David Atherton

Historian Tom Holland's new book Pax has an excellent narrative account of Vitellius' rise to the purple. Highly recommended!

Despite the neat Flavian coins on your list, it's the two denarii of JC and Elagabalus that catches my eye. You had a very good year!

I'm eagerly looking forward to your list!

Well, if you're only going to have 9 RR coins for the year you can't do much better than that! Tremendously informative write-ups too!

I knew you wouldn't be surprised by my top two!

I totally agree and can't believe someone didn't snatch it up right away!

Thank you for the kind words! 🙏 And on further reflection, I amended the poll for multiple choices. Cheers and Happy New Year!

2023 will long be remembered here at Flavian Fanatic headquarters as one of the best coining years I've ever had. The two Harlan J. Berk sales #224 and #225 loom large and accounts for 8 out of the 10 coins on the list, without them I fear the year would've ended up as mediocre. My favourite coin of all time was acquired along with many grails, unique coins, and collection cornerstones. Truly, 2023 reshaped my collection. Without further ado, here are my Top Ten coins of 2023 ranked in order. #10. Domitian as Caesar Oxen Denarius Mule Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian] AR Denarius, 3.18g Rome mint, 77-78 AD Obv: CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS; Head of Domitian, laureate, r. Rev: COS VI in exergue; Oxen, two, yoked l. RIC 959A, BMC -. BNC -. RSC -. Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 224, 14 September 2023, lot 101. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex CNG, E105, 5 January 2005, lot 156. A unique mint mule combining an obverse of Domitian Caesar with a reverse intended for Titus Caesar. The yoked oxen type was struck exclusively for Vespasian and Titus Caesar in 77-78. This is the only known example of a mule pairing a Domitian Caesar obverse with a reverse intended for either Vespasian or Titus Caesar on the denarii. It has been assigned catalogue number RIC 959A in the RIC II.1 Addenda & Corrigenda. #9. Unique Vespasian Military Mint Denarius Vespasian AR Denarius, 3.01g Uncertain mint, 69-71 AD Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r. Rev: MARS VLTOR; Mars adv. r., with spear and trophy RIC 1373 (R3, this coin), BMC -. BNC -. RSC -. Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 224, 14 September 2023, lot 107. Ex Curtis Clay collection. Ex CNG, MBS 43, 24 September 1997, lot 863. In late October 69 the Second Battle of Cremona was fought between the legions of Vitellius and Vespasian. It resulted in the utter defeat of the Vitellian side and their slow retreat towards Rome. Not long afterwards the Spanish legions went openly for Vespasian, which up until that point had only been neutrally friendly toward him. Coins were quickly struck for Vespasian in the newly won province. Most of these are attributed to Tarraco and an unknown Spanish mint. Intriguingly, a small military issue was contemporaneously struck at an uncertain mint somewhere in the western empire - Mattingly thought perhaps Aquileia. The issue contains some stylistic affinities with the Spanish series, but more importantly, recent metal analysis by K. Butcher and M. Ponting show the silver content is almost identical to that of the Spanish coins. It is very likely these early military denarii were also struck in Spain in late 69 soon after the province went over to Vespasian. This unique Mars type with an unusual vertical obverse legend displays the typical portrait style of this rare military issue - small portrait with upward gaze in somewhat crude style. These denarii were likely struck in haste during the turmoil of late 69/early 70 as propaganda pieces by the pro-Flavian factions in the region. This specimen is the RIC reference coin, though not pictured in the plates. #8. Vespasian Unique Laurel Branches Denarius Mule Vespasian AR Denarius, 2.46g Rome Mint, 74 AD Obv: IMP CAESAR VESP AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r. Rev: COS III across field; Laurel trees, two, upright Cf. RIC 681/690 (for obv./rev.). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -. Ex Private Collection. A unique and unpublished denarius mule combining an obverse of Vespasian with a reverse intended for Titus Caesar. Vespasian should be named COS V on the reverse, instead we have Titus's COS III title. Mules between Vespasian and Titus are not unheard of due to both of them frequently sharing the same reverse types throughout the reign. RIC II.1 author Ian Carradice has been alerted to this mule and has added a footnote to RIC 690 (... mint mule with obverse of Vespasian). The reverse is a restoration of of a similar type struck by Augustus. The two laurel trees represent the ones planted at Augustus's door. #7. A Stylish Vespasian Sestertius Vespasian Æ Sestertius, 26.55g Rome mint, 71 AD Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG P M T P P P COS III; Bust of Vespasian, laureate, draped, r. Rev: SALVS AVGVSTA; S C in exergue; Salus std. l., with patera and sceptre RIC 111 (R2). BMC -. BNC -. Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 7. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex Tom Cederlind. An extremely rare sestertius struck for Vespasian between January and March 71. Curtis Clay had this to say about the piece which I cannot improve upon: 'Kraay in his illuminating Oxford dissertation, summarized in the new RIC, p. 22, established that Vespasian's sestertii of 71 (COS III) fall into three successive groups marked by progressive abbreviations of the emperor's name, and he suggested the following dates for the groups: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG P M T P P P COS III: Jan.-March/April 71; Same but VESPASIAN and TR P for T P: March/April-July/August 71; Same but VESPAS: July/August-Dec. 71. The reverse SALVS AVGVSTA S C occurs mainly in the third and latest issue of the year. In the earlier groups this type is very rare. Obv. VESPASIANVS, with bust laureate and draped; the bust types and portrait features are much more varied in this early group than in the two later ones. Rev. SALVS AVGVSTA S C, from the only die known for this type in the VESPASIANVS issue. Kraay discovered that this is actually a rev. die of Galba's, engraved and used by Galba in 68 (Kraay's P 61), now reused by Vespasian about 2 1/2 years later!' An utterly fantastic piece! RIC describes many of the sestertii from this issue as 'monumental', I think the above coin fits that description perfectly. Missing from the BM and Paris collections. #6. Early Vespasian Temple of Jupiter As Vespasian Æ As, 9.69g Rome mint, 71 AD Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r. Rev: S C in field; Temple of Capitoline Jupiter with six columns RIC 323 (R2). BMC 614. BNC 588. Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 453. Ex Harlan J Berk, Summer 1986, lot 439. In December 69 AD the Temple of Capitoline Jupiter was set ablaze and destroyed during factional warfare in the city of Rome between Vitellian and Flavian forces. Upon Vespasian's victorious arrival in October 70, one of his first acts was to lavishly rebuild the temple, supposedly carrying the first basket of rubble from the site himself. As it was the first major building project of the reign, the opening religious ceremonies were conducted with great fanfare. This extremely rare* as from 71 commemorates the rebuilding of the structure and is the earliest appearance of it on a Flavian coin. The reverse depicts an idealised rendition of the Vespasianic temple, as it was still a work in progress and would not be completed for several more years. The rebuilt temple would again succumb to fire in 80 under Titus. A double die match with the Oxford cast and the BM and Paris specimens. *Rare enough that M. Tameanko in his book Monumental Coins erroneously refers to it as a sestertius and R. Darwell-Smith in Emperors and Architecture calls it a dupondius! N. T. Elkins gets it some-what right in his Monuments in Miniature, but unfortunately links this as variety of 71 to a photo of a heavily tooled sestertius from the BM with a fabricated reverse! No COS III sestertii with the temple of Jupiter exist. #5. Titus as Caesar Engraver's Error Denarius Titus as Caesar [Vespasian] Rev. Legend Error AR Denarius, 3.15g Rome Mint, 79 AD Obv: T CAESAR IMP VESPASIANVS; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r. Rev: PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS; Venus stg. r., leaning on column, with helmet and spear RIC 1078 var. (rev. legend-TR POT VIII COS VII) p. 185, note 195. BMC 255 var. (same). RSC 332 var. (same). BNC 223 var. (same). Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 224, 14 September 2023, lot 94. Ex Curtis Clay Collection, acquired from Flavian Logic, November 2001. A most remarkable error denarius! Here we have a Domitian Caesar reverse legend PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS mistakenly given to a Titus Caesar Venus type by the engraver. The correct legend should read TR POT VIII COS VII. Perhaps the Venus reverse was confused with the Salus/column type (RIC 1084) struck for Domitian Caesar from the same issue? Furthermore, Domitian's COS VI issue with the reverse legend PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS is dated to 79 and could either have been struck under Vespasian before his death in June or by Titus afterwards. The existence of this Titus Caesar error coin proves at least some of Domitian's COS VI coinage was produced under Vespasian (see RIC II p. 31). Extremely rare, possibly the third known specimen. In any other year this would likely have been #1! #4. Vespasian 'O' Mint Mule Vespasian AR Denarius, 2.87g Ephesus (?) mint, 76 AD Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r., 'o' mint mark below neck Rev: No legend; Domitian on horse l.; r. hand raised, sceptre in l RIC 1480 (R3). BMC -. BNC -. RSC -. RPC -. Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 224, 14 September 2023, lot 126. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. The infamous 'o' mint denarii struck for Vespasian, Titus Caesar, and Domitian Caesar are thought to have been minted at Ephesus due to a similar 'o' mint mark previously used at that mint. The types are the same as those struck somewhat contemporaneously at Rome. Mules are a hallmark of the series, perhaps indicating a lack of care in their production, although the style is generally quite fine. This Vespasian denarius mule features a reverse that was originally struck for Domitian Caesar at Rome. The variety is listed as unique in RIC (citing the Jack Benedict Coll. which shares the same dies), this is possibly the fourth known specimen. Although it is likely a mule combining an obverse of Vespasian with a reverse intended for Domitian, the type has yet to be attested for Domitian at this mint! An unusual oversight considering the reverse commemorates Domitian's role in the Jewish War Triumph of 71. #3. Rare Titus Judaea Capta Sestertius Titus Æ Sestertius, 23.26g Rome mint, 80 AD Obv: IMP T CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r. Rev: IVDAEA CAPTA; S C in exergue; Palm tree; to l., Captive stg. r.; to r., Judaea std. r. RIC 133 (R2). BMC -. BNC -. Hendin 1589. Acquired from Solidus, March 2023. Ex Solidus Auction 108, 8 November 2022, lot 299. An extremely rare Judaea Capta commemorative sestertius struck for Titus in early 80, possibly to coincide with the opening of the massive Flavian Amphitheater. A recently discovered dedicatory inscription of the building states "The Emperor Titus Caesar Vespasian Augustus Commanded the New Amphitheater to be Built from the Spoils of War." Combined with the original decoration scheme of palm trees, shields, and captives it is compelling evidence that Titus' 'Judaea Capta' coins were issued during the structure's inaugural games in the late spring or early summer of 80. The reverse copies a similar Judaea Capta type struck for Vespasian in 71, possibly serving as a 'stop-gap' issue until new reverse designs were prepared for Titus (RIC, p.184). The coin features a couple of differences from the more common 'IVD CAP' sestertii struck later in the same year: the obverse legend is counter clockwise with 'VESPASIAN' fully spelled out, and the reverse fully spells 'IVDAEA CAPTA' with some minor differences in the design (figures are reversed around the palm, shield instead of plough near standing captive). RIC places this coin as a Rome mint issue struck in early 80 alongside two other types - Mars and Pax, based on the 'Rome mint' style of the portraits, all of which share the same obverse die. Curtis Clay has proposed (Gemini IX, lot 448) a Thracian origin for the issue because of the flat fabric of the flans (a trademark of the Thracian mint), many of the specimens came to market after the fall of the Iron Curtain, and the reverse designs match those struck later at the Thracian mint. He further argues the 'Rome mint' style can be explained by Roman die engravers being transferred to Thrace. The style indeed mirrors contemporary Rome mint denarii, which can only be a result of the same engravers working on both issues. Despite the flat fabric of the flans, the style does not match up to the later Thracian issues (heavily seriffed letters, large portraits), and the circulation pattern appears to be similar with the Rome mint issues. Therefore, I believe the coins were struck in Rome, possibly for circulation in the East. Missing from both the BM and Paris collections. #2. Unique Domitian/Titus Mule Domitian AR Denarius, 3.35g Rome mint, 81 AD Obv: IMP CAESAR DOMITIANVS AVG; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r. Rev: TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P; Tripod with fillets; above, ravens, l. and r., and dolphin over wreath RIC 6 (R3, this coin). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -. Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 224, 14 September 2023, lot 139. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex CNG, Auction 70, 21 September 2005, lot 910. A unique mint mule combining a first issue Domitian obverse with a reverse die used for Titus' last issue. This coin may help clear up a long debated mystery concerning the date of Titus' last denarius issue. Curtis Clay explains: 'Titus' gold and silver coinage is regarded as having ended before 1 July 80, over a year before he died, since his latest aurei and denarii all bear the title TR P IX, and his ninth tribunician year ended on 1 July 80. A fourteen-month gap in the precious metal coinage is strange in this era, however, and if we follow Mattingly in postulating that the attested fire in Rome in 80 destroyed the mint, so interrupting its production, it seems a remarkable coincidence that the mint was finally repaired, and ready to resume production using the same "pulvinar" types that it had been striking for Titus early in 80, precisely when Titus died and Domitian assumed the throne in Sept. 