I saw a thread yesterday by @Parthicus Maximus where he presented his Titus RIC 858 [VESP]. I told him that I liked it and that I needed one. Well, he took a look for me and found one! There are only 5 of these on Acsearch so this is a scarce coin. My coin is not as nice as that of @Parthicus Maximus , but I grabbed it anyway. This is a case where the reverse is better than the obverse. Thank you @Parthicus Maximus for finding this coin. I really appreciate it. Titus as Caesar AR denarius 76 CE Obv: T CAESAR IMP VESPASIAN; head laureate right Rev: COS V; Bull standing right RIC 858 [VESP] Purchased from Brian Bucklan Bargain bin ancients January 23, 2020
Glad you got one! And I agree, it is a somewhat scarce type. I got mine from Harry Sneh over 10 years ago, so I never had to do the leg work to find one! Titus as Caesar AR Denarius, 3.25g Rome mint, 76 AD (Vespasian) Obv: T CAESAR IMP VESPASIAN; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r. Rev: COS V (high in field); bull stg. r. RIC 858 (R). BMC 186. RSC 52. BNC 163. Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection.
Not for Titus Caesar. The two oxen type is scarce for him as well. Titus as Caesar AR Denarius, 3.20g Rome Mint, 77-78 AD (Vespasian) Obv: T CAESAR IMP VESPASIANVS; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r. Rev: COS VI in exergue; Two oxen, yoked, l. RIC 951 (R). BMC 225. RSC 67. BNC 201. Acquired from Calgary Coin, May 2008. For Vespasian it is 'common'.
@Orfew .....Very nice pick up...And great coins shown by the others too! What's the significance of the oxen?
I was happy to help you @Orfew. What interesting is to note is that there is no known of this in the Reka Devnia hoard. After having done some more study of this type, I noticed something else. Almost all types including David's specimen show a large mature bull. However, when we look at yours and mine too, we see a less hefty bull. What I wonder is whether the big difference in engraving only has to do with the different mint workers. Both of our coins seem at least an reverse die match. But I also not exclude that our coins with the younger Bull are an different type or variant. What do you think of this theory? T CAESAR IMP VESPASIAN laureate head right COS V bull standing right Titus Caesar 69-79 AR Denarius Struck 76 2,77g/18mm Ric 858 (Vespasian) (R)
The slight variation in the bull's appearance is due to different engravers, it's not enough to warrant a new variant. If you really want to chase after a variant of the type, try finding one that depicts a cow instead of a bull. All three of ours are clearly anatomically bulls. I've unsuccessfully hunted for an example depicting a cow, perhaps you'll have better luck.
Thank you for your response David. I also had some doubts myself. I also didn't think it would be enough for another variant. But it still looks a lot that the bull that is showed is younger than most of the others. When I see one, I will warn you. Such a rarity fits better in your great collection than in mine, I think. But I'll have to find one first. When you can't wait, the type is more common in Gold
