line toward the enemy. The Jewish boats were no match for the heavily armoured Roman rafts. The legionaries easily picked off the Jewish rebels who had no means of escape. The slaughter was intense, so much so that Josephus claims 6,500 Jews were killed. Several years later during Vespasian and Titus' Jewish War Triumph in Rome, ships were displayed to commemorate the battle. Were the Victoria Navalis coins struck with the same event in mind? As unlikely as it seems, the impromptu 'naval' battle at Lake Gennesaret is the best candidate for Vespasian striking this Actium-lite reverse type. The connection to Augustus would not have been lost on his contemporaries. Flavian propaganda at its most exaggerated.
Well centred with dark olive green patina.David AthertonAug 07, 2019
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RIC 0644 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ As, 10.31g
Rome mint, 73 AD
Obv: T CAES IMP PON TR P COS II CENS; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: VICTORIA NAVALIS; S C in field; Victory stg. r. on prow, with wreath and palm
RIC 644 (R). BMC 677. BNC 691.
Acquired from Praefetus Coins, July 2019.
A fairly scarce variant of the Victoria Navalis type, struck in 73 when Titus held the joint censorship with Vespasian. The type would be repeatedly struck throughout Vespasian's reign for both father and son, perhaps indicating how important it was to their military gravitas. Traditionally, it has been attributed to the naval victory Vespasian and Titus won on Lake Gennesaret (the Sea of Galilee) during the Jewish War. By any definition it is a most bizarre 'naval' battle indeed. Near the close of the Galilean campaign, Vespasian and Titus marched to Lake Gennesaret in order to secure the cities along its coastline. Tiberias fell without much resistance, but the neighbouring city of Taricheae was a tougher nut to crack. Home to many of the Jewish rebels who had fled Tiberias, they put up a small fight on the plain outside the city and were quickly defeated by Titus' troops who then stormed the city and began slaughtering the inhabitants. Many of the rebels took flight to waiting boats they had previously commandeered on the lake. These were likely local fishing or ferry vessels not intended for use in war. Vespasian ordered the legionaries to construct large rafts in order to pursue the rebel's makeshift flotilla. With the coastline guarded by Roman horsemen the legionaries launched their rafts and sailed out in a large line toward the enemy. The Jewish boats were no match for the heavily armoured Roman rafts. The legionaries easily picked off the Jewish rebels who had no means of escape. The slaughter was intense, so much so that Josephus claims 6,500 Jews were killed. Several years later during Vespasian and Titus' Jewish War Triumph in Rome, ships were displayed to commemorate the battle. Were the Victoria Navalis coins struck with the same event in mind? As unlikely as it seems, the impromptu 'naval' battle at Lake Gennesaret is the best candidate for Vespasian striking this Actium-lite reverse type. The connection to Augustus would not have been lost on his contemporaries. Flavian propaganda at its most exaggerated.
Dark golden brown patina with a fine reverse.
David AthertonAug 05, 2019
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RIC 707 DomitianÆ As, 9.32g
Rome mint, 90-91 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XV 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 707 (C). BMC 448. BNC 480.
Acquired from eBay, July 2019.
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.'
Good middle period style and nicely centred.David AthertonJul 29, 2019
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RPC 2721 DomitianÆ Drachm, 19.56g
Alexandria mint, 95-96 AD
Obv: AVT KAI C ΘEOY YIOC ∆OMIT CEB ΓEPM; Head of Domitian, laureate, r.
Rev: No legend; Emperor in quadriga of elephants r., holding branch of laurel and sceptre; upon elephant's heads Nike r., holding wreath and palm; date LIE in exergue
RPC 2721 (11 spec.). Emmett 252.15. Dattari 462.
Ex Forvm Ancient Coins, July 2019. Ex Tom Mullally, VAuctions Sale 291, 22 November 2012, lot 74.
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 was the flamboyant scene of Domitian in a quadriga drawn by four elephants struck for the drachm. This type is unique to Alexandria and does not show up elsewhere in the Flavian numismatic canon. However, the Arch of Titus once supported a bronze sculpture depicting such a scene and the Arch of Domitian described by Martial had two elephant quadrigae. Pompey the Great was the first Roman to employ an elephant quadriga in his triumph of 61 BC. The elephants were too big to fit through one of the gates leading up to the Capitol and they had to be switched out with a team of horses. The ancient authors thought it 'a piquant warning of the dangers of divine self-aggrandizement.' (M. Beard). Yet, by the Flavian era the elephant quadriga was seen as a powerful symbol of triumphal glory - although, there is no evidence that Domitian ever rode in an elephant quadriga in any of his triumphs. After Hadrian's reign, the elephant quadriga on the coinage was soley the realm of the imperial Divi and not the living emperor.
