David Atherton's Top Ten coins of 2024

[David Atherton]

2024 has been a very productive year for me coining wise. Although not attaining the heights of 2023 (the year I obtained a Colosseum sestertius!), it has more depth across the board. It was a difficult list to put together because of that depth with so many great coins to choose from. I'm bound to leave some worthy coins off the list. They are ranked in order, please enjoy!

 

 

10. Rare Domitian Aegis Denarius

 

Domitian
AR Denarius, 3.44g
Rome mint, 95-96 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P XV; Bust of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., with aegis
Rev: IMP XXII COS XVII CENS P P P; Minerva stg. l., with thunderbolt and spear, shield at her l. side (M3)
RIC 789A (R3). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex JLB Coins, eBay, 7 February 2024. Formerly in NGC holder #4184475-010, grade Ch VF.

A second known example of the M3 Minerva type from the 95-96 denarius issue with aegis portrait. Domitian's aegis portraits on denarii were more commonly struck in 84 and 85, sparingly so afterwards. The Rome mint was experimenting with new reverse designs and portrait types for the denarius issues during the last year of the reign. Perhaps the reintroduction of the aegis may have been part of this new programme? Of course we shall never know - Domitian's assassination in September 96 cut short any experimentation with his coinage. This rare variant only came to light recently and has been added to the RIC II.1 Addenda as RIC 789A.

 

 

9. Domitian Alexandrian Tetradrachm

 

Domitian
AR Tetradrachm, 11.34g
Alexandria mint, 88-89 AD
Obv: ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙΣΑΡ ΔΟΜΙΤΙΑΝΟΣ ΣΕΒ ΓΕΡΜ; Head of Domitian, laureate, r.
Rev: L Η; Athena stg. l., with shield, holding a Nike with palm and wreath
RPC 2548 (1 spec.). Emmett 237.8. Dattari-Savio 435bis.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 228, 30 July 2024, lot 561. Ex Peter Lowrek Collection. Ex Beast Coins. Ex Keith Emmett Collection. Ex Harlan J Berk December 1993. Ex 'Famous French Collection'.

Domitian's Alexandrian tetradrachms are extremely rare, struck sporadically between regnal years 2-8. This example featuring Domitian's patron deity Athena (Minerva) on the reverse is from the last issue of tetradrachms struck in regnal year 8. It has the notable distinction of being from the Keith Emmett collection.

 

 

8. Cypriot Temple of Aphrodite Bronze

 

Vespasian
Æ27, 13.02g
Koinon of Cyprus, 75-76 AD
Obv: ΟΥΕϹΠΑϹΙΑΝΟϹ ϹΕΒΑϹΤΟϹ; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: ΚΟΙΝΟΝ ΚΥΠΡΙΩΝ ΕΤΟΥϹ Η; Temple of Aphrodite at Paphos, in which canonical xoanon; paved semicircular walled courtyard; garland between two antae; star on either side of xoanon; candelabrum on each side of building
RPC 1821 (16 spec.).
Ex CNG E561, 1 May 2024, lot 463. Ex Forvm Ancient Coins. Ex Errett Bishop Collection.

A smattering of bronze coins were struck by the 'Koinon of Cyprus' during Vespasian's reign dated regnal year 8 (75/76 AD), all are fairly rare today. Style-wise (along with the six o'clock die axis) they resemble products of the Rome mint and were likely struck there or at one of its eastern branches. The reverse depicts the Temple of Aphrodite in Paphos, the primary cult centre for the goddess. The conical stone which served as the sanctuary's cult idol is clearly depicted within the structure.

 

 

7. Titus Caesar SPRQ in Wreath Denarius

 

Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]
AR Denarius, 3.14g
Rome Mint, 73 AD
Obv: T CAES IMP VESP CENS; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: S P Q R in oak wreath
RIC 519 (R). BMC 119. RSC 264a. BNC -.
Ex Concordia Auction 9, 15 October 2023, lot 406.

Vespasian and Titus Caesar held a joint censorship in 73. This denarius from a rare issue struck earlier that year is one of the first coins to advertise it on the obverse. The SPQR within wreath type, also shared with Vespasian, is extremely scarce for Titus Caesar and rarely encountered in trade. RIC cites only one specimen in the BM (the lone example cited in OCRE and RSC II), but oddly places the frequency rating as just 'rare'. Asearch results produced only the present coin. I believe the RIC rating woefully underrates the rarity of this variety for Titus Caesar. Double die match with the BM specimen.

