Another 'White Whale' Captured

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by David Atherton, Jul 25, 2017.

  1. David Atherton

    David Atherton Flavian Fanatic

    Holy cow I was thrilled when this one arrived in the mail last week! A supremely rare Vespasian denarius which has been on my personal want list for a very long time.

    V1547a.jpg

    Vespasian
    AR Denarius, 3.59g
    Antioch mint, 72-73 AD
    RIC 1547 (R2), BMC 498, RSC 588, RPC 1921 (2 spec.)
    Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
    Rev: VICTORIA AVG; Victory stg. r., on globe, with wreath and palm
    Ex Nomos Obolos 7, 9 July 2017, lot 313.

    An exceptionally rare denarius from Antioch - it is only the seventh known example (the others are: BM, Vienna, Tom Cederlind 2007, Helios 4, Gemini X, and CNG E339). This left facing portrait is unique in the Antiochene denarius issues, as well as the only appearance of Victory on globe in the series. Butcher and Ponting's metal analysis of the type found a silver bullion content of 99% - a remarkable level of fineness for an imperial or provincial issue at that time. The portrait style is identical to the Antiochene tetradrachms with the left facing portraits and eagle on base reverses struck somewhat contemporaneously in 71-72. This is strong evidence that the same die engravers were producing both imperial and provincial issues at Antioch.

    A stunning portrait in ultra-high relief. It's a real stunner in hand.
     
    Last edited: Jul 25, 2017
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  3. TIF

    TIF Always learning.

    Wonderful! Congratulations!! :)
     
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  4. randygeki

    randygeki Coin Collector

    Awesome addition!
     
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  5. Roman Collector

    Roman Collector Well-Known Member

    Stunning indeed!! Gorgeous style, both in the portraiture and reverse. A real rarity and undoubtedly a Flavian-collector's crown jewel.

    The only thing I can contribute to this thread is a coin with a right-facing bust and a left-facing Victory on globe, which is the opposite of yours:

    Marcus Aurelius Victory Denarius.jpg
    Marcus Aurelius, AD 161-180
    Roman AR denarius; 3.30 gm Rome, AD 180
    Obv: M AVREL ANTONINVS AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind
    Rev: TR P XXXIIII IMP X COS III P P, Victory alighting left on globe, holding wreath and trophy
    Refs: RIC 411 var (draped and cuirassed); BMCRE 808; Cohen 975; MIR 463; Sear 4952
     
  6. Theodosius

    Theodosius Fine Style Seeker

    That is one of the most artistic Roman portraits I have seen. Looks like a Hellenistic tetradrachm portrait.

    Congratulations on finding it.

    John
     
  7. Eduard

    Eduard Supporter**

    Wow, great coin and congratulation are in order!:)

    (I know whom to go for advice next time I contemplate adding a new Vespasian to my collection).
     
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  8. Alegandron

    Alegandron "ΤΩΙ ΚΡΑΤΙΣΤΩΙ..." ΜΕΓΑΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΣ, June 323 BCE

    Excellent capture! Congrats after a long time search! It seems you are landing a lot of whales lately! Well done!
     
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  9. zumbly

    zumbly Ha'ina 'ia mai ana ka puana

    Fantastic! The style of the portrait is truly wonderful.
     
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  10. Gavin Richardson

    Gavin Richardson Well-Known Member

    Looks like Vespasian just came from his hair stylist. Wonderful detail.
     
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  11. Noah Finney

    Noah Finney Well-Known Member

  12. Mikey Zee

    Mikey Zee Delenda Est Carthago

    I love the detailed artistry. It's a wonderful coin in so many ways!! Congrats!!
     
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  13. Mat

    Mat Ancient Coincoholic

    Congrats on the new addition. Seems like 2017 has been a good year for white whale hunting.

    I really like the reverse of it.

    Better then usual weight too!
     
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  14. medoraman

    medoraman Supporter! Supporter

    Congratulations. Its always a great feeling getting one of your white whales. Problem is, you will miss looking for it. ;)
     
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  15. rrdenarius

    rrdenarius non omnibus dormio Supporter

    I agree! Great coin and write-up.
     
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  16. beef1020

    beef1020 Junior Member

    Stunning coin, congratulations!
     
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  17. AncientJoe

    AncientJoe Well-Known Member

    Congratulations!!
     
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  18. Orfew

    Orfew Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus

    Wonderful acquisition David.My most sincere congratulations.I will have a pint of Guinness in your honour in Dublin tonight
     
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  19. David Atherton

    David Atherton Flavian Fanatic

    Indeed it does. Here is a tetradrachm which I believe was engraved by the same hand.

    RPC1973d.jpg
    Vespasian
    AR Tetradrachm, 14.19g
    Antioch mint, 71-72 AD
    RPC 1973 (13 spec.)
    Obv: AYTOKPATΩP OYECΠACIANOC KAICAP CЄBACTOC: Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
    Rev: ЄTOYC NЄOY IЄPOY Δ: Eagle, l., standing on garlanded altar, head r., caduceus in beak, palm l.
    Acquired from eBay, February 2015.
     
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  20. David Atherton

    David Atherton Flavian Fanatic

    It sure has! My Bucket List has certainly gotten a lot shorter over the last couple of years. Hopefully the trend continues ...
     
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  21. David Atherton

    David Atherton Flavian Fanatic

    Cheers mate!
     
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