A beautiful coin in hand with a magnificent reverse!David AthertonJul 24, 2019
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RIC 0282 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 14.36g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, radiate, r.
Rev: TVTELA AVGVSTI; S C in exergue; Tutela std. l., with a child either side
RIC 282 (R2). BMC 596. BNC 572.
Acquired from Praefectus Coins, July 2019. Ex The Morris Collection. Formerly in NGC holder 4632640-020, grade 'Ch VF', strike 5/5, surface 3/5.
Tutela, the goddess of guardianship, is a rare personification on Roman coinage. She first appears on the dupondii of Vitellius and later under Vespasian during his great bronze issue of 71, both on the dupondius and a unique sestertius. The type under Vespasian is extremely scarce with only two reverse dies known for the dupondius. The unique sestertius was acquired by Curtis Clay, for which he wrote the following concerning the TVTELA reverse type:
'Cohen suggested a dynastic interpretation of this TVTELA AVGVSTI rev. type: Vitellius seated with his two children, one boy and one girl, under Vitellius; Domitilla, Vespasian's deceased wife, seated with her sons Titus and Domitian under Vespasian.
Mattingly, in BMC, p. xliv, modified Cohen's interpretation: "Cohen can hardly be right in identifying the woman with Domitilla, but the children seem to stand for Titus and Domitian, and Tutela is the guardian care of the Emperor that watches over his sons."
However, I prefer Mattingly's alternate interpretation, which he explains in a footnote:
"Or the children might represent citizens and Tutela would then be the Emperor's ward over his subjects. Cf. Suetonius, Divus Vespasianus, 5, an omen that portended 'desertam rem p. civili aliqua perturbatione in tutelam eius ac velut in gremium deventuram' ['that the Roman state, abandoned because of some civil agitation, would fall under his protection (tutela) and as it were into his lap']....Martial (v.1.7ff.) addresses Domitian as 'o rerum felix tutela salusque / sospite quo gratum credimus esse Iovem' [O happy protector (tutela) and savior of our affairs, whose continuing good health makes us believe that Jupiter is on our side']."
These quotes, and others that Mattingly indicates in the same note, show that 'tutela' was commonly used in Vespasian's day to mean the emperor's solicitous care for his subjects. Plus, the few later appearances of a Tutela type on Roman coins, under Tetricus I and Carausius, do not include children and seem to refer to governing not childrearing.'
As can clearly be seen on this well preserved dupondius the two children standing either side of Tutela are togate, indicating that they are both boys and perhaps can be viewed as further evidence that Mattingly's alternate theory is correct and the two children do indeed represent the empire's citizens. Unfortunately, the Tutela type was struck rather fleetingly in 71 and did not become part of Vespasian's regular canon of reverse types.
One of the finest known examples of the type. A double die match with the ANS specimen 1906.236.246.
NB: BMC 527 records the type with an obverse reading COS II, however, the obverse has been tooled from an original COS III die. Its reverse die is also known to be paired with other COS III obverses.
David AthertonJul 22, 2019
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RIC 1137 Vespasian (1)Æ Sestertius, 25.51g
Lyon mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.; globe at point of bust
Rev: S P Q R / •P•P• / OB CIVES / SERVATOS within oak wreath
RIC 1137 (R). BMC p. 198 note ‡. BNC 800.
Ex Leu Web Auction 8, 29-30 June 2019, lot 1008.
During the great bronze issue of 71 a sestertius reverse type was struck at both Rome and Lyon (Lugdunum) which 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 by the Senate for rescuing the Roman people from civil war and bringing about peace. The legend within the wreath S P Q R / P P / OB CIVES / SERVATOS translates as: 'The Senate and the Roman People / Father of the Nation / For Having Saved the Citizens'. This rare Lugdunese specimen commemorating the award was struck during the first bronze issue at that mint.
Cleaned surfaces with brass toning.David AthertonJul 16, 2019
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RIC 498 TitusÆ Sestertius, 24.38g
Eastern Mint (Thrace?), 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES DIVI VESP F AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PAX AVGVST; S C in field; Pax stg. l., with branch and cornucopiae
RIC 498 (C). BMC 309. RPC 501. BNC 323.
Acquired from Munthandel G. Henzen, June 2019.