 

 

6. Royal Provenanced Vespasian Sestertius (RIC Plate Coin)

 

Vespasian
Æ Sestertius, 24.63g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PAX AVGVSTI; S C in field; Pax std. l., with branch and sceptre
RIC 186 (R2, this coin). BMC -. BNC 521.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 10. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex Schulman 254, 11-12 November 1971, lot 3376. Ex Dutch Royal Coin Cabinet, The Hague.

An extremely rare sestertius variety featuring Pax seated on the reverse. Normally on Vespasian's bronze coins she is seen standing or leaning on a column. The provenance presented quite a puzzle. Clay writes 'same dies' as the RIC plate coin from the Hague collection, but clearly it is the same piece! The Hague collection was incorporated into the Geldmuseum of Utretch, which in turn was closed in 2013. Most of the Geldmuseum coins were sent to the Dutch National Bank where they reside today. Clay may have purchased the coin in 1971 via Schulman auction 254 which listed this coin (lot 3376) from the Dutch Royal Coin Cabinet. RIC erroneously assumed the piece was still part of the Royal Cabinet collection when it was transferred to the Geldmuseum! The auction provenance was either forgotten or lost.
 

 

5. Lugdunese Judaea Capta Sestertius

 

Vespasian
Æ Sestertius, 20.56g
Lyon mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r., globe at point of bust
Rev: IVDAEA CAPTA; S C in exergue; Palm tree; to l., Vespasian stg. r. with spear and parazonium, foot on helmet; to r., Judaea std. r. on cuirass
RIC 1204 (R2). BMC 826. BNC -. Hendin 1545.
Ex CGB, September 2024.

In 77-78 Lugdunum (modern Lyon) after a hiatus of several years struck a decently large issue of bronze coinage, presumably to address a coin shortage in the Western provinces. The types copy those common to Rome and feature distinctive 'blocky' portraits. Sestertii from the issue are quite scarce today - this Judaea Capta type being among the rarest. Only one example cited by RIC in the BM, and one lone auction record on asearch.

 

 

4. Domitian Accession Sestertius

 

Domitian
Æ Sestertius, 19.98g
Rome mint, 81 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIAN AVG P M; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P COS VII DES VIII P P; S C in field; Domitian stg. l., togate, with palladium
RIC 80 (C). BMC 265. BNC 278.
Acquired from Jetons Canada, eBay, April 2024. Ex Paris dealer, February 2024.

Struck fleetingly during Domitian's first meagre bronze issue, this unique reverse features Domitian as Emperor standing togate holding the palladium of Pallas Athena. Considered an accession type, it was never struck again and has the distinction of being the first original Domitianic design employed on his coinage. Mattingly in BMCRE says of the new type - 'Domitian holding the palladium is the Emperor entrusted with the destinies of Rome.' Rarely noted in the catalogues is the scroll Domitian is holding with his left hand, symbolising his authority. RIC's frequency rating is 'common', but only two other examples are listed on asearch in trade during the past 20 years and just four examples cited in OCRE. Same dies as the BM and Paris specimens.

 

 

3. Titus Caesar Eastern Judaea Capta 

 

Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]
Æ18, 2.95g
Ephesus (?) mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: T CAESAR IMPEP (sic) PONT; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: No legend; S C in field; Palm tree; to r. Judaea std. r. on cuirass; to l., arms
RIC 1515 (R2). BMC -. BNC -. RPC 1483 (1 spec.). Hendin 1574.
Ex SPQR Collection Auction 4, 28-29 November 2024, lot 998.

Late in Vespasian's reign a rare series of orichalcum bronze coins were struck in Asia Minor at an unknown mint. Although imperial in appearance, the style, odd weight system, and metal used all point to a mint other than Rome. Due to their extreme rarity today, they could not have been struck for any great length of time (the date cannot be narrowed down any further than Vespasian's COS VIII, 77-78 AD). The types consist of ones variously copied from either Rome or local provincial issues. A stylistic similarity with the earlier 'o' mint denarii possibly struck at Ephesus has been noted by both RIC and RPC. Admittedly, the link to the infamous 'o' mint is tenuous at best, but it is the most sound theory proposed so far (M. Grant, 'Asses of Orichalcum', Centennial Publication of the American Numismatic Study, pp. 285-302). Further, metal analyses by Carradice and Cowell ('The minting of Roman Imperial Bronze Coins for Circulation in the East: Vespasian to Trajan', NC 147, pp. 26-50) strongly supports an Asia Minor origin for the issue. This exceedingly rare Judaea Capta type struck for Titus Caesar copies a similar design seen on the middle bronzes at Rome and Lyon. The obverse legend contains an error - IMPEP instead of the correct IMPER. RIC and RPC cite one specimen at Oxford, an obverse die match with this coin.

 

 

2. Unique Vespasian Goatherd Denarius (RIC Plate Coin)

 

Vespasian
AR Denarius, 3.19g
Rome mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: IMP XIX in exergue; Goatherd std. l., milking goat l.
RIC 978 (R3, this coin). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 227, 14 May 2024, lot 464. Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 224, 14 September 2023, lot 86 (unsold). Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex Lanz 125, 28 November 2005, lot 696.

A unique mule combining an obverse die from the previous COS VIII issue with a goatherd reverse intended for the IMP XIX issue. The goatherd milking goat reverse was struck alongside a series of agrarian themed types, perhaps evoking a message of agricultural bounty. The meaning of the reverse must have been very clear (perhaps nostalgically so?) to city dwelling Romans, but its rustic symbolism is lost on us today. The same type was also minted for Titus Caesar. This example is in the RIC plates (plate 12, 978).
 

 

1. Temple of Isis Sestertius
 

Vespasian
Æ Sestertius, 24.01g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG P M T P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: S C in field; Temple of Isis
RIC 116 (R2). BMC -. BNC 536.
Ex CNG E571, 26 September 2024, lot 1043. Ex Oslo Myntgalleri 28, 6 May 2022, lot 289. Ex CNG 50, 23 June 1999, lot 76. Ex Glendining's, 2 April 1952, lot 2364 (part). Ex V. J. E. Ryan Collection.

‘The military, while night still reigned, had all marched out in companies and divisions, under their commanders, and had drawn up, not round the doors of the upper palace, but near the temple of Isis; for there the emperors reposed that night. At the break of dawn, Vespasian and Titus issued forth, with laurel and clad in the traditional purple robes, and proceeded to the Octavian walks; for here the senate and chief magistrates and those of equestrian rank were awaiting their coming.’ – Josephus, Jewish War 7.5.4.

An extremely rare sestertius struck for Vespasian in 71 depicting the Temple of Isis in the Campus Martius on the reverse. According to Josephus, Vespasian and Titus spent the night before their joint Jewish War triumph in the temple, this type possibly commemorates the event. The coin shows a Corinthian temple mounted on a podium with an Egyptian styled semi-circular architrave topped by a solar disk and a statue of Isis standing between the columns. The pediment depicts a statue of Isis-Sothis riding the dog Sirius. The temple was later destroyed in the Great Fire of 80 and rebuilt by Domitian. The reverse was fleetingly struck in 71 with just one reverse die, lending credence to the theory it is indeed a triumphal type produced for the occasion. Kraay dismisses the triumphal connection stating the coin was struck in the spring of 71, a few months before the triumph in June. Surely, the triumph was planned many months in advance and the die designers at the mint were somewhat aware of the itinerary and struck the type as a commemorative piece. Missing from the BM. Double die match with the Paris specimen.

 

Several of these coins were shocking additions (the temple of Isis sestertius and SPQR denarius come to mind, both were bargains to boot!), and another I had a second shot at (temple of Aphrodite bronze) after it had quickly sold to another. All and all a very pleasing coining year. It will be hard to top in 2025, but I will try!

Happy New Year!

And as always, thank you for looking!!!

 

 

 

Edited December 31, 2024 by David Atherton

[Nikodeimos]

The Dutch Coin Cabinet pedigree is incredible! I didn't realize it was even attainable. That Temple of Isis sestertius is amazing too. Such an important piece for our understanding of the development of the Isis cult under the Flavii.

[Nerosmyfavorite68]

My favorite is the Domitian accession Sestertius, followed by the goat denarius.  Congratulations upon a most productive year.

[The_Collector]

A fantastic group @David Atherton! It is always a pleasure to read up on your recent Flavian finds. I might be the odd one out since my favorite is your #10 but that is because I am a sucker for denarii of Domitian with an aegis that and it being a late regin denarii just makes it all the better. Congragulations on great year and here is to 2025!

[El Cazador]

#1 for me  - Domitian Assesion for quality and eye appeal

[Grudissius Minimus]

Hey @David Atherton,

Those are some well curated additions to your Flavian collection.

My favourite is the Vespasian goat denarius for its novelty, the coin’s overall style and the fact that it’s a plate coin!

P.S. The royal provenance on the sestertius is insane, I would personally consider that an investment grade coin! … along with the rest of them haha.

Cheers!

Groody.

[ambr0zie]

As expected, spectacular coins. I chose #2 for the beautiful and symbolic reverse. But I also like the Aphrodite temple and the Lugdunum Judaea Capta. 

[Spargrodan]

Fantastic year David! My favorite is nr. 2.

[CPK]

A spectacular list David! I voted for the Temple of Isis sestertius, but they are all winners. The Domitian accession sestertius features a particularly fine portrait, and you simply can't beat the extraordinary provenance of #6, the Vespasian sestertius from the Dutch Royal collection (and quite a beautiful coin in its own right.) I find #7 appealing as well, well centered with good honest wear and nicely toned, plus being an interesting and very rare type. The pair of Judaea Capta coins are also great additions. And the goatherd Vespasian denarius is such an interesting and unusual type, and an RIC plate coin!

Congrats on a great year of collecting, and best wishes for 2025!

[David Atherton]

9 hours ago, The_Collector said:

A fantastic group @David Atherton! It is always a pleasure to read up on your recent Flavian finds. I might be the odd one out since my favorite is your #10 but that is because I am a sucker for denarii of Domitian with an aegis that and it being a late regin denarii just makes it all the better. Congragulations on great year and here is to 2025!

No shame favouring Domitian in my book! He's always been the Flavian black sheep ... but let's face it, the baddies are more interesting!

Edited December 31, 2024 by David Atherton

[Sulla80]

@David Atherton, I enjoy your Flavian list - I chose the RIC goatherd denarius as my favorite - it was not an easy choice and  #8. Cypriot Temple of Aphrodite was a coin flip in my selection. Your write-ups always add a lot to the appreciation of your coins.  Best wishes for a Joyful 2025!

[Curtisimo]

Great list David. Your goatherd denarius is absolutely wonderful.

[panzerman]

Great top ten/ My picks are #10  6   and 4.

Congratulations and many thanks for sharing.

Happy New Year and many nice additions for 2025!

 

John

[David Atherton]

16 hours ago, Sulla80 said:

@David Atherton, I enjoy your Flavian list - I chose the RIC goatherd denarius as my favorite - it was not an easy choice and  #8. Cypriot Temple of Aphrodite was a coin flip in my selection. Your write-ups always add a lot to the appreciation of your coins.  Best wishes for a Joyful 2025!

The goatherd does seem to be the crowd favourite!

[SimonW]

All excellent coins, David! It's tough to choose! My personal favorite is your number one, the Temple of Isis Sestertius.

By the way, I have two coins in my collection that are a double die match to your Titus Caesar AE (3), and a third one with an obverse die match only.

[David Atherton]

12 hours ago, SimonW said:

By the way, I have two coins in my collection that are a double die match to your Titus Caesar AE (3), and a third one with an obverse die match only.

Which goes to show just how tiny this issue really is!

[Qcumbor]

As we have only one possibility, it has to be the Domitian accession sestertius for it incredible portrait style.

Buuuut, the Lugdunum Judaea capta and the Dutch royal cabinet Vespasian sestertius are not far behind. As always I'm blown away by your perseverance (and probably a bit of luck) at finding such significant rarities, congrats

Q

[David Atherton]

3 hours ago, Qcumbor said:

As we have only one possibility, it has to be the Domitian accession sestertius for it incredible portrait style.

Buuuut, the Lugdunum Judaea capta and the Dutch royal cabinet Vespasian sestertius are not far behind. As always I'm blown away by your perseverance (and probably a bit of luck) at finding such significant rarities, congrats

Q

Thankfully, luck and a little patience pays off once in a while. I've been collecting Flavians for nearly 22 years and the thrill of the chase is just as fun today as it ever was!