David Atherton Posted April 8 · Member Share Posted April 8 I really like the stylish portrait of Titus Caesar on this rare as struck in 77-78 AD. Although the bronze coinage output dwindled as Vespasian's reign rolled along, the coins themselves became more refined and, dare I say, more 'Flavian' than those of previous issues. The peaks and valleys of the early years was gone, replaced by refined craftsmanship. I think this as is a splendid example of such. Titus as Caesar [Vespasian] Æ As, 10.74g Rome mint, 77-78 AD Obv: T CAESAR VESPASIANVS TR P COS VI; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r. Rev: S C in field; Spes stg. l., with flower RIC 1031 (R). BMC -. BNC 784. Acquired from CGB, March 2024. Spes, the goddess of hope, is seen here as an 'heir apparent' type. She is represented on Roman coins as a young girl, reminiscent of earlier Greek cult statues depicting Elpis. H. Mattingly in BMCRE II says 'the flower held by Spes is an opening bud, she is raising her skirt in order to hasten forward'. Spes occurs quite commonly under Vespasian and is frequently paired up with all three Flavians as a hopeful expression of future dynastic success. This variety struck for Titus Caesar in 77-78 is quite scarce and is much more common from the Lugdunum mint. Missing from the BM. In hand. Thanks for looking! 14 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CPK Posted April 8 · Supporter Share Posted April 8 Very nice coin, with a great portrait! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor Ancient Coin Hunter Posted April 8 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted April 8 Superb coin Thanks for sharing 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vel Saties Posted April 8 · Member Share Posted April 8 Molto bello. Great portrait 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ocatarinetabellatchitchix Posted April 8 · Member Share Posted April 8 And here’s the father… 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Qcumbor Posted April 9 · Supporter Share Posted April 9 For some reason, when I saw this one auctioned, I thought it might be for you ! Q Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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