David Atherton Posted February 19, 2023 · Member Share Posted February 19, 2023 I'm starting to make a habit of picking up these cheap rarities on eBay. My latest is a rare dupondius struck for Titus as Caesar under Vespasian. Rough and worn, which may explain why it was passed over by others. Titus as Caesar [Vespasian] Æ Dupondius, 12.37g Rome mint, 72 AD Obv: T CAESAR VESPASIAN IMP III PON TR POT II COS II: Head of Titus, radiate, r. Rev: ROMA VICTRIX; S C in exergue; Roma std. l. on cuirass, with Victory and spear RIC 483 (R2). BMC p. 146 ‡. BNC -. Acquired from eBay, February 2023. An extremely rare dupondius struck for Titus Caesar under Vespasian depicting Roma on the reverse, seated on a cuirass and holding a spear in one hand and Victory in the other. She is dressed in the guise of an Amazon warrior, a typical attribute for her on the coinage during the Flavian era. H. Mattingly in BMCRE II says this Roma victorious type, along with a few other Roma reverses, 'announces the triumph and revival of the sovereign city.' Both Vespasian and Titus shared the type. This scarce Titus variety is missing from both the BM and Paris collections. Two specimens are cited by RIC, one in Stockholm and the other in Aretusa Auction 4, 22 March 1996. In hand. As always, thanks for looking! 21 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
expat Posted February 19, 2023 · Supporter Share Posted February 19, 2023 Nice pick up, looks even better in the video, lovely dark patina, good portrait and and over 90% of the legend clear and easily readable. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hughie Dwyer Posted February 19, 2023 · Member Share Posted February 19, 2023 Very nice rarity. Looks great. Congratulations! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roman Collector Posted February 19, 2023 · Patron Share Posted February 19, 2023 Isn't it a wonderful feeling to pick up a rarity for a bargain price? It's a specialists' dream!! And it happens quite frequently, too! That coin looks lovely in-hand. The video really brings out the reverse design and the lovely chocolate patina. Well done! 👍 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay GT4 Posted February 19, 2023 · Member Share Posted February 19, 2023 Superb rarity! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor Ancient Coin Hunter Posted February 19, 2023 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted February 19, 2023 Great coin. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marsyas Mike Posted February 19, 2023 · Member Share Posted February 19, 2023 Terrific coin, @David Atherton. Last month I picked up the Vespasian version but with parazonium and wreath in lieu of Victory and spear. This is also from eBay, somewhat of a bargain, I guess. There are so many variations of this type, it was a challenge to attribute. Below is my best guess: Vespasian Æ Dupondius (71 A.D.) Rome Mint IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS [II]I, radiate head right / S-C, Roma seated left on cuirass, holding wreath and parazonium, shields behind, ROMA in ex. RIC II 279 (RIC I 476); BMCRE 591-593; Cohen 411. (13.19 grams / 27 mm) eBay Jan. 2023 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor LONGINUS Posted February 21, 2023 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted February 21, 2023 (edited) Great Victory coin, @David Atherton This coin may not be rare on the ancient coin market but coins featuring Victory are a rarity in my collection. Here’s the victory cadence from Ben-Hur (2016) Edited February 21, 2023 by LONGINUS 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.