David Atherton

Admittedly, nothing earth shattering here, just an average Vespasian dupondius with decent style and fabric. I couldn't resist it! Vespasian Æ Dupondius, 12.53g Rome mint, 73 AD Obv: IMP CAES VESP AVG P M T P COS IIII CENS; Head of Vespasian, radiate, l. Rev: FELICITAS PVBLICA; S C in field; Felicitas stg. l., with caduceus and cornucopiae RIC 581 (C). BMC 661. BNC 652. Acquired from CGB.fr, June 2022. In 73 Vespasian and Titus Caesar held a joint censorship which was duly recorded on the coinage (CENS). The Felicitas on the reverse symbolises the prosperity and abundance Vespasian has brought to the empire after a period of turmoil. It is easily one of the commonest reverse types struck for the dupondius issues during Vespasian's reign. Please post your handsome, run-of-the-mill coins. Thanks for looking!

Thank you Curtis for pointing out this difference regarding the orientation of the reverse legend! I will catalogue the T437 as a variant.

Although I do think certain coin issues and/or types at various times could be regarded as presentation pieces, left portrait variants were probably just die engraver's whim. Unless of course there is some evidence that contemporary Romans found these left pieces special or of symbolic value.

Augustus intended to celebrate the games in 22 BC but postponed them until 17 BC. Therefore, Domitian was technically correct with that calculation (22+88=110).

CNG 517 provided an almost once in a lifetime opportunity to obtain a super rare Domitian denarius - a chance I could not pass up! Domitian AR Denarius, 3.14g Rome mint, 88 AD Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VIII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, l. Rev: COS XIIII across field; Column inscribed LVD SAEC FEC; all within laurel wreath RIC 605 (R3). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -. Ex CNG E517, 1 June 2022, lot 509. A. Short Collection, acquired from Peus 2021. In October 88 AD Domitian held the Secular Games, a festival featuring theatrical performances and circus games accompanied by six various daytime and night-time religious ceremonies. The games marked the transition from one era (saeculum) to another and were supposedly held once every 110 years, or the maximum span of a human lifetime, making them a 'once in a lifetime' event. Domitian conducted his games on the Augustan calculation, rejecting the formula for the Claudian games held in 47 AD. The festival was important enough to interrupt the normal striking of reverse types on the coinage and for the mint to produce a new unique issue commemorating the event both in precious metal and bronze. The precious metal designs tended to be symbolic while the bronze were more narrative in nature, focusing on the various religious sacrifices that were at the heart of the games. Three reverse designs were produced for the denarii: herald with wand, cippus (column) within wreath, and herald standing by a cippus and incense burner. The vast majority of the Secular Games denarii were produced with right facing portraits, only a scarce handful feature one facing left. This cippus reverse with portrait left is only the second known specimen, the lone example cited by RIC is from the ANS collection (a double die match), a supreme testament to its rarity! Please post your 'once in a lifetime' coins. Thank you for looking!

I couldn't resist this one - the multi-hue patina combined with a stylish portrait is quite eye catching! A coin that Van Gogh may have appreciated. Vespasian Æ Semis, 7.53g Antioch mint, undated Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l. Rev: S C; in laurel wreath RPC 2011 (12 spec.). Acquired from David Connors, June 2022. 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 likely dates between 76-78 and is very close in style to the contemporary Cypriot tetradrachms struck at Antioch. Please post your coins with unusual or colourful patinas. Thank you for looking!

ISC is where customs is located. Once a package has arrived at an international distribution center (Jamaica, Chicago, etc...) you're golden.

My first 'Off the Beaten Path' coin for the new forum. Nothing too fancy, just a neat and inexpensive provincial that proves you don't have to spend 'flipping great wadges of cash' to enjoy yourself in this hobby. Titus as Caesar [Vespasian] Æ19, 6.21g Antioch Pisidia (Galatia-Cappadocia) mint, 76 AD Obv: T CAES IMP PONT; Head of Titus, laureate, r. Rev: ANT COL; Priest holding vexillum ploughing with two oxen, r.; above, crescent RPC 1605 (9 spec.). Acquired from eBay, June 2022. Antioch Pisidia became a Roman colony under Augustus. Coins were sparingly struck under Augustus (probably a foundational issue) and Nero. Under Vespasian a small issue was struck commemorating the foundation of the colony by the veterans of the 5th and 7th legions. Although this coin is undated, it is in similar style to those struck in 76 with Vespasian as COS VII and Titus Caesar as COS V. The ploughing ritual depicted is the creation of a boundary known as the sulcus primigenius, the first furrow, which delineated the line of the pomerium. The pomerium was a city’s ritual boundary which demarcation the sacred from the profane. The creation of this boundary was the first step in the foundation of a new colony. Please post your coins from Pisidia or the surrounding region! Thanks for looking!

