Titus and Sarapis Tetradrachm

Recently I was able to acquire this handsome tetradrachm struck for Titus at Alexandria.


Titus
AR Tetradrachm, 12.70g
Alexandria mint, 79-80 AD
RPC 2464 (13 spec.)
Obv: AYTOK TITOY KAIΣ OYEΣΠAΣIANOY ΣEB; Head of Titus, laureate, r.
Rev: ΣAPAΠIΣ; bust of Sarapis, r., date LB before bust

No coinage for Titus at Alexandria was struck during his first regnal year (24 June to 28 August 79), so the earliest coins from that mint are dated to his second regnal year (29 August 79 to 28 August 80). There had been a four year gap since the last issue of tetradrachms were struck under Vespasian. Three reverse types were initially coined for Titus - Euthenia, Homonoia, and Sarapis, none of which are carry-overs from Vespasian's tetradrachm issues. Butcher and Ponting have found Titus' tetradrachms were struck with near 19.5% silver fineness from recycled metals, consistent with the earlier issues minted for Vespasian.

Engraved in good Alexandrian style. Both busts are superb.

Coin and photo courtesy of Bing.

 

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Lovely coin! Interesting write-up about Titus' issues in Alexandria, too.

 

That's in pretty good shape David compared to most you see, they usually look a bit scrappy.

 

I agree. Specimens with good eye appeal are few and far between.

 

Nice coin David. Thanks for the interesting writeup.

 

Both sides are great, cool addition

 

Thanks! Half the fun for me is doing the research and the the little write-ups.

 

I agree that's the difference between ancient and modern coins with ancient there is always heaps of history to write about.

 

Wow! Now that's a nice coin!

 

Love it, i'm sure you read my comment on forvm. Congrats.

 

Very striking coin. Love the Sarapis!