A mystery mint struck coins for Titus sometime between 80-81. The style (heavily seriffed letters, large portraits, and massive reverse figures), unique obverse legends (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 sestertius with its massive portrait and large reverse figure is quite typical for this elusive mint. The reverse copies a common Pax type struck contemporaneously at Rome.
Good style with dark brown patina.David AthertonJul 13, 2019
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RIC 220 TitusÆ As, 9.10g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: AETERNIT AVGVST; S C in field; Aeternitas stg. r., l. foot on globe, with sceptre and cornucopiae
RIC 220 (R). BMC p. 266 note. BNC 212.
Acquired from eBay, June 2019.
Aeternitas, the personification of eternity, as a coin type was first introduced during the reign of Vespasian and would be periodically struck until the 4th century. This As featuring Aeternitas was struck during Titus' second and largest bronze issue in 80-81. Mattingly in BMCRE II speculates the type here refers to the consecration of Vespasian - 'Aeternitas holds sceptre and cornucopiae, the attributes of majesty and prosperity, while the globe under her foot shows that the application is world-wide. Stress is laid more on the great future than on the great past of the Flavian line.' A most fitting interpretation for a coin that declares 'The eternity of the Augustus'.
Honest wear with greenish-brown patina.David AthertonJul 08, 2019
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RIC 110 DomitianÆ As, 10.56g
Rome mint, 82 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIAN AVG P M; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P COS VIII DES VIIII P P; S C in field; Minerva adv. r., with spear and shield
RIC 110 (C3). BMC 281. BNC 290.
Acquired from Holding History, eBay, June 2019.
Early in Domitian's reign Minerva figured prominently on the aes coinage. This as from early 82 featuring his patron deity with spear and shield would later be adopted by the denarius issues after the overhaul of the mint later in the year. It would become one of the standard four Minerva types for that denomination.
Fetching olive green patina.David AthertonJul 07, 2019
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RIC 1235 VespasianÆ As, 9.42g
Lyon mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS VIII P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.; globe at point of bust
Rev: PROVIDENT in exergue; S C in field; Garlanded Altar
RIC 1235 (C). BMC 846 var. (plain altar). BNC 848 var. (same).
Acquired from Kölner, June 2019.
Late in Vespasian's reign the mint at Lyon (ancient Lugdunum) struck a fairly large issue of bronze at a time when the mint at Rome was winding down its own bronze production. Presumably this late issue was produced to address a shortage of bronze coinage in the Western provinces. Many of the types were recycled from earlier issues from both Rome and Lyon. The common PROVIDENT altar type was sometimes struck at Lyon with a decorative garland, as seen on this example. Although this variant is not rare, surprisingly it is missing from the BM collection. Although the type is commonly described as an altar, Marvin Tameanko has convincingly argued it is actually a sacellum, or small shrine. Originally, Tiberius struck the Provident altar type for Divus Augustus. It was later revived during the recent Civil War and was struck by both Galba and Vitellius.
Provenanced to an old 'South German collection from the 1920s to the 1950s'. Nice old cabinet tone. David AthertonJul 01, 2019
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RIC 016A TitusAR Denarius, 2.83g
Rome mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: ANNONA AVG; Annona std. l., with sack of corn ears
RIC 16A (R3). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex Roma Numismatics E-Sale 58, 20 June 2019, lot 1078.
A unique First issue Annona paired with a Second issue obverse legend. The Annona reverse was a carry-over type struck for Titus as Caesar under Vespasian just before his death and was likely issued in the first few days of Titus' reign as a stop-gap until new reverse designs could be created. It is by far the rarest type from the First issue. The obverse legend changed in the second issue from the First issue's IMP T CAESAR to IMP TITVS CAES, this would be the standard obverse legend on the denarii for the remainder of the reign. The appearance of the Annona type with the new obverse legend is possibly a mule using an old First issue reverse die with a new Second issue obverse. There is a slight possibility that it was an intentional strike, but the fact that no other Second issue Annona specimens have surfaced is a strong indication it is accidental.
I informed Ian Carradice of the piece and he has assigned it RIC 16A in the upcoming RIC II.1 Addenda with the note: 'Perhaps a mule, with rev die from the previous issue'.
Good Roman style. David AthertonJun 29, 2019
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RIC 281 DomitianÆ Sestertius, 26.14g
Rome mint, 85 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG GERM COS XI; Bust of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., with aegis
Rev: S C in exergue; Domitian stg. r., clasping hands over altar with officer stg. l.; behind officer, one soldier with standard and one soldier at r. with spear and shield
RIC 281 (R). BMC 301. BNC 321.
