Hello folks I have noticed that there seems to be quite a few coin designs that are similar to each other that appear on a variety of rulers coins. Any idea as to why a design might appear on coins that span over different rulers? Thanks in advance!
In some cases I suspect the use of similar designs was an homage to a former ruler or even a hearkening back to the "good old days". Here is an example from Tiberius. The reverse design was originally used by Augustus. Instead of IMP VII in the exergue TI CAESAR was used. So the original use of this reverse feature Augustus on the obverse. In a way I suppose this was a way of introducing the next ruler. What did Tiberius copy this reverse? It could have been a sign of respect on the part of Tiberius for Augustus and his rule. On the other hand it could have been a way of suggesting control of the population by sending a message. For example, one message might have been "The prosperity under Augustus will continue under Tiberius." Tiberius, 14-37 Denarius Lugdunum circa 15-16, AR (18.55 mm., 3.85 g). Obv: TI CAESAR DIVI - AVG F AVGVSTVS Laureate head r. Rev: TR POT XVII IMP VII Tiberius holding branch and eagle-tipped scepter in triumphal quadriga r. RIC 4. C 48. SRCV I (2000) 1762 Ex: Naville Numismatics Auction #25 Lot #407 September 25, 2016 The next example is also from a coin of Tiberius. The fact is that Tiberius was the second ruler to use this reverse. It was also used on a denarius of Augustus. Again, perhaps Tiberius was expressing the continuity of Roman rule, or perhaps he was expressing his admiration for Livia. Tiberius ‘Tribute Penny’.AD16-37. Silver denarius. 17mm. 3.48g. RCV 1763 RIC 26 bold head, clear Livia. Found Quidenham hoard, Norfolk, 2014. Recorded as Coin #22, NMS-480CEEunder the portable antiquities scheme. Tiberius would not be the last to use this type of reverse. Here is an example from Vitellius. The figure seated on the reverse is Vesta. As the goodies of hearth and home, one could imagine Vitellius used Vesta as propaganda during the year of the 4 emperors-a time of great stability. It might also refer back to the Julio-Claudian dynasty as a time of stability and prosperity. Vitellius Denarius. 69 AD (19.61 mm, 3.09 g) Obv: A VITELLIVS GERM IMP AVG TR P, laureate head right Rev: PONT MAXIM, Vesta seated right, holding sceptre and patera. RIC 107 (S), RSC 72, BMC 34. SRCV I (2000) 2200 Ex: Frank Robinson. Here is another version issued under Vespasian. The figure on the reverse is not Livia however, it is Vespasian himself. Vespasian is known for using the coinage to hearken back to earlier times. Perhaps he was saying "Happy days are here again". This coin referent again back to the Julio-Claudian dynasty. Perhaps this was a way for Vespasian to project an image of the continuity and or power of Roman rule. Vespasian.AD 69-79. AR Denarius Rome mint. Struck AD 74. (18.47 mm, 3.39 g, 6h). Obv: IMP CAESAR VESP AUG Laureate head right Rev: PONTIF MAXIM Vespasian seated right, holding scepter and branch. RIC II 685; BMCRE pg. 27 ; RSC 386. SRCV 1 (2000) 2305. Ex: J. Eric Engstrom Collection Ex: CNG E-auction 373, Lot 366 April 20, 2016 This would not be the only time that Vespasian used the coins to refer back to the Julio-Claudian days. One of the messages that Vespasian may have been sending concerning the stability of the empire may have had to do with the rule of law. On this reverse we see Nemesis the avenger of wrongs. Was Vespasian touting the use of Roman law to exert control? One thing is clear, this use of Nemesis did not start with Vespasian, it is copied from a reverse on a denarius of Claudius. Once again we see the theme emerge of a calling back of the Julio-Claudians. One can see the appeal. After all, the empire had survived the rule of Nero and a civil war. Perhaps this was a message that a civil society would be enforced at the very top. Vespasian, 69-79 A.D.AR Denarius, 3.16g. 21.41mm. Rome, 73 A.D. Obv: IMP CAES VESP AVG CENS. Laureate head of Vespasian to right. Rev: MAXIM PONTIF. Nemesis walking to right holding caduceus over snake. C 385, RIC 544. SRCV I (2000) 2304 Ex: E. E. Clain- collection. Ex: Numismatica Ars Classica - Auction 92 Part 2, Lot 2133 May 24, 2016 275 CHF ; Ex: Ed waddell September 7, 2016 Coin depicted in the Wildwinds.com database. Best of type in the Forum Ancient Coins Galleries This next one is a mystery to me. This coin is also interesting because of the reverse. Notice it has both the legionary standards, and Aqilla-the legionary eagle. I do not know why Nero would want to recall these earlier days of civil war and unrest. However, the earlier legionary denarii were still circulating at the time of Nero's rule. they were made of poor silver and so they were exchanged many times over the years. Perhaps he was saying that he would impose control over tumultuous times. Nero. AD 54-68. AR Denarius Rome mint. Struck AD 68. (17.68 mm, 3.37 g) Obv: IMP NERO CAESAR AVG P P, Laureate head right Rev: Legionary eagle between two standards. RIC I 68 (R2); RSC 356. SRCV (2000) 1947 Ex: CNG e-auction 370 lot 391 March 9, 2016. Here is another example of a ruler who recalled the days of Marc Antony. This denarius of Titus has a prow on the reverse. It imitates a denarius of Marc Antony. Once again we see a Flavian emperor using previous designs for perhaps propagandistic purposes. Was the message of this coin like that of the Nero example, a reference to civil war.? In this case it I suspect it would be the year of the four emperors. Maybe the message here is we must maintain control or be thrust into war and tumult. Whatever the message or reason we see that Titus carried over the same practice of referring to dealer times and rulers with his coinage. Titus. AR Denarius as Caesar, AD 69-79. Rome, under Vespasian, Struck AD 77/8. (19.04 mm, 3.25 g), Obv: T CAESAR IMP VESPASIANVS, laureate head of Titus right. Rev: COS VI, prow of galley right, sides ornameted with intricate cross-hatch and maeander patterns; above, star with sixteen rays. RIC 950 (R); BN 202; BMC 226; RSC 68. SRCV I (2000) 2441 Ex: Incitatus Coins Purchased February 22, 2016 from Incitatus coins So there you have it. It is all very speculative, but I hope it was interesting.
