Why Did I Buy This Denarius?

Last week's mail brought another Flavian gem to my PO box. At first glance it is nothing special - a worn, off-centre, average style Titus 'pulvinaria' denarius. However, there is something interesting to take note of. Can anyone guess why I paid $99 for it (other than the decent price!)?






Here is my other example of the type.

 

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I'll take a guess.

This is a Titus Denarius, RIC 119, RIC [1962] 23a

It seems to be missing the wings on the thunderbolt?

 

Because you are obsessed with details? (As a child, you never got the 1909-SVDB cent and didn't get over it?)

Just kidding!

 

the reverse is upside down?!?...><

 

Actually I think he's right. There is the wing? on the new coin, and the altar style is different.

 

No idea, so I'll go along with @Curtisimo

 

@David Atherton is a fan of "The Family Circus" one-panel comic strip and Vespasian's distorted head looks like one of the Keane kids?

 

It also has a different drapery with fringes.

I finally got my 1909-s VDB and 1955/55 Lincoln cents about 5 years ago, just because I can now.

 

Here is the Titus Thunderbolt Denarius at wildwinds - seems the rev does vary a bit. #7 is pretty close, but still it has differences too

 

it's a kool type, i've never seen one before.. (i guess it's not upside down)

 

I wanna say it has to do with the COS V and what looks like a T instead of l for lll.

Looks far from a clogged die.

I see the wing others point out too.

 

Well, David => I sure hope that the reason is it's sweet toning ... man, that's a rugged lookin' coin!! (congrats)

Oh, but I actually agree with Curtisimo (your cool new OP-example seems to be missing the wings on the thunderbolt)

 

I think it's the wings on the T-Bolt to. Is it also from a different mint? The style is quite a bit different, at least to my uneducated eyes. I would have paid the price for it for sure just because I like it.

 

Same reason I collect FH. We're crazy

 

I think Curt, Mat and Val have already mentioned all the reasons I can think of....meaning all of the above LOL

 

I agree with Mat.
The T on the reverse

 

You folks are a smart group! It is indeed the wingless thunderbolt that made the coin of interest to me. In the new RIC II the type is described as having a 'winged thunderbolt'. However, the type is sometimes seen with a 'wingless thunderbolt'. The upcoming RIC II Addenda takes note of this and has assigned the 'wingless' type its own catalogue number - RIC 119A.


Titus
AR Denarius, 3.31g
Rome Mint, 80 AD
RIC 119A, BMC 51 var., RSC, 316
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P; Seat, draped; above, wingless thunderbolt
Acquired from Yesterday's Change, March 2017.

This denarius was part of a series struck for the lectisternium (religious ceremony) celebrating the opening of the Colosseum in 80 AD.

Each god had its own sacred couch, in Latin they are known as 'pulvinaria', brought out in pairs in the Forum or some such public space. The series commemorates these sacred couches which were set out with 'exuviae' (emblems) representing the gods. The above coin most likely shows the 'pulvinar' of Jupiter and Juno.

 

David, thank you for the explanation of the series. I would guess this coin is part of the same series.

 

That goes without saying!

It reminds me of the Hot Wheels collector in this segment.

 

Yes. And I won't get into the fact that particular type comes in a few variations!