Neptune seems to be the deity of the week around here. I recently purchased this Titus Caesar Neptune from Antioch as an upgrade. Titus Caesar AR Denarius, 3.24g Antioch Mint, 72-73 AD RIC V1561 (C), BMC V516, RSC 122, RPC 1933 ( 14 spec.) Obv: T CAES IMP VESP PON TR POT; Bust of Titus, laureate, draped, bearded, r. Rev: NEP RED; Neptune stg. l., foot on globe, with acrostolium and sceptre Acquired from Dr Busso Peus Nachfolger, March 2017. This Neptune type was struck for both Vespasian and Titus Caesar at Rome and Antioch. Likely, it was commemorating their recent sea voyages and safe return to Rome. I previously acquired a double struck specimen from Harry Sneh 7 years ago that has condition and flan issues. Comparatively speaking, I think my new coin is a significant upgrade.
I agree fully that this is an upgrade and, more, a great example of a coin worn to fine that is an upgrade of a coin with virtually no wear (perhaps EF?). The old coin has a very nice portrait with much detail missing on the new one but that is all it has. This shows how grades like Fine and Extremely Fine based on wear can not be worshiped as we see done with modern coins.
David, I also agree with your assessment and I LOVE the style and devices of that denarius up-grade!!!
i had to look that one up! i couldn't figure out why neptune had "wolverine claws". nice upgrade indeed david!
Neptune must have been a favorite among the Vespasian-Titus-Domitian father/son triumvirate. My Vespasian aureus is a Neptune, notable for Neptune's, um, anatomical correctness: VESPASIAN 69 - 71 A.D. AV Aureus (7.35 g.) Rome Jul. - Dec. 71 A.D. RIC 44 IMP CAES VESP AVG P M Laureate head right. Rev. NEP - RED Neptune standing left, right foot on globe, holding acrostolium and scepter.
A great upgrade David, I've been looking for an example from Antioch as well. The Neptune reverse is one of my favorites for Vespasian and Titus. Vespasian. 69-79 AD. Denarius, 3.10g. 18mm. Lyon Mint, 70 AD. O: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG TR P; Laureate head of Vespasian right. R: COS ITER TR POT; Neptune standing left, foot on prow, holding dolphin. - RIC 1109 (R), BMC 375 note, RSC 93. Vespasian. AD 69-79. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.29 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck January-June AD 70. O: Laureate head right, IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG. R: Neptune standing left, with right foot on prow, holding dolphin and trident, COS ITER TR POT. - RIC 25 (R) Titus as Caesar AR Denarius, Rome Mint, 72-73 AD, 18mm., 3.13g. O: T CAES IMP VESP PON TR POT; Titus, bearded, laureate, right. R: NEP RED; Neptune standing left, right foot on globe, with acrostolium and sceptre - RIC V366 (C), BMC V80, RSC 121 Titus. As Caesar, AR Denarius (19mm, 3.16 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck under Vespasian, AD 73. O: Laureate bust right, T CAES IMP VESP PON TR POT CENS. R: Neptune standing left, with right foot on globe, nude except for cloak hanging down behind from shoulders, holding acrostolium and scepter, NEP RED. Unpublished with CENS in the obverse legend. This type, reported by Harry Sneh to the RIC authors, will be 528A in the RIC II Addenda. This coin is the ex-Moonmoth example mentioned in the Gemini X catalog describing lot 637.
And here is the Gemini X coin. Harry and I had discussed the coin at length prior to it showing up in the auction. Needless to say, I was thrilled to win it!