Acquired from Olding, MA Shops, June 2019 = Olding, List 96, March 2019, Sammlung Fritz Reusing, no. 182. From the collection of Fritz Reusing (1874-1956), acquired from the Heynen Collection; inherited and continued by Reusing's nephew Paul Schürer (1890-1976).
In 85 Domitian struck a fairly impressive issue of sestertii, M. Grant hyperbolically called it the most 'ambitious' of any one reign or year. The series is the first major aes issue of Domitian's reign and is dominated by panoramic types commemorating his greatest military victory over the Germanic tribe the Chatti. The Germanic triumph received a certain amount of ridicule from ancient writers who thought the whole thing was a sham (Dio goes so far as to say Domitian raided the palace's furniture stores for his fake spoils!), no doubt the numismatic propaganda for the victory was likely viewed in the same manner by contemporary senatorial elites. This rare sestertius depicts a rather ambiguous scene showing Domitian, the much larger figure on the left, clasping hands with a legate over an altar while two legionaries stand by. What exactly is going on here is a mystery. Mattingly in BMCRE II believed it to be 'the taking of the sacramentum, the military oath'. Others have postulated the scene shows Domitian greeting Agricola upon his return from Britannia. The Agricola connection is highly unlikely. The type is struck for several more years, so it cannot be referring to one single 'event'. It's an intriguing scene in the context of the Germania Capta series, perhaps depicting a post victory ceremony. Whatever the meaning, the reverse strongly underscores Domitian's bond with the military.
This wonderful old cabinet toned piece is from the collection of the German portrait painter Fritz Reusing.
David AthertonJun 27, 2019
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RIC 294 Domitian as Caesar [Titus]Æ Sestertius, 24.01g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: CAES DIVI AVG VESP F DOMITIANVS COS VII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: S C in field; Minerva adv. r., with spear and shield
RIC 294 (C). BMC 231. BNC 238.
Acquired from Olding, MA Shops, May 2019 = Olding, List 96, March 2019, Sammlung Fritz Reusing, no. 177. From the collection of Fritz Reusing (1874-1956), inherited and continued by Reusing's nephew Paul Schürer (1890-1976).
An exquisite sestertius struck for Domitian as Caesar under Titus featuring his patron deity Minerva. DIVI AVG VESP F tells us the coin was struck after Vespasian's deification. The date of Vespasian's consecratio is dated by the epigraphic evidence sometime between 8 September 79 and 29 May 80. Nathan T. Elkins has proposed that the opening games of the Colosseum were in honour of Vespasian's deification. If so, this sestertius could not have been struck much earlier than June 80. The Minerva reverse was one of the more common types struck during this second bronze issue for Domitian Caesar under Titus.
Although fine portraits can occasionally be seen in silver, it is on the larger canvas of the bronze where the full flower of Roman imperial portraiture can be seen. This sestertius has one of the finest portraits of Domitian I've come across. A superb example of the imperial engraver's art. David AthertonJun 23, 2019
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RIC 1132 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 24.45g
Lyon mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.; globe at point of bust
Rev: CAESAR AVG F DES IMP AVG F COS DES II; S C in exergue; Titus and Domitian stg. front, each with spear and parazonium
RIC 1132 (R). BMC 799. BNC -.
Acquired from Romae Aeternae, June 2019.
An iconic dynastic sestertius struck during Vespasian's great bronze issue of 71. The type was struck both at Rome and Lyon (ancient Lugdunum) and announced Vespasian's intention to found a dynasty. Mattingly in BMCRE II calls it a 'famous' type placing the figures on the reverse as Titus on the left and Domitian on the right. While that is a conventional numismatic placement for the two Caesares, here we see the figure on the right holding a parazonium an attribute of an imperator, which of the two could only be Titus. Conversely, the figure on the left is holding something smaller (a roll?) that does not appear to be a parazonium, despite the above RIC description. The reverse legend corresponds for this placement of the figures with the first half of the legend CAES AVG F DES for Domitian on the left, the second half IMP AVG F COS DES II for Titus on the right. The legend has caused confusion over the years with some numismatists creating the phantom title Designatus Imperator for Titus. The title COS is implied for Domitian after DES in the legend, a kind of numismatic shorthand if you will. Gunnar Seelentag attempted to clear up the matter up in Numismatic Chronicle, Vol 167 (2007), but doubts remain. Curtis Clay has proposed that the traditional view of Titus on the left and Domitian on the right is correct, pointing out that both are holding a parazonium, theorising Titus' is hidden behind his body with only the handle showing. His arguments in full can be read here: http://www.forumancientcoins.com/board/index.php?topic=44488.0 The reverse type itself is fairly rare with only a handful of specimens coming to market each decade, this Lugdunese specimen is much scarcer than those from Rome. Flavian dynastic types are far more common in silver.
Fantastic style with old cabinet toning. Same reverse die as Gemini IX, lot 414.
NB: Special thanks to Curtis Clay for additional numismatic information.
David AthertonJun 19, 2019
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RIC 0627 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ As, 10.28g
Rome mint, 73 AD
Obv: T CAES IMP PON TR P COS II CENS; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PAX AVGVST; S C in field; Pax stg. l., leaning on column, with caduceus and branch
RIC 627 (R). BMC p. 153 note. BNC 682.
Acquired from Olding, MA Shops, May 2019 = Olding, List 96, March 2019, Sammlung Fritz Reusing, no. 164. From the collection of Fritz Reusing (1874-1956), acquired from O. Helbing of Munich, 1929; inherited and continued by Reusing's nephew Paul Schürer (1890-1976).
Pax in various guises and types was struck repeatedly throughout Vespasian's reign for both himself and Titus Caesar. This variant with Pax leaning on a column was a perennial favourite. Pax's popularity on the coinage can perhaps be explained by Vespasian's construction of the Temple of Peace which was completed in 75.
Nice old cabinet toning.David AthertonJun 16, 2019
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RIC 1153 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 12.79g
Lyon mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, radiate, r.; globe at point of bust
Rev: S C in field; Victory flying l., with shield inscribed SPQR
RIC 1153 (C). BMC 806. BNC 806.
Acquired from Olding, MA Shops, May 2019 = Olding, List 96, March 2019, Sammlung Fritz Reusing, no. 157. From the collection of Fritz Reusing (1874-1956), inherited and continued by Reusing's nephew Paul Sch�rer (1890-1976).
A somewhat common Victory type unique to Lyon for Vespasian struck during his massive bronze issue of 71. It copies an earlier Lyon type produced for Nero. The coin is characterised by the mint's distinctive style in both the portraiture and the majestic, sweeping Victory on the reverse.
This is another coin from the Fritz Reusing Collection. Being a portrait painter, I would like to think Herr Reusing was was attracted to the coin's fantastic portrait.David AthertonJun 08, 2019
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RIC 0315 VespasianÆ As, 9.84g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PROVIDEN in exergue; S C in field; Altar
RIC 315 (R). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Dr. Claus W. Hild, May 2019.
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, confining the type to the as issues. This example is the rare Rome mint variant with the unique abbreviated 'PROVIDEN' legend struck during the great bronze issue of 71. It is missing from the BM's extensive collection. The variant spellings can range the gamut from 'PROVID' to 'PROVIDENT'.
Well centred with a nice dark coppery patina.David AthertonJun 02, 2019
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RIC 751 DomitianÆ Sestertius, 23.75g
Rome mint, 92-94 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XVI CENS PER P P; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IOVI VICTORI; S C in exergue; Jupiter std. l., with Victory and sceptre
RIC 751 (C2). BMC 464. BNC 491.
Acquired from eBay, May 2019. Ex Degani Coin Shop.
Just like the silver and gold, Domitian's aes coinage in the mid 80s settled down to a few predicable reverse types that were annually struck throughout the reign. The Sestertii were dominated by Victory crowning the emperor and 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 on the Northern frontier that flared up form time to time. Domitian did not renew the consulship until 95, so these COS XVI sestertii are imprecisely dated between 92-94, which accounts for their extreme commonness.
A well worn example with a good portrait and fine olive green patina.David AthertonMay 26, 2019
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RIC 1200 VespasianÆ As, 11.19g
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; Altar
RIC 1200 (C). BMC 820. BNC -.
Ex Museum Surplus, May 2019.
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 common example is from the latter mint, struck in 72.
Solid example with a rich dark brown patina.David AthertonMay 24, 2019
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RIC 215 TitusÆ As, 9.73g
Rome mint, 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: AEQVITAS AVGVST; S C in field; Aequitas stg. l., with scales and rod
RIC 215 (C). BMC 204. BNC 207.
Ex eBay, 10 May 2019.
Titus produced a sizeable bronze issue in 80-81. He did not renew the consulship in 81, so it is difficult to pin down a precise date. Owing to the issue's large size it is likely many of the coins did indeed spill over into 81. Here we see a common Aequitas type from that large issue which was originally struck under Vespasian, who in turn copied it from Galba. Aequitas likely represents fairness in issuing out the corn dole.
