Temple of Jupiter Redux

[David Atherton]

Last week I shared a rare as struck for Vespasian in 71 AD when he had begun rebuilding the Temple of Jupiter.

https://www.numisforums.com/topic/5046-rebuilding-the-temple-of-jupiter/#comment-64410

This week I would like to share another as depicting the temple, this one struck after its completion.

 

Vespasian
Æ As, 9.80g
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: S C in field; Temple of Capitoline Jupiter with six columns
RIC 1239 (C). BMC 850. BNC 852.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 454.

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 rebuild the temple, supposedly carrying the first basket of rubble from the site himself. He spared no expense on the new temple, lavishly rebuilding it along the same foundational lines and increasing its height. This as struck half a decade later perhaps commemorates the completion of the structure. Although rated as 'common' in RIC, this variety is very rare in trade.

 

In hand.

 

 

I've longed to have a bronze coin with a temple of Jupiter reverse ... what a shock it was to acquire two(!) in one week.

As always, thank you for looking!

Edited November 13, 2023 by David Atherton

[expat]

A great looking addition and will go well with your rebuilding issue. The video shows a great portrait and how much of a lovely patina the coin has. Well done in acquiring it and thanks for sharing it with us.

[Curtisimo]

The coolest thing about that coin is that you can see the cult statues of the Capitoline Triad between the columns. Very cool.

[David Atherton]

On 10/18/2023 at 10:34 PM, Curtisimo said:

The coolest thing about that coin is that you can see the cult statues of the Capitoline Triad between the columns. Very cool.

Yes! Obviously an artistic contrivance, but cool nonetheless.

[Ancient Coin Hunter]

Nice coin and I like the presentation and accompanying music on the video.

[The_Collector]

Very nice coin @David Atherton! I think you were right there were a lot of gems in the standard portion of the buy or bid sale. Here is my only coin with a temple on it.