A Flawed But Fine Denarius

Over the weekend the postman finally delivered my recent Roma win.


Vespasian
AR Denarius
Ephesus mint, 69-70 AD
RIC 1399 (C), BMC 434, RSC 37, RPC 808 (10 spec.)
Obv: IMP CAES VESPAS; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: AVG and horizontal Φ; in oak-wreath
Ex. Roma E-Sale 18, 27 June 2016, lot 456. Ex Thersites Collection.

The new RIC assigns this Ephesian Group 2 AVG/wreath type a 'common' rarity rating, which I think is a bit optimistic considering how rarely it is encountered in trade.
The oddly shaped flan probably helped ward off any rival bidders and win the lot under the estimate, which is OK by me, to my eyes it's really superb.

 

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Really nice! I like the bold, simple reverse type and the superb portrait.

 

Correction: The provenance should read: Ex. Roma E-Sale 28, 2 July 2016, lot 456. Ex Thersites Collection.

I cannot trace the provenance any farther back because the 'Thersites Collection' tag that came with the coin is for a different Vespasian denarius - Pax reverse, lot 451.

Did anyone here win lot 451?

 

David, that coin was on my short list for bidding and I decided not to at the last minute . Despite the odd flan, it is a compelling coin with a character-laden portrait and overall pleasing appearance. I'm glad you picked it up

 

I was genuinely surprised how low it went. I'm glad we didn't bump heads over it!

 

If I'd decided to bid I would have PM'd you about it to see if you were also chasing it, and we could have worked out ahead of time who was going to bid. I will definitely check with you before bidding on any Flavians.

I forgot to do that recently on a Hadrian and ended up bidding against Okidoki. It would have been better (read: potentially cheaper for the winner) if we'd decided which of us was going to bid on it beforehand. (I won the coin )

 

Most of my Flavians are in my Forvm Gallery. If you ever want a type I don't have posted there please do PM me, I wouldn't want to bid against a friend!

Harry Sneh and I had a similar arrangement for many years while he was actively collecting and it worked out very well for both of us.

 

Love that portrait. Excellent!

 

I LOVE that coin and the 'odd shape' in no way detracts from it as far as I'm concerned....it just makes it even more interesting and the 'devices' are simply wonderful!!

 

A superb coin David.

 

Im not crazy about Vespasian denarii, but man this one is over the top - has a very unique shape and very very nice motif. I would have bought this!

 

Wonderful coin, great portrait on it.

 

Actually an excellent example of what can happen with hammered coinage.

 

Fabulous portrait. I think the flan gives it character frankly. Nice addition to your collection David.

 

Cool looking apple shaped denarius. Really like the details on both sides.

 

A wonderful coin from a wonderful pair of dies. I'm really impressed

Fantastic addition, congrats
Q

 

Sweet grab!

 

That is a great portrait and I think the odd flan gives it character.

 

I agree with the folks above, great portrait. All features are on the coin, so the odd shaped flan only adds to the interest.
Is the line from the center of the dimple a crack in the flan? If so, I would put the coin in a kointain. I had a high grade coin with a small crack (and some un-noticed crystalization). The coin broke into two parts. I resolved to use holders for similar coins in the future.
https://www.amazon.com/25-Kointain-coin-holders-Nickels/dp/B009K4WZUU

 

Not a crack in the coin, but apparently a hairline crack in the die. It's in high relief in good metal and has the true 'ring' of a solid denarius (those who have handled denarii at desk know what I mean).