Honest wear with a dark olive green patina.David AthertonMay 20, 2019
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RIC 0351 VespasianÆ Quadrans, 2.54g
Rome Mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP VESPASIAN AVG; Palm tree
Rev: P M TR P P P COS III; S C in field; Vexillum
RIC 351 (R). BMC 618. BNC -. Hendin 1569.
Acquired from numis-kimel, eBay, May 2019.
During Vespasian's great bronze issue of 71 the Rome mint produced a series of quadrantes. Their rarity today is likely a result of them being of low value and typically not hoarded. Mimicking the larger bronze, the Jewish War victory was celebrated on them as well. Because of the small flan size brevity is called for: a palm 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 cousins.
Struck with full legends and sporting a fetching 'Tiber' patina.David AthertonMay 18, 2019
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RIC 0238 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 25.68g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPAS AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: MARS VICTOR; S C in field; Mars, armoured, adv. l., with Victory and trophy
RIC 238 (C). BMC 552. BNC 509.
Ex CNG E443, 1 May 2019, lot 530.
A sestertius struck in Vespasian's great bronze issue of 71. The reverse features the first Mars type coined for the new emperor, copied from one previously struck for Vitellius. Mars is seen here in full military dress instead of the heroic nude he is normally depicted as on the contemporary denarii. This MARS VICTOR type pays proper respect to the god of war for granting Flavian success in the recently concluded Jewish War (an open display of celebration for defeating Vitellius would be taboo on the coinage). The portraits from this aes issue can be quite extraordinary. C.H.V. Sutherland in his book Roman Coins writes: 'Vespasian's aes, however, and not merely the sestertii, developed a full magnificence of portraiture ... The beauty of this work lay in it's realism, strong in authority and yet delicate in execution ...' (p. 189). Perhaps, a portrait such as this is what Sutherland had in mind when he wrote that passage.
The minor porosity does not detract from the superb veristic portrait and beautiful dark brown patina. David AthertonMay 10, 2019
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RIC 503 TitusÆ Dupondius, 12.49g
Eastern Mint (Thrace?), 80-81 AD
Obv: IMP T CAES DIVI VESP F AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; Head of Titus, radiate, bearded, r.
Rev: ROMA; S C in exergue; Roma std. l. on cuirass, with wreath and parazonium
RIC 503 (R). BMC 314. RPC 507. BNC 325.
Acquired from eBay, April 2019. Formerly in NGC holder 4680932-001, grade 'XF', strike 5/5, surface 3/5.
A mystery mint struck coins for Titus sometime between 80-81. The style (heavily seriffed letters, large portraits, and massive reverse figures), unique obverse legends (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. Only one reverse is known for the dupondius, the Roma type seen on this coin.
Beautifully toned with an extraordinarily decadent portrait.David AthertonMay 05, 2019
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RIC 0444 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ As, 10.20g
Rome mint, 72 AD
Obv: T CAES VESPASIAN IMP P TR P COS II; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: FIDES PVBLICA; S C below; Hands clasped over caduceus and corn ears
RIC 444 (R). BMC 642. BNC 632.
Acquired from Gert Boersema, April 2019.
The clasped hands type had been introduced during Vespasian's great bronze issues of 71. It perhaps symbolises good faith in the corn supply (corn ears), trade (caduceus), and agricultural abundance. From the moment coins were issued in Titus Caesar's name in 72 he shared many of the reverses struck for his father, such as this clasped hands type. It must have contained a very important message for the regime since it was also produced in silver.
A fine early style portrait of the young prince with a dark greenish-grey patina.David AthertonApr 30, 2019
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RIC 0989 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 21.45g
Rome mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN COS VIII; Head of Vespasian, laurerate, l.
Rev: ANNONA AVGVST; S C in field; Annona std. l., with sack of corn ears
RIC 989 (R3). BMC -. BNC 766.
Ex eBay, 13 April 2019.
The bronze issue of 77-78 struck at Rome was quite small, all the sestertii from it are considered rare. The 'IMP CAESAR' left facing obverse portrait with Annona reverse is listed in RIC as unique with one specimen cited from the Paris collection. None are listed in the RIC II Addenda. This then is the second known specimen, a double die match with the Paris coin.
A classic severe portrait (B. Levick called them 'straining' portraits) combined with a beautiful dark olive green patina.
