David Atherton Posted November 27, 2023 · Member Share Posted November 27, 2023 My latest addition: I came for the rarity ... but stayed for the portrait. The provenance didn't hurt either. 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! 24 1 1 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prieure de Sion Posted November 27, 2023 · Member Share Posted November 27, 2023 As always, I look forward to your ideas and videos. Once again a great Flavian coin. One question David - is there any reference to the Nero bronzes - who produced this motif ad nauseam? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CPK Posted November 27, 2023 · Supporter Share Posted November 27, 2023 What a fantastic coin - not only the rarity and the portrait, but the depiction of Victory as well! Congratulations! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Atherton Posted November 27, 2023 · Member Author Share Posted November 27, 2023 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 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roman Collector Posted November 28, 2023 · Patron Share Posted November 28, 2023 What a lovely depiction of Victory! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Qcumbor Posted November 28, 2023 · Supporter Share Posted November 28, 2023 Cool Victory, but the portrait is indeed exceptional ! Q 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tejas Posted November 29, 2023 · Member Share Posted November 29, 2023 I love the portrait! Congratulations. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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