I simply love the coins struck at Alexandria during the Flavian era, especially those of Domitian. My latest coin is a good example why! Domitian Æ Obol, 4.49g Alexandria mint, 90-91 AD Obv: ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙϹΑΡ ΔΟΜΙΤ ϹƐΒ ΓƐΡΜ; Head of Domitian, laureate, r. Rev: LΙ; Hippopotamus, r. RPC 2591 (0 spec.). Emmett 320.10. Dattari-Savio 615. Acquired from London Ancient Coins, May 2022. Ex Naville Numismatics 72, 27 March 2022, lot 254. The Alexandrian mint under Domitian around regnal year 10 experienced a 'dramatic improvement in style' and the 'adoption of a wide range of new types' (Milne). One of those new types was this ethnic hippopotamus reverse that had previously been struck under the Julio-Claudians. The hippo in local Egyptian mythology was a potent symbol of prosperity, rebirth, and regeneration. In the days of the pharaohs the killing of a hippo was symbolic of courage and strength. Hippo hunts were necessary due to the animal's habit of grazing and destroying precious crops. Today the Nile hippopotamus is extinct in Egypt. This Domitanic hippo obol is extremely rare, likely due to it being sparingly struck for just a couple of issues. Feel free to show off your hippos, Alexandrian coins, or anything else you think appropriate. Thanks for looking!

Thankfully, this one actually arrived safe and sound this morning with very little tracking info until yesterday. I'll be posting it here later tonight or tomorrow.

This is correct. When I order from Spain I always have the packages shipped DHL or FedEx, both for speed and tracking transparency. Norway and Ireland are two others.

Also, international Registered mail is handled as First Class mail once it arrives in the US! https://faq.usps.com/s/article/What-is-Registered-Mail-International

I've had a coin stuck at Heathrow since 26 May. I'm starting to get a sinking feeling about this one ...

Just wonderful! Thank you Curtis for the Kraay comments concerning this rare issue. And your Concordia die match really leaves no doubt these coins were struck at Rome, despite the odd obverse legend. Also, I'm glad to see you made it to the new discussion forum!

Unbelievably I came across this fabulous coin in trade a couple of weeks ago ... I am absolutely thrilled beyond measure! Vespasian Æ As, 10.12g Rome mint, 70 AD Obv: IMP CAESAR AVG•VIISPAS•SIAN ; Head of Vespasian, bare, r. Rev: PROVID in exergue; S C in field; Altar RIC 10 (R2). BMC -. BNC -. Acquired from London Ancient Coins, May 2022. A rare Rome mint first bronze issue as struck for Vespasian in early 70. The standardised legend formula and portrait for Vespasian had yet to be developed. Instead, we have an unusual obverse legend featuring the odd misspelling VIISPAS•SIAN(!) paired with a bare headed portrait of the newly throned emperor. Although attributed to Rome, RIC speculates this could be an early Spanish issue, however, there are no Spanish findspots attested. The reverse copies a Provident Altar type struck for Divus Augustus by Tiberius which was later revived during the Civil War by Galba and Vitellius. This is the first occasion of the type on Flavian coinage. Bronze coinage was not the Rome mint's primary concern at the outset, as evident by the extreme rarity of this early as. It may have predated the massive denarius issues which were struck later that same year. Missing from both the BM and Paris collections. Obverse die match with the lone Oxford specimen cited by RIC. I can forgive the off-centre obverse legend and worn state, especially for such a scarce piece! Feel free to post your own 'first' coins. Thanks for looking!

I got mine too. Their previous expediency spoiled us!

A surprised eagle! Domitian AR Denarius, 3.53g Rome mint, 82-83 AD Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r. Rev: IVPPITER CONSERVATOR; Eagle stg. front on thunderbolt, wings outspread flat, head l. RIC 144c (R). BMC 52 var. RSC 320 var. BNC 53 var. Acquired from Kölner, June 2021. Ex Obolos 19, 8 May 2021, lot 835, Ex Brett Telford Collection. Ex CNG E302, 8 May 2013, lot 359.

Thank you for posting that wonderful coin! I too have the TR P XV variant, but this super rare TR P XVI has to be my favourite. Domitian AR 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 - . Ex jerusalemhadaya2012, eBay, 4 March 2019.