81! Judging from Domitian's earliest coinage, one would have thought that the mint must still have been producing pulvinar coins for Titus just before he died, despite the title TR P IX. That this was in fact the case seems to be proven by a mule which emerged in 2005, RIC Domitian 6, pl. 117, showing Domitian's earliest obv. legend as Augustus, IMP CAESAR DOMITIANVS AVG, coupled with a pulvinar reverse type of Titus, TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P, Tripod with dolphin, wreath, and ravens above. This mule strongly suggests that pulvinar coins were being struck for Titus just before he died: it's difficult to believe that an old die of before 1 July 80 had somehow survived the supposed fire, and just happened to be available for use by Domitian fourteen months later! But why continued use of the outdated title? In Sept. 81 Titus was TR P XI, not IX!' This unique specimen is the plate coin in RIC II.1. It is also discussed in RIC's introduction to Titus' coinage: '... a recently discovered mint mule combines a reverse of Titus' last denarius issue with an obverse of the first issue of Domitian's reign in late 81 (Dom no. 6). Mules usually combine dies in parallel or at least in closely contemporaneous use, which might imply here that the Titus TRP IX IMP XV COS VIII dies continued to be used after the assumption of TR P X, and perhaps even into 81. In sum, while the titulature of Titus is of the first half of 80, the sheer scale of the coinage produced for Titus COS VIII and Domitian COS VII, and the fact that following Domitian's accession the mint was very active in the period September to December 81, suggests 80-81.' (p. 185) It must be noted that prior to this coin's discovery in 2005, Titus' last denarius issue had previously been dated by the major references to the first half of 80. Sometimes a coin can change history. The numismatic and historical importance of the piece, combined with its aesthetic beauty, places it near the top of my list of all time favourite coins. #1 Titus Colosseum Sestertius Titus Æ Sestertius, 24.48g Rome mint, 80-81 AD Obv: No legend; Flavian amphitheatre; to l., Meta Sudans; to r., porticoed building Rev: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR PPP COS VIII; Titus std. l. on curule chair with branch and roll; around, arms; S C in field RIC 184 (R2). BMC 190. BNC 189. Hendin 1594. Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 456. Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 35, 12 February 1985, lot 361. In June of 80 AD Titus spectacularly opened the Flavian amphitheatre with a series of inaugural games lasting 100 days. This rare sestertius commemorates the event in a no less impressive fashion. Vespasian had begun construction nearly a decade before, but it was Titus who virtually completed it. The obverse* features an inventive bird's eye view of the structure from the Temple of Claudius on the Caelian Hill, with the Meta Sudans to the left and the porticoes of the Baths of Titus to the right. The depiction of the three structures on the obverse is strong evidence the Romans viewed the amphitheatre as part of a larger entertainment complex. The reverse features Titus seated surrounded by a pile of captured arms, identical to sestertii struck for Claudius. Taken together both obverse and reverse pays homage to Claudius, an emperor highly regarded by the Flavians. At the same time, the captured arms on the reverse and the decorative motif of the amphitheatre featuring palm trees and triumphal imagery commemorate the Jewish War which was still a major theme of Titus' coinage. Also, a recently discovered inscription which originally adorned one of the entrances proclaims the Flavian amphitheatre was built from the spoils of the Jewish War. Nathan t. Elkins believes the rarity of these coins today may hint that they were issued primarily for distribution at the opening games as souvenirs of the occasion. Ben Lee Damsky has convincingly argued Titus' extensive pulvinar precious metal coinage commemorates the inaugural games as well. If that is the case, a large portion of Titus' coinage was devoted to these opening games and the fantastic venue in which they were held, emphasising the prominent place it held for Titus and the Flavian dynasty. The fact that it still serves as a symbol of the Roman Empire today shows that Titus was correct in his estimation of its importance. Like the Eid Mar denarii, the Colosseum sestertii are seen today as one of the most well known and iconic coin types struck by the Roman Empire. *Older references place the Colosseum on the reverse, but this is incorrect. Reverse dies at the Rome mint typically have concave flans. The seated Titus side is concave on these sestertii, therefore it was almost certainly intended as the reverse. Not only does this coin top my 2023 list, it is hands down my favourite coin in the collection. I look forward to 2024, but 2023 will be hard to top coining wise! Happy and safe New Year everyone! Thanks for looking,

