A nice rare variant of a common Vespasian denarius

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by Orfew, Jan 15, 2019.

  1. Orfew

    Orfew Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus

    I am very happy to acquire one of these. Until a few minutes ago I was unaware that this variant existed. My sincere thanks go out to @David Atherton for sending me a pm telling me that this coin just appeared on the market and explaining what it is.

    The key to this coin is the reverse. The common variant has a modius with corn ears. The rare variant has poppies in between the corn ears.

    I love these variants with small differences, it makes the coins interesting to me. Please post your coins where a small difference makes a large difference to you. Also, please post your favourite coins of Vespasian. If anyone has the other version without the poppies please post it here.

    Vesp ric 980.jpg
    Vespasianus, 69-79 CE
    AR-Denar
    Rom, 77/78 n. Chr.
    3.21 g
    Obv.: CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, Kopf mit Lorbeerkranz n. r.
    Rev.: IMP XIX, Modius mit Kornähren
    RIC 980
    Ex: Kölner Münzkabinett
     
  2. Avatar

    Guest User Guest



    to hide this ad.
  3. Roman Collector

    Roman Collector Well-Known Member

    That's a very attractive coin, @Orfew ! I, too, like "flyspecking," as you can see. One thing I find interesting about these Flavian coins is how they indicate Roman numerals with a horizontal line over them, that way people won't mistake them for words!
     
    David Atherton and Orfew like this.
  4. Orfew

    Orfew Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus

    Thanks @Roman Collector for posting that link. It is an interesting example of an aspect of the hobby I find fascinating.
     
    Roman Collector likes this.
  5. alde

    alde Always Learning

    The hobby owes a debt of gratitude to collectors like @David Atherton for doing the research and sharing it with those of us with less knowledge. I would never have seen the difference. I wonder what rarities really exist in our collections without us knowing it.
     
  6. David Atherton

    David Atherton Flavian Fanatic

    I'm glad it found a good home where it will be appreciated.
     
    alde, Orfew and Roman Collector like this.
  7. Alegandron

    Alegandron "ΤΩΙ ΚΡΑΤΙΣΤΩΙ..." ΜΕΓΑΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΣ, June 323 BCE

  8. PeteB

    PeteB Well-Known Member

    Vespasian. AD 69-79. AR Denarius (3.25 gm). Rome mint. Struck AD 77-78. Obv: Laureate head left. Rev: Modius with seven grain ears. RIC II 981; RSC 215.
    VespDenBasketGrain.jpg
     
  9. David Atherton

    David Atherton Flavian Fanatic

    While we're at it, I'll post my modius with nine corn ears, rather than the normal seven. To date I have not seen another.

    V980var..jpg
     
  10. Orfew

    Orfew Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus

    Wow, what a wonderful grumpy portrait!
     
    David Atherton and alde like this.
  11. Orfew

    Orfew Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus

    @PeteB Very nice obverse legend on that example. Thanks for posting that one.
     
    PeteB likes this.
  12. gogili1977

    gogili1977 Well-Known Member

    Very nice variant. I only have this example of Hadrian, without the poppies.
    image.jpg
     
    Johndakerftw, Orfew and Bing like this.
  13. PeteB

    PeteB Well-Known Member

    Yes. Unusual.
    Good eye. Thanks.
     
    Orfew likes this.
Draft saved Draft deleted

Share This Page