In nearly 14 years of collecting I never came across an example of the following Vespasian denarius in trade, although the frequency is rated as 'common' in the new RIC II.1. 2017 has been kind to me. Earlier in February I acquired my first specimen and just two weeks ago my second. Vespasian AR Denarius, 3.25g Rome mint, 76 AD RIC 852 (C), BMC 184A, RSC 373 Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r. Rev: PON MAX TR P COS VII; Pax, bare to the waist, seated l., holding branch extended in r. hand, l. hand on lap Acquired from eBay, September 2017. This seated Pax type is normally seen with a COS VI date, struck in conjunction with the opening of Vespasian's Temple of Peace in 75 (probably Vespasian's most common denarius type). Here is a fairly rare COS VII seated Pax from 76. Owing to its rarity, the COS VII Pax could not have been struck for any length of time and likely dates to the first few weeks of 76 soon after Vespasian became COS VII on 1 January. Perhaps it was struck as a stop-gap until new reverse designs were produced and approved for the new year? The above coin is a considerable upgrade over the specimen I acquired in February. Ironically, I paid more for the worn coin.
Congrats! Excellent upgrade. To my eye your new example has better engraved dies as well, which is always a bonus when upgrading.
Great catch David. I really enjoy searching for rarities like this one. There is always a sense of accomplishment when the search is successful. I have not been very successful lately in my searches for rare Flavians...but I keep looking.
Yes, I agree the new coin is in better style. The dark toning is very pleasing as well. This is the kind of denarius that has that 'ancient' look which would be off-putting to a modern collector but numismatic heaven for us ancient coiners.
Wonderful, wonderful! Welcome to the club. LOL! Yours is a different die pair than either of my examples. Also, your reverse die looks like it may have an added 'I' in COS VII, perhaps it originally read COS VI (which I believe most of them did)?
That added I is what originally caught my eye and made me pull the trigger on this one. I knew these existed but it was the first one I had seen. Fortunately no one else saw anything special so it I had virtually no competition. Your writeup makes it much cooler still!
My first example (the worn coin) I purchased outright and paid high retail with the 'buy it now' option, but I really wanted it and so bit the bullet. The latest one came very cheap, there was no competition and I won it at the opening bid - all told, under $50. When you specialise you can pick out the little gems.
You got a steal! I think I paid around $45 but yours has much more detail. The engraver was also much more discreet with the added I. It matches up quite well to the VI
