Flavian Grail Acquired!

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by David Atherton, Jan 13, 2021.

  1. David Atherton

    David Atherton Flavian Fanatic

    I make it a point to systematically collect Titus's silver coinage, so when @Orfew recently offered this extremely rare piece I was overjoyed!

    V695.jpg
    Titus Caesar [Vespasian]
    AR Denarius, 3.16g
    Rome Mint, 74 AD
    Obv: T CAESAR IMP VESP; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
    Rev: PONTIF TR POT; Titus std. r. on curule chair, with sceptre and branch
    RIC 695 (R3, this coin). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
    Ex Andrew Short Collection; acquired from Forvm Ancient Coins. Ex Stack’s Bowers Galleries NYINC Auction, 11-12 January 2019, Lot 41066 (part).

    An extremely rare Titus Caesar denarius struck in 74. Frequency rating of R3 (unique) in RIC, although since its publication another specimen has surfaced (Pegasi 152, lot 335). The reverse, shared with Vespasian, echos the famous Tribute Penny of Tiberius. Why is it so fabulously rare? The uncommon obverse legend combined with this particular reverse legend and type creates a variant that apparently was fleetingly struck. The numismatic equivalent of the planets aligning just right. This is the RIC plate coin (BM file).

    There are only a handful of Titus denarii I'm missing from my collection, most of which are unique or extremely rare. Having an opportunity to acquire a scarce piece such as this is, needless to say, a big deal. Thanks Andrew!

    Feel free to share your 'big deal' coins.
     
    Last edited: Jan 14, 2021
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  3. ancient coin hunter

    ancient coin hunter 3rd Century Usurper

    Congrats David. Nice find.
     
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  4. svessien

    svessien Senior Member

    Congratulations! Adding a difficult piece sure is fun.
     
    David Atherton likes this.
  5. Roman Collector

    Roman Collector Well-Known Member

    Wow! What a thrill!
     
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  6. Orfew

    Orfew Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus

    @David Atherton I am very glad it arrived and that it is now part of your very important Flavian collection. I knew that you would receive it enthusiastically and that is yet another reason why it should be in your collection.

    Selling this coin to a friend who would love it is one reason to let it go, but I did not come away with nothing. As a result of selling the coin I was able to purchase a Gibson acoustic guitar. I know David will enjoy his purchase and I will enjoy mine. As a matter of fact, I already am.:singing: Oh...and yes I take requests.

    B103E6CE-3840-47FE-AD4B-96C42DB9F7CD.JPG
     
  7. Curtisimo

    Curtisimo the Great(ish)

    Dust in the Wind by Kansas :D;)

    Great coin @David Atherton . CT provenances are always a plus!
     
    AuldFartte, David Atherton and Orfew like this.
  8. Spargrodan

    Spargrodan Well-Known Member

    Wonderful add to your Flavian collection David, and great Gibson Orfew!
     
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  9. Cucumbor

    Cucumbor Well-Known Member

    You will end up "over-Grailed" @David Atherton, beware !
    Another exceptionnal addition to your exceptionnal collection

    Q
     
  10. svessien

    svessien Senior Member

    I think an accoustic version of «Money» by Pink Floyd would be nice. With a Bulgarian twist in 13/8, please.
    Seriously: Great aquisition. Congratulations. A life long friend.
     
    Orfew likes this.
  11. David Atherton

    David Atherton Flavian Fanatic

    Quite possibly! Hopefully 2021 will be a good 'grail' year.
     
    Cucumbor likes this.
  12. Hamilcar Barca

    Hamilcar Barca Well-Known Member

    Congrats on acquiring the Holy Grail of your collection.
     
  13. Lueds

    Lueds Well-Known Member

    Sweet pick up on both the Titus and the Gibson... WIN WIN!!
     
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