Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Posted

My latest addition: I came for the rarity ... but stayed for the portrait. The provenance didn't hurt either.

 

 

T183.jpg.10230f17c64a61ca939e6f46cbc32e66.jpg

Titus
Æ Sestertius, 24.84g
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: VICTORIA AVGVST; S C in field; Victory adv. l., with wreath and palm
RIC 183 (R2). BMC p. 261 ||. BNC 188.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 106. Ex Curtis Clay collection. Ex CNG 50, 23 June 1999, lot 86. Ex Cornelius C. Vermeule Collection. Ex Glendining & Co. The V.J.E. Ryan Collection part V, 2 April 1952, lot 2391 (part).

An extremely rare sestertius struck in 80 or 81 during Titus' great bronze issue. This is the first appearance of this Victory type on the coinage since earlier in Vespasian's reign. Could the occasion of the opening games of the Colosseum possibly have inspired the mint engravers to bring this reverse out of retirement? A dedicatory inscription on the new amphitheatre declared it had been funded from 'the spoils of war' and Victory featured prominently in its decorative scheme. Notably missing from the BM.

 

In hand:

 

As always, thank you for looking!

  • Like 25
  • Clap 1
  • Heart Eyes 8
  • Yes 1
Posted
12 hours ago, Prieure de Sion said:

One question David - is there any reference to the Nero bronzes - who produced this motif ad nauseam?

It is indeed true Nero's mint produced a vast quantity of Victory bronzes, although the most common one has a slightly different design. 

This Vespasian dupondius is probably a direct descendent of that Neronian prototype. 

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=155849

  • Thanks 1

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.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...