David AthertonApr 24, 2019
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RIC 0914 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ As, 11.03g
Rome mint, 76 AD
Obv: T CAESAR IMP COS V; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: S C in field; Spes stg. l. with flower
RIC 914 (R). BMC 728. BNC -.
Acquired from eBay, April 2019.
A small issue of bronze was struck by the Rome mint in 76. The asses of this issue were produced on larger than normal flans (27-28mm) and at a slightly heavier weight. Surprisingly, this Spes type from 76 struck for Titus Caesar is fairly rare with many specimens sharing this coin's die combination. Spes was a fairly common reverse type of the dynasty and was likely copied from a well known cult statue. As the goddess of hope, she is the perfect 'heir apparent' personification for a future emperor. As Mattingly put it in BMCRE II - 'The flower is an opening bud, she is raising her skirt in order to hasten forward.'
Although the patina has been largely stripped away, the piece has a pleasingly rich coppery hue. David AthertonApr 18, 2019
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RIC 1015 VespasianÆ Quadrans, 2.31g
Rome Mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP VESPASIAN AVG; Rudder on globe
Rev: P M TR P P P COS VIII; S C in field; Caduceus, winged
RIC 1015 (R). BMC 740A. BNC 780.
Acquired from Numismatica Prada, April 2019.
The quadrans in the early imperial period typically lacked an imperial portrait. Possibly the denomination was deemed so lowly by mint officials that a portrait was considered improper. They were struck haphazardly and functioned primarily as an urban low value coinage in Rome and central Italy. The quadrans was the typical fee for entry into the baths, a urinal, or for a tryst in a cheap brothel. Being of rather low value quadrantes were not typically hoarded and thus are relatively scarce today. The rudder over globe suggests Vespasian's continued steady hand guiding the empire.
Nicely centred and well preserved for the type.David AthertonApr 13, 2019
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RIC 0449 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ As, 10.92g
Rome mint, 72 AD
Obv: T CAES VESPASIAN IMP P TR P COS II; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: S C in field; Aquila between two standards
RIC 449 (R). BMC 644. BNC 635.
Acquired from Praefectus Coins, April 2019. Ex Savoca Silver 30, 27 January 2019, lot 337.
The aquila between two standards type was struck early in Vespasian's reign to honour the loyalty of the legions, seen here on the reverse of this rare Titus as Caesar As. The aquila, which featured an eagle clutching a thunderbolt, was the most important standard of any legion. With the recent successful completion of the Civil War and Jewish rebellion Vespasian and Titus knew which side their bread was buttered on! The type was later revived under Titus and Domitian for their cistophori.
Solid portrait with a fetching dark patina.David AthertonApr 11, 2019
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RIC 1211 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 13.42g
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: FIDES PVBLIC; S C in field; Fides stg. l., with patera and cornucopiae
RIC 1211 (R). BMC 831. BNC -.
Ex eBay, 23 March 2019.
FIDES PVBLICA, the good faith of the state, was a common personification on Vespasian's coinage. The figure on the reverse is likely based on a cult statue of the goddess whose annual sacrifice occurred on 1 October. Important documents of state and treaties were store in her temple for safe keeping. The Fides type came into common imperial use during the Flavian era and was an important part of Vespasian's numismatic propaganda. This dupondius was struck at the Lyon mint in 77-78 in a fairly large issue that presumably addressed a shortage of bronze coinage in the Western provinces. Oddly enough, dupondii are more commonly encountered in this issue with a laureate bust instead of the usual radiate one as seen here.
Well centred with a fetching dark chocolate patina.
David AthertonApr 02, 2019
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RIC 0423 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Sestertius, 23.43g
Rome mint, 72 AD
Obv: T CAES VESPASIAN IMP PON TR POT COS II; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PAX AVGVSTI; S C in field; Pax stg. l., with branch and cornucopiae
RIC 423 (C). BMC 633. BNC 619.
Ex Holding History, eBay, 16 March 2019.
After the recent Civil War and Jewish and Batavian rebellions this common Pax reverse type from 72 had special propaganda value for the new Flavian regime: peace and prosperity. It would be one of the more popular themes of Vespasian's coinage. Unsurprisingly, this Pax type is shared with Vespasian.
Worn, but in fine style with a nice dark chocolate patina.David AthertonMar 27, 2019
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RIC 1268 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ As, 9.35g
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: IVDAEA CAPTA; S C in exergue; Palm tree; to r., Judaea std. r.; to l. of tree, arms
RIC 1268 (C2). BMC 862. BNC 872. Hendin 1562.
Acquired from GB Collection, March 2019.
