Vespasian: The Return of Felicitas

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by David Atherton, Sep 5, 2018.

  1. David Atherton

    David Atherton Flavian Fanatic

    Last week I posted a newly acquired Felicitas dupondius. https://www.cointalk.com/threads/i-am-finally-taking-the-plunge.322777/

    This week I would like to share the corresponding left facing portrait of the type.

    V716bb.jpg Vespasian
    Æ Dupondius, 9.47
    Rome mint, 74 AD
    RIC 716 (C2). BMC 698.
    Obv: IMP CAES VESP AVG P M T P COS V CENS; Head of Vespasian, radiate, l.
    Rev: FELICITAS PVBLICA; S C in field; Felicitas stg. l., with caduceus and cornucopiae
    Ex eBay, August 2018.

    The left facing portrait variant of the COS V Felicitas is just as common as the right facing. On the denarii left facing portraits are much rarer! The super dark patina wreaked havoc with my limited photographic skills.

    I won this coin on eBay from a US seller who does not specialise in Ancient coins. It came with this older attribution tag folded up in the flip.

    V716tag.jpg

    Does anyone recognise what dealer it may be from? It's fairly nondescript, so admittedly this is a long shot. I would love to be able to provenance this coin further!
     
    Last edited: Sep 5, 2018
    randygeki, Orfew, Justin Lee and 10 others like this.
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  3. Okidoki

    Okidoki Well-Known Member

    Wonderfull specimen
     
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  4. Deacon Ray

    Deacon Ray Well-Known Member

    Beautiful Vespasian sinister, David!

    VESPASIAN_LEFT.jpg
     
  5. Mat

    Mat Ancient Coincoholic

    Great portrait & reverse.
     
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  6. Justin Lee

    Justin Lee I learn by doing

    So you're the one that got it, David! By the time my snipe came around it was already outbid (but not by much). It looks really nice and your reverse photo is so much better than the sellers! Great win! Did you get any of the others from him?

    Sorry I can't help with the tag, doesn't look familiar and you're right, it is rather nondescript visually.
     
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  7. David Atherton

    David Atherton Flavian Fanatic

    That dupondius was an unplanned purchase. I actually placed a Hail Mary bid at the last minute and was kind of surprised I won. And no, I didn't go after anything else, my luck probably was pressed to the limit with the fluke win.
     
    Last edited: Sep 5, 2018
    Deacon Ray and Justin Lee like this.
  8. Ancient Aussie

    Ancient Aussie Well-Known Member

    Great detail especially the reverse.
     
  9. randygeki

    randygeki Coin Collector

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