Superb list! You're #1 is indeed a stunner.

Looking forward to your list as well!

Thank you for informing me of the additional specimens! I only checked the major collections and didn't look into previous auction records. Still, as you say, a very rare variety!

LOL! #1 and #2 were easy, the rest were difficult to place. I'm still thinking it over ...

Wow! What an incredible year end list! I chose #10, #2, and #1 ... but it was tough to narrow it down to just three!

These two coins will probably be the last that I post on NF for 2023 ... and what an incredible year in coining it has been! I traditionally post my Top Ten list on 31 Dec or 1st of Jan, so stay tuned! This first coin is an incredibly rare Domitian quadrans I purchased way back in September, cruelly I just got around to unboxing it. Domitian Æ Quadrans, 2.75g Rome Mint, 86 AD Obv: IMP DOMITIAN AVG GERM COS XII; Ceres bust r., wearing wreath of corn ears, draped Rev: S C in field; Bundle of three poppies and four corn ears RIC 502A (R3). BMC 370. BNC -. Acquired from Savoca, September 2023. Small bronzes such as the quadrans were likely used in minor transactions by the plebs and sported very simple designs with popular motifs, often lacking an imperial portrait. Ceres briefly appeared on the obverse of Domitian's quadrantes in 85-86. She frequently was paired with an appropriate reverse design, such as a bundle of corn ears and poppies as seen on this example. Both the obverse and reverse celebrate Domitian's careful stewardship of the grain supply. This is a fourth known example of the rare variety with DOMITIAN fully spelled out. The other specimens are located in the BM (the only one known at the time of RIC II.1's publication), Paris, and two (!) in Berlin. In hand. The second coin I believe to be a dupondius struck under Titus and is considered to be 'common'. Domitian Æ Dupondius/As, 13.52g Rome mint, 80-81 AD Obv: CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIAN COS VII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r. Rev: S C in field; Spes stg. l., with flower RIC 349 (C). BMC -. BNC 249. Acquired from Savoca, September 2023. 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 individual specimens are a dupondius or an as. This coin's heavier weight and yellowish hues suggests it is a dupondius. Struck under Titus in 80 or 81 after Vespasian's deification, 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.' Although rated as 'common' in RIC, this variety is missing from the BM's collection. In hand. Thank you for looking and Happy New Year!

Many numismatists agree that the climax of Roman coin artistry dates from Nero to Vespasian, your denarii perfectly illustrate why. Superb coins!

That is a spectacular list! What a awesome year you had!

Stunning coins as always AJ!

That Nero is a stunner!

A Hadrian heavy initial list! All are superb coins and wonderfully written up. My personal favourite is the Allectus galley 'quinarius'.

I agree with Donna. Great coins Gavin!

This one I think flew under the radar in Harlan Berk's BBS 225. Attributed as RIC 1500, it actually is an unlisted variety! Vespasian Æ29, 11.17g Ephesus (?) mint, 77-78 AD Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVGVSTVS; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l. Rev: PONT MAX TR POT P P COS VIII CENS; S C in field; Jupiter std. l., with thunderbolt and sceptre RIC 1502 var. (obv. head right). BMC -. BNC -. RPC 1475 var. (same). Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 92. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex Lanz, eBay, January 2009. Late in Vespasian's reign an exceedingly rare series of orichalcum bronze coins were struck in Asia Minor at an unknown mint. Although imperial in appearance, the style, weight system, and metal used all point to a mint other than Rome. Due to their extreme rarity today, they could not have been struck for any great length of time (the date cannot be narrowed down any further than Vespasian's COS VIII, 77-78 AD). The types consist of ones variously copied from either Rome or local provincial issues. A stylistic similarity with the earlier 'o' mint denarii possibly struck at Ephesus has been noted by both RIC and RPC. Here we have a previously unrecorded and unique variant of the Jupiter seated reverse with the obverse portrait facing left instead of right. The piece likely circulated as a dupondius. It was erroneously attributed in the HJB catalogue as 'RIC 1500', which is a Ceres seated type. In hand you can see its pretty hefty! As always thank you for looking!

Sorry, I haven't a clue.

I meant to ask this earlier, so forgive the delay, in Naville's own description of the lot tooling is mentioned: Apparently unpublished. Dark tone, surface somewhat tooled, otherwise Good Very fine Are they taking that back after the auction? The original description supports my hypothesis the reverse is indeed tooled!

Or, why don't collectors boycott auction houses that fabricate provenances in order to hide looted material? But yet, they are amply rewarded for such behavior. Shill bidding is probably not going to raise an eyebrow.

I believe it to be a cast forgery based on the fact the obverse is indeed a cast from a denarius die (!). That's not in doubt. How the reverse was fabricated I can only speculate. My hunch is that it is a whole cloth creation based on the clumsy style and the massive amount of smoothing involved. The style isn't even close to the supposed contemporaneous Domitanic quadrantes featuring a sailing ship reverse. That's a huge red flag. Regarding Carradice and Buttrey not including it in the new RIC - the book was commissioned by Spink in the 80s and published 20 years later. Surely Muller, a Spink employee, would've known of it and asked B. & C. about the piece? Or, was it in Muller's 'Black cabinet'? You are of course correct in wondering about its provenance. Where did it come from? I mean no offence and have no dog in this fight. I only go where the evidence leads me. 🤷