I've been away from ancients for a while - this bronze reminded me what I love about ancient coins.

As the title says, I have neglected my collection of 1st and 2nd century Roman coins for a while, distracted by other interests, my job, and, of course, the pandemic.

A few days ago I decided to venture again to the bank, and to the SDB, to view my collection and to make sure everything is OK. While doing so, my eyes came to rest on this As of Titus, and this coin reminded what I love about ancients bronzes. Not just the history (which is my prime motive), but also the art of the engraves, and how they managed to carve and impart so much expression, realism, and life into bronze.

Sure, this coin is in above average condition, and the overwhelming majority of the bronzes in my collection are nowhere near this, and I still love them, but I have always felt a particular attraction for ancient bronzes, and this coin reminded me why that is.


Titus, as Caesar, 69-79. As, Rome, 72. T CAESAR VESPASIAN IMP PONT TR POT COS II Laureate head of Titus to right. Rev. VICTORIA NAVALIS / S - C Victory standing right on prow, holding wreath in right hand, palm over left shoulder. BMC -. Cohen -. RIC² 471.

 

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That's an incredibly beautiful coin, I understand why you love it.

Interestingly, my first roman middle bronze was the following, and even though it's much much more worn than yours, I love it too


Titus as ceasar, As struck AD 77
T CAES IMP AVG F TR P COS VI CENSOR, Laureate head of Titus right
VICTORIA NAVALIS, Victory standing right, on a prow of galley. S C in field
10.14 gr
Ref : Cohen #390, RCV #2485 var

Q

 

Truly beautiful coin(s) - I like the one posted by @Cucumbor as well.
Its (minor) flaws are not a minus for me. And I am sure you think the same.
I don't afford ancient coins in UNC condition, but even if I were rich, I would buy coins in similar condition - with STRONG details, very much there but with a touch that shows me that this coin was used in ancient times for its primary purpose.

This is one of the things that brought me to this area of numismatics. Quite a shame this stopped after a few centuries. One of the reasons I don't collect medieval coins.
I don't have a Titus bronze that could match yours, however the first Sestertius I added in my collection is from Titus - as Augustus. Just love it, especially the portrait.


P.S. both coins displayed above deserve a place in the Victory thread
https://www.cointalk.com/threads/victoria-is-running.384300/

 

I'm pretty sure mine is there already

Q

 

Beautiful coins, all!
I am partial to those Victory reverses

 

Ooh that is a real gem, OP.

I'm green with envy.

 

Welcome back. That's a fabulous portrait on a fantastic coin!

Mine is a leftie w/ VICTORIA AVGVST: