I can sure see why you specialize in Flavians. There is a tremendous variety if you know what your looking at.
Titus (79 - 81 A.D.) AR Denarius O: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M•, laureate head right. R: TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P, facing empty throne of a deity (pulvinar) with a triangular back, back ornamented with uncertain objects and a cross at the peak, seat draped with a fringed cover. Rome Mint, 80 A.D. 3.34g 17.8mm RIC II, part 1, 124; RSC II 313a; BMCRE II 61; BnF III 50; SRCV I 2515
Thanks David. I don't have it in hand yet. It's on its way from the Europe along with a dolphin on tripod alter type. We all know how long it can take take a coin to make it across the pond.
The Colosseum was officially opened in 80 (probably late spring/early summer) when Titus was COS VIII. Your 'VTII' is VIII, it just has a line above the numeral.
I think the reason is obvious...;you saw it, you wanted it, you lusted after it and now you have it. What a fun coin.
Nice examples David and always interesting too see what we'll learn in your threads. I have the left facing version with the wing.
Is this you coin? The elephant type indeed commemorates the opening games of the Colosseum. I believe the 'pulvinaria' types commemorate the religious ceremonies surrounding the event. Excellent detail on the reverse!