I didn't already have a COS III altar type from Lugdunum, but that's not the primary reason why I purchased this. The superbly dignified portrait, oversized flan, and fine style drew me in. When it comes to my Flavian collection I systematically collect silver, however, with bronze I try to be more representative and collect what I like, and I like this coin. Vespasian Æ As, 10.80g Lyon mint, 71 AD Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.; globe at point of bust Rev: PROVIDENT; S C in field; Altar RIC 1167 (R). BMC 810. BNC -. Acquired from CGB.fr, October 2020. Tiberius was the first to strike the PROVIDENT altar type for Divus Augustus. The altar depicted is dedicated to Providentia, the personification of the emperor's divine providence. Although the type is commonly described in the major references as an altar, Marvin Tameanko has convincingly argued it is actually a sacellum, or small shrine. This popular reverse was later revived during the Civil War by Galba and Vitellius. Vespasian began striking it early in his reign, especially during his great bronze issue of 71 at both Rome and Lugdunum. This Lugdunese example is much rarer than the Rome variant. Show the coins you just had to have.
This one. Common, not great condition. But the portrait speaks to me. Phocas, AD 602-610. AV Solidus (20mm, 4.36g, 6h). Constantinople mint, I = 10th officina. Struck AD 607-610. Obv: ∂ N FOCAS PЄRP AVI; Draped and cuirassed facing bust, wearing crown without pendilia, holding globus cruciger. Rev: VICTORIA AVGЧ I; Angel standing facing, holding globus cruciger and staff surmounted by staurogram; CONOB in exergue. Ref: Sear 620; DOC 10j; MIBE 9. Good Very Fine. From a private British collection. Ex Roma.
Interesting coin, @David Atherton. I like its chocolate-brown patina, too. Yup. Divus Augustus, 27 BC - 14 AD. Roman Æ as, 9.30 g, 28.4 mm, 7 h. Rome, issued under Tiberius, AD 22-30. Obv: DIVVS·AVGVSTVS·PATER, head of Augustus, radiate, left. Rev: PROVIDENT S C, Altar-enclosure with double paneled door; surmounted by uncertain ornaments. Refs: RIC 81; BMCRE 146; Cohen (Augustus) 228; RCV 1789.
