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. 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.
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, 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
That is one of the most artistic Roman portraits I have seen. Looks like a Hellenistic tetradrachm portrait. Congratulations on finding it. John
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).
Excellent capture! Congrats after a long time search! It seems you are landing a lot of whales lately! Well done!
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!
Congratulations. Its always a great feeling getting one of your white whales. Problem is, you will miss looking for it.
Wonderful acquisition David.My most sincere congratulations.I will have a pint of Guinness in your honour in Dublin tonight
Indeed it does. Here is a tetradrachm which I believe was engraved by the same hand. 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.
It sure has! My Bucket List has certainly gotten a lot shorter over the last couple of years. Hopefully the trend continues ...