Of course this about fine+ grade silver coin is a denarius struck under Vespasian when Titus was 'Caesar'. The 'yoke' of oxen symbolize colonization, however wear and perhaps a weak strike make the two oxen appear as one; the 'extra' shoulder muscle and the excess number of legs a clue that there is actually more than one oxen on this reverse Besides my desire to add a few coins of Titus to the 'Flavian' mix I have accumulated of late, I was particularly taken in by the fact that his coin apparently symbolizes and commemorates a specific event and DID NOT require any reduction in the number of legions. According to Forum: "The ceremonial founding of a colony included plowing a furrow, the pomerium, a sacred boundary, around the site of the new city. Although no legions were disbanded after the Jewish revolt, there were many retiring veterans that needed to be settled. Vespasian founded a colony at Caesarea Maritima, the first in the province." Silver Denarius of Titus, circa 79-81 AD Rome mint; 3.33 grams, 19 mm Laureate head right T CAESAR IMP VESPASIANVUS Yoke of two oxen, COS VI in exergue RIC II part 1; RSC II 67 Please post any Flavian coins you may have or any other coin(s) that depict the 'Pomerium'....or any 'type' you may wish to share
Nice, love the wear on the Oxen. I used to raise cattle and sheep growing up. We had a lamb born with an extra leg (in-born twin); but I have NEVER seen an 8-Legged Ox! NICE! My Flavian Dynasty: VESPASIAN: RI Vespasian 69-79 CE AE Dupondius Felicitas stdg caduceus cornucopia RI Vespasian 69-79