I could not wait to post this one. Leu had this listed as RIC 1414. I already have a RIC 1414. In fact Leu had 2 of these as lots 1139 and 1140. This one is the better of the 2. What I missed is that the obverse legend has COS III. RIC 1414 has COS II. Thanks to @David Atherton for pointing out the difference. As it happens this is a very rare coin. It is not listed in RIC (2007). It will be in the RIC addenda whenever that emerges. This coin has been given the catalogue number RIC 1422AA. I think these Ephesian portraits are incredible. Just look at the style in which the head is rendered. I am also a big fan of this reverse type. I love the simplicity of the AVG within the wreath. Vespasian, 69-79. Denarius Ephesus, 71 Obv: Laureate head of Vespasian to right; IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS III TR P P P Rev: Φ within wreath. AVG RIC 1422AA Ex: Leu Numismatik Web Auction 13 Lot 1139 August 16, 2020
Congrats on the win! I had this one on my watchlist but had to bow out of bidding once I noticed how unfavorable the CHF>USD exchange rate got it’s a wonderful coin!
Many thanks to all for the kind words. I was thrilled to win this one and it will be featured in my collection.
Yes, the bidding was at crazy levels. I sold some coins in the last CNG e-auction and I cannot believe how much my coins sold for. Some went for about double of the estimate but others went for 3-4 times the estimate!
That's a stunning coin! Fantastically centered, both obverse and reverse, with a large, artistic obverse portrait and a similarly artistic reverse wreath. Many of these don't have the obverse portrait as well-rendered as yours. Plus, Ephesus's importance in the first century Roman Empire adds historical interest as well. Great find!
Many thanks @IdesOfMarch01 . Considering the stunning nature of your own collection I appreciate your comments very much. I am glad not to be the only one who thought this coin was special in many ways, including those you mentioned. As it happens I was prepared to go quite a bit higher than the final hammer in order to win this one. I am lucky enough to own several Ephesian denarii. Here is another that also has a lovely portrait. This one is in fact RIC 1414. Thanks again for the kind words.
Congrats on getting one of these elusive rarities! A much nicer example than mine too. And a nice bargain to boot with it hammering below retail!
Great coin @Orfew! Here's my example of this type which David was also kind enough to help identify. Vespasian AR Denarius (2.77g, 18mm, 6h). Ephesus, AD 71. IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS III TR P P P, laureate head right / Oak wreath surrounding AVG and monogram. RIC 1422AA.
The coin arrived today and it is very very nice in hand. Here is my photo. The portrait is even better than the Leu photo.
