Yet Another Eagle On Altar Denarius

I can't stop buying these.

Vespasian
AR Denarius, 3.34g
Rome mint, 76 AD
RIC 848 (C), BMC 184, RSC 120
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: COS VII across field; Eagle head l. standing on thunderbolt, on Altar. Very uncommon with thunderbolt showing.
Ex Solidus Numismatik Online-Auction 15, 22 May 2017, lot 172.

The more common variant of the type missing thunderbolt in eagle's claws. Somewhat rare with head left.

Recently, Ted Buttrey and I have been discussing the fact that this type is often depicted without a thunderbolt in the eagle's talons, despite the RIC description that there is one. Buttrey speculates that the original design for the type actually included a thunderbolt, but due to the engravers difficulty in competently rendering it or their sheer indolence, the thunderbolt quickly vanished.

Buttrey at first felt that the two different variants needed their own separate RIC numbers. However, in the end he decided just to update the description of the type to reflect the inconsistent inclusion of a thunderbolt.

Here is my other example with the thunderbolt showing.

Vespasian
AR Denarius, 3.29g
Rome mint, 76 AD
RIC 848 (C), BMC 184, RSC 120
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: COS VII across field; Eagle head l. standing on thunderbolt, on Altar. Very uncommon with thunderbolt showing.
Acquired from Bart Lewis, February 2004.

It's interesting to note that the rare specimens showing a thunderbolt also have altars that are a bit more elaborately decorated with garland.

Am I done acquiring these eagle on altar variants? I doubt it.

Post your eagles or thunderbolts!

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

Nice addition David.

 

I can relate. I have a hard time passing up buying eagles, even if they aren't on a coin.

 

Great addition David.

I only have a few coins with eagles

 

Very nice David, love the portrait.

 

Control yourself! You focus too much on one type.

 

Another great addition

 

Nice David. You do seem to have a thing for this type. I never realized there were so many varieties.

 

Nice one, I really like this type too.

Mine; thunderbolt-less I believe.

 

Now, that is the quintessential Vespasian portrait!

 

I've noticed. And I can relate.

That has to be one of the best portraits of the ole muleteer I've ever seen.

 

It's a perfect example of what Barbara Levick in her biography on Vespasian called the 'straining' portrait.

 

I purchased the coin on a whim, so you have a good point! But, I promise my next coin I'll be sharing will not be an eagle on altar.

 

Lol... so that's the look! I liked it a lot before... now it's even more of a keeper .

 

Here's a denarius-sized provincial bronze of Septimius Severus from Marcianopolis with an eagle. No thunderbolt, of course.

 

Vespa / Eagle in copper on Globe

 

Just a bit of sarcasm

 

We understand each other.

 

...and not a Flavian among them (but all Alexandria).
Commodus

Septimius Severus

Gordian III

Gallienus

Salonina

Claudius II

Aurelian

Severina

Probus

Divus Carus

 

Obsessive