My latest coin comes with a fine portrait in good Lugdunese style and decent eye appeal. Plus, it isn't all that common. Titus as Caesar [Vespasian] Æ Dupondius, 11.10g Lyon mint, 77-78 AD Obv: T CAES IMP AVG F TR P COS VI CENSOR; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.; globe at point of bust Rev: SECURITAS AVGVSTI; S C in field; Securitas std. r., head resting on raised arm, with sceptre; to r., altar RIC 1265 (R). BMC 861. BNC 867. Acquired from London Ancient Coins, October 2021. Lugdunum (modern Lyon) after a brief hiatus struck a fairly large issue of aes coinage under Vespasian in 77 or 78, likely in response to a coin shortage in the Western provinces. Most of the reverse types copy those produced at Rome, however, unique to the mint is this variant of the seated Securitas type showing Securitas resting her head on her hand in a relaxed pose - no doubt based on a cult image. Mattingly observed in the BMCRE 'The type of Securitas was not without reason popular in Gaul after the terrors of the revolt.' (p. lxi) Thank you for looking!