Not to hijack the thread, but I have a related question regarding CNG: Did anyone win a coin in their last auction which closed Weds? If so, have you received an invoice? I won a coin and currently haven't had anything come through, which is unusual for them (normally they've shipped by now!).

This is a coin you don't come across everyday, granted it's not in prime condition, but still it's fairly rare and stylish. Domitian Æ As, 9.63g Rome mint, 84 AD Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS X; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., with aegis Rev: S C in field; Victory adv. r., holding aquila with both hands RIC 230 (R). BMC -. BNC -. Acquired from CGB.fr, May 2022. The Victory holding aquila reverse was fleetingly struck for Domitian in 84 and 85 amidst the flurry of Germania Capta types, which it is undoubtedly a part of. Of note, the COS X issues are the first appearance of the Domitian's new title of Germanicus (GERM), awarded for his recent triumph over the Chatti. This rare variant of the type with an abbreviated obverse legend is missing from both the BM and Paris collections, RIC cites only one specimen in Glasgow. Please post your Victory coins! As always, thanks for looking!

Has anyone reached out to Ken Dorney? If I recall, he was an early victim of the mysterious CT banning.

Wonderful example with a very stylish portrait! The Rome mint could on occasion produce some exquisite miniature art. Here is a less common bronze example of the same type. https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=170108

Flavian denarii will always hold a special place in my heart ... especially those rarities with intriguing mysteries! Vespasian AR Denarius, 2.80g Ephesus mint, 71 AD Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS III TR P P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r. Rev: AVG in oak wreath, no mintmark RIC 1426(5A)1 (R2). BMC -. RPC -. BNC -. Acquired from Kornblum, May 2022. Ex Gorny and Mosch 216, 10 October 2013, lot 2968. Ephesus struck a series of stylish denarii early in Vespasian's reign. Previously, it was thought all but the first issue were produced with mintmarks, that is until several specimens dated COS III recently surfaced that unquestionably lack any such control marks. The new RIC II.1 Addenda & Corrigenda records three COS III reverse types lacking mintmarks: AVG in oak wreath, confronting heads of Titus and Domitian, and Turreted female bust. All three types are known for Vespasian, just one specimen (turreted female bust) is recorded for Titus Caesar. All of these types are known from unique specimens, except for the AVG in oak wreath type with just two specimens cited by the A&C, the present coin being the second one listed. In all, only five no mintmark specimens for the entire issue are recorded in the A&C - with this latest addition four of them now reside in my collection. Ted Buttrey wrote in the RIC II Addenda the following concerning the no mintmark issue: 'I’m not terribly happy about this. It’s a convenient way to draw together several pieces which lack the mintmark, placing them after the completion of the ΘΙ and ΘΥ Groups 3-5 and the inception of Group 6 with ΕΡΗ —. But why should they have given up on a mintmark in mid-course, when all of Groups 2-9 are marked? The choices are – (i) mintmark on coins worn away; (ii) engraver forgot to add mintmark to the dies; (iii) issue deliberately produced without mintmark. Assuming (iii) for the moment, the new Group takes the place of fnn. 46-47, pp.162-3, and fits here nicely with V’s title for Groups 5-6, and T’s for Group 6, But I have no fixed opinion, and await the appearance of others of this variety.' I lean towards iii being the likeliest option - if accidental, why do we not see no mintmark specimens throughout the series? Why are they only dated COS III? IMHO, the likeliest explanation is that the no mintmark denarii were deliberately struck, albeit rather briefly (perhaps only for a few days), prior to or just after the COS III ΘΥ issue and before the much larger EPH issue was struck. At any rate, I was absolutely thrilled to acquire this fantastically rare denarius with its intriguing mystery! Please post your mysterious coins! Thanks for looking!

A unique no mint mark Titus Caesar denarius struck at Ephesus. Titus as Caesar [Vespasian] AR Denarius, 2.78g Ephesus mint, 71 AD Obv: IMPERATOR T CAESAR AVGVSTI F; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r. Rev: PACI ORB TERR AVG; Turreted and draped female bust, r., no mint mark RIC 1426(5A)4. BMC -. RSC -. RPC -. BNC -. Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection. This coin should have the EPHE mint mark on the lower left of the reverse, however it is clearly not there. This is the second coin from the series I have seen which has no mint mark. It has been added to the Flavian RIC II Addenda with the rarity raring of R3 (unique).

Quite timely that the ANS just posted this video.