David Atherton Posted October 16, 2022 · Member Share Posted October 16, 2022 (edited) Recently, I was quite thrilled to finally land a Rome mint variant of Titus's famous IVD CAP sestertius. Previously I had acquired a Thracian mint specimen, but the Rome mint ones eluded me ... until now. Needless to say I'm very pleased to share this iconic coin here. Titus Æ Sestertius, 25.80g Rome mint, 80-81 AD Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l. Rev: IVD CAP across field; S C in exergue; Palm tree; to l., Judaea std. l. on arms; to r., Captive stg. r., looking back RIC 149 (C). BMC 165. BNC 157. Hendin 1592. Ex Bertolami E-Live Auction 236, 24-25 September 2022, lot 800. The Jewish War was a gift that kept on giving for the Flavian dynasty. This rare Judaea Capta commemorative sestertius was struck a decade after the fall of Jerusalem for Titus as Augustus. The new emperor wished to remind the Roman populace of his military bona fides and his part in the Jewish War. This later variant of the type differs from those stuck under Vespasian by the shortened reverse legend (IVD CAP instead of IVDAEA CAPTA) and the presence of an oblong shield or yoke(?) to the right of the standing captive. COS VIII dates the coin to either 80 or 81, although it's possible the IVD CAP types were struck in 80 to coincide with the opening of the massive Flavian Amphitheater. A recently discovered dedicatory inscription of the building states "The Emperor Titus Caesar Vespasian Augustus Commanded the New Amphitheater to be Built from the Spoils of War." Combined with the original decoration scheme of palm trees, shields, and captives it is compelling evidence the IVD CAP coins were issued during the structure's inaugural games in the late spring or early summer of 80. I'd love to see your personal 'grail' coins. Thanks for looking! Edited October 16, 2022 by David Atherton 19 1 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Limes Posted October 16, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted October 16, 2022 Nice score! RIC rates it common? Maybe its me, but I dont see this type often...? 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Atherton Posted October 16, 2022 · Member Author Share Posted October 16, 2022 4 hours ago, Limes said: Nice score! RIC rates it common? Maybe its me, but I dont see this type often...? Thanks! Although rated as 'common' in RIC, it's much rarer than the Vespasianic Judaea Capta sestertii. So, you are correct in thinking it's not often seen in trade! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Atherton Posted October 17, 2022 · Member Author Share Posted October 17, 2022 (edited) Public Service Announcement: Be very careful when purchasing these Titus IVD CAP sestertii from less than reputable sources (eBay). They are commonly faked and if genuine likely tooled and/or smoothed. For example, this fake was on eBay in 2020. Another is listed in Forvm's fake gallery. The first is a cast from genuine dies (http://numismatics.org/collection/1944.100.41795), the second is from modern dies. Caveat emptor! Edited October 17, 2022 by David Atherton 4 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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