The importance of the Jewish War to the Flavian dynasty cannot be overestimated. It provided much needed legitimacy for the imperial rule of 'new men'. This common as struck for Titus Caesar nearly eight years after the 'Gotterdammerung' fall of Jerusalem is ample evidence of the dynasty's continued reliance on the propaganda value of 'Judaea Capta'. It would continue to be Titus' calling card even after he became emperor a year or so later. This coin was struck in Lugdunum (Lyon) in a fairly large issue that presumably addressed a shortage of bronze coinage in the Western provinces.
Good Lugdunese style with a fetching dark patina.David AthertonMar 25, 2019
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RIC 821 DomitianAR Denarius, 3.42g
Rome mint, 96 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P XVI; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IMP XXII COS XVII CENS P P P; Minerva, winged, flying l., with spear and shield
RIC 821 (R2). BMC 237D. RSC 297b. BNC - .
Acquired from jerusalemhadaya2012, eBay, 4 March 2019.
Domitian achieved tribunician power for the 16th time on 14 September 96 AD. He was assassinated in a palace plot four days later on 18 September. In between those two dates the mint struck only one issue of denarii recording Domitian as TR P XVI, needless to say they are extremely rare! The Senate decreed Damnatio Memoriae within a day of Domitian's assassination which would have quickly halted production at the mint for his coinage. The months leading up to Domitian's assassination saw the mint at Rome experimenting with many new reverse designs (altar, winged Minerva, Maia, temple reverses), breaking the monotony of the four standard Minerva types that had previously dominated the denarius. These new types are exceedingly rare and were perhaps experimental in nature. This denarius shows one of these new reverse types, Minerva Victrix, a more warrior like attribute of the goddess. The fact that this new type which originally appeared on the denarius when Domitian was TR P XV carried over to the briefly struck TR P XVI issue alongside the Maia and the M1, M3, and M4 Minerva types may hint that there was indeed change in the air at the mint. Perhaps the mix of new types with the older ones hint at a transition regarding the typology on his precious metal coinage? Regardless, the experiment was cut short by an assassin's blade, so we shall never know. This denarius may very well be the last coin ever struck for Domitian.
Fine late style with good natural toning. Same dies as the BM specimen.
David AthertonMar 19, 2019
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RIC 0431 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Sestertius, 25.13g
Rome mint, 72 AD
Obv: T CAES VESPASIAN IMP PON TR POT COS II; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: S C in exergue; Titus stg. r., with branch and sceptre, in quadriga r.
RIC 431 (R). BMC 636. BNC 625. Hendin 1525.
Acquired from Wallinmynt, February 2019.
In 71 AD Vespasian and Titus held a double triumph celebrating their victory in the recently concluded Judaean War. The spectacular triumph was held a few days after Titus' arrival from the East in June and could be viewed as his effective homecoming party. Mary Beard has shrewdly observed that the triumph served as 'the Flavian coronation, the official launch party and press night of the Flavian dynasty.' It was the first time after Vespasian's rise to the purple that the whole family could be seen together by the Roman populace. Vespasian and Titus were identically dressed riding in matching quadrigas while Domitian trotted alongside on a splendid mount. The procession included massive towering floats depicting various 'battles' (one wonders how the makeshift naval battle on the Sea of Galilee was rendered?) that were so enormous many onlookers feared they would topple over. Booty from the destroyed Temple (the famous Menorah for one) along with other Eastern flavoured treasures were on display. Much of these treasures were likely manufactured in Rome for the event - a lavish sham in other words. The war ravaged region really didn't have much to offer in the way of razzmatazz show pieces, even the Temple's coffers were likely depleted by war's end. Despite all this, it cannot be underestimated how important this manufactured spectacle was for the young dynasty. The legitimacy and prestige the triumph provided to the family was worth every propaganda penny the regime spent on it, allowing Vespasian to announce to the world that Titus was his chosen heir. By showcasing his eldest son on an equal footing in the procession, it left little doubt who would succeed after his death. Coins were struck in all metals to commemorate the event. Here is a rare sestertius struck for Titus Caesar in 72 showing him in triumphal dress riding in a triumphal quadriga, the type is more commonly seen in silver from Antioch. The same reverse was identically struck for Vespasian, clear numismatic evidence of Vespasian's intentions for his son. The piece itself serves as a superb memento of the 'Greatest Show on Earth' triumph put on by the Flavian regime in the late First century.
The fine style portrait on the obverse is quite impressive, unmarred by three punch marks from antiquity.David AthertonMar 12, 2019
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