I'm a lifelong fan of Roman history. Many of the Roman history books I read as a child illustrated coins depicting the Colosseum. From an early age I was aware of these coins. Before collecting Roman coins I thought I'd never hold one, after I started collecting I never thought I'd own one ... that is until now. Recently, this piece came up for sale, although worn it's honest and the major devices are still intact, but more importantly price-wise it was within reach. I cannot think of another coin type I would want more. It is a way to connect with my childhood while simultaneously touching a history I've always found immensely fascinating. The recent addition of other 'dream coins' on the forum was an inspiration too! Titus Æ Sestertius, 24.48g Rome mint, 80-81 AD Obv: No legend; Flavian amphitheatre; to l., Meta Sudans; to r., porticoed building Rev: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR PPP COS VIII; Titus std. l. on curule chair with branch and roll; around, arms; S C in field RIC 184 (R2). BMC 190. BNC 189. Ex Harlan J Berk MBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 456. Ex Harlan J Berk MBS 35, 12 February 1985, lot 361. “As long as the Coliseum stands, Rome shall stand; when the Coliseum falls, Rome will fall; when Rome falls, the whole world will fall.” ― Venerable Bede In June of 80 AD Titus spectacularly opened the Flavian amphitheatre with a series of inaugural games lasting 100 days. This rare sestertius commemorates the event in a no less impressive fashion. Vespasian had begun construction nearly a decade before, but it was Titus who virtually completed it. The obverse features an inventive bird's eye view of the structure from the Temple of Claudius on the Caelian Hill, with the Meta Sudans to the left and the porticoes of the Baths of Titus to the right. The depiction of the three structures on the obverse is strong evidence the Romans viewed the amphitheatre as part of a larger entertainment complex. The reverse features Titus seated surrounded by a pile of captured arms, identical to sestertii struck for Claudius. Taken together both obverse and reverse pays homage to Claudius, an emperor highly regarded by the Flavians. At the same time, the captured arms on the reverse and the decorative motif of the amphitheatre featuring palm trees and triumphal imagery commemorate the Jewish War which was still a major theme of Titus' coinage. Also, a recently discovered inscription which originally adorned one of the entrances proclaims the Flavian amphitheatre was built from the spoils of the Jewish War. Nathan t. Elkins believes the rarity of these coins today may hint that they were issued primarily for distribution at the opening games as souvenirs of the occasion. Ben Lee Damsky has convincingly argued Titus' extensive pulvinar precious metal coinage commemorates the inaugural games as well. If that is the case, a large portion of Titus' coinage was devoted to these opening games and the fantastic venue in which they were held, emphasising the prominent place it held for Titus and the Flavian dynasty. The fact that it still serves as a symbol of the Roman Empire today shows that Titus was correct in his estimation of its importance. Like the Eid Mar denarii, the Colosseum sestertii are seen today as one of the most well known and iconic coin types struck by the Roman Empire. In hand. Aaron Berk estimates there are no more than 80 of these coins in existence today, many of which have tooling and/or smoothing issues. Thankfully, this is one of the rare pieces that is untouched. A major gap in my collection has finally been filled! Please feel free to share your own dream coins. As always, thank you for looking and watching!
Such an iconic piece of history and a crowning addition to your Flavian collection! Congratulations!! I think this type might be the most quintessentially Roman of all the Imperial coinage. The Colosseum, the crowds and entertainment...the beneficent Emperor...struck at a time when the empire was at or nearing its zenith in power, wealth, and culture - if any coin can contain the essence of the Empire this one would be it, IMO!
I certainly agree! Tell a co-worker you just landed a very rare Titus sestertius with Pax on the reverse and they look at you glassy-eyed. Tell them you just got a Titus Colosseum sestertius and they are genuinely enthused uttering 'wow'!
It's always a wonder to me what non-collectors think are extraordinary and what is of no interest to them at all.
I've given up trying to figure out what strikes the fancy of non collectors. The Colosseum is a no-brainer, past that I'm stumped too.
Wonderful piece. I wonder if you could get free admission to the Colosseum in Rome if you show that piece? Certainly you can be the talk of your tour group if you go. I teach Ancient History thru Coins at a local high school every year. They always have pictures of the Colosseum in the classroom so to get a large sestersius depicting that is incredible. I should point out that "Harlan J Berk MBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 456" has not occurred yet. I'm trying to find out the PR for your piece. My son & I last year (2022) Sometimes non-collectors have particular interests. A lady I talked to was a big fan of the movie "Gladiator" which portrayed Marcus Aurelius & Commodus. She was very happy when I showed her a large sestersius-sized bronze of Marcus struck in Amasya Pontes and a "Lion-skin wearing" As of Commodus. I don't know if they appreciate it, but I always enjoy showing off my 1486 Guildiner of the Tyrole whenever a non-collector says "Look at this 1972 silver dollar my Grandfather gave me."
Thank you for the kind words! It's certainly the most thrilling acquisition I've had the pleasure of adding. The sale is listed by it's closing date, I believe that's how HJB sales are properly provenanced. And what an iconic photo of you and your son. Bravo!
Found it as it's a signature item! and less than double the price of one of those "hot" but hyper ubiquitous Caesar Elephant denarii. All the investors are fixated on grades but any true collector would go for the Colosseum piece. A good acquisition.
Well you motivated me to look for my own Colosseum coin. I just bid on the Heritage Gordian III piece but was outbid. I think it was slightly tooled but I really liked the latter issue. After trying and missing on a Colosseum nothing else has that kind of appeal: particularly because I use my coins to teach 6th-graders every year.
I completely understand, and sorry to hear you missed out! Picturing the OP coin in my collection before the purchase, I realised my collection would be sorely lacking without it. Keep searching!
