Top coin of the year: Vespasian IVDAEA CAPTA sestertius!

Hello to all my fellow CT members! I hope your week went well. Today, I’m super excited to show off a recent acquisition. It’s one of the most famous of all Roman imperial coin types, and truly, a “grail” coin for many ancient coin collectors: a Vespasian “IVDAEA CAPTA” sestertius!

VESPASIAN, AD 69-79​

AE Sestertius (34.5mm, 25.85g, 6h)
Struck AD 71. Rome mint
Obverse: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III, laureate head of Vespasian right
Reverse: IVDAEA CAPTA, Judaea, veiled, draped, seated left on cuirass under palm-tree, in attitude of mourning; behind palm-tree, captive standing left with hands bound behind back; to left and right, various arms; S C in exergue
References: RIC II.1 165 (R); RCV 2326; ERIC II 451
From the Hans Laufer Collection. Ex Ponterio & Associates, 1/18/2003 (NYINC Sale 124, lot 447).
Dark patina, good strike & detail. Among the most iconic of all Roman coins are the Flavian “Judaea Capta” coins commemorating the Roman victory over the Jewish rebels during the First Jewish War (AD 66-73). A wide range of designs were struck in all the major denominations, but it is perhaps the sestertii that provide the most impressive examples of this propagandistic art. This coin is a rare variety depicting the personification of Judaea along with a bound captive, both under a palm tree, which was the symbol of Judaea, and surrounded by arms and armor. The overarching legend proclaims the erstwhile rebellious province of Judaea now “Captured”.​

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To be honest, I never really thought I’d be able to afford a sestertius of this type. Judaea Capta denarii, in budget condition, are fairly common and generally, reasonably affordable; asses and dupondii are tougher to find but still possible. Sestertii are the gold standard and most highly desired; they offer the largest canvas, the most variety in designs, and the best artistry of all.

I obtained this one sort of by accident. I had sold my Judaea Capta as of Titus with the idea of upgrading, but I wasn’t actively hunting for one. Then I happened to spot this sestertius among others in a recent auction and decided to give it a shot. It was one of the poorer examples and so didn’t garner the attention it might otherwise have, with the happy – and somewhat surprising – result that I was able to win the coin for a decent price.

There are a number of different basic IVDAEA CAPTA sestertius designs. I prefer this one, showing two bound captives, to the one showing captive and Emperor. In my mind, this is the quintessential example of the type. Personal taste, I suppose.

Finding a decent, problem-free example of these types can be challenging. Mine isn’t perfect by any means, and has its bit of smoothing, but comparing it with other coins struck with matching dies, I do not think it has been tooled in any way. Though worn, it’s honest! And all the design elements are present, including the full reverse legend. I couldn't be more happy with it.

To make things even better, my coin also came with a collection provenance and an auction provenance. From the Hans Laufer Collection – unfortunately I haven’t been able to find anything much on that. The auction provenance is to Ponterio & Associates January 2003 NYINC sale 124, lot 447, with a hammer of $350.




Interestingly, when adjusted for inflation, the price I paid was actually less than what it sold for in '03.

All in all, I’m thrilled to be able to add this coin to my collection! I hope you enjoy it as well. Please feel free to comment and/or post your own Judaea Capta coins!

 

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Congrats!

 

Thanks!

 

An excellent and very historical coin! I have a (worn) JVDAEA CAPTA denarius, but not the sestertius version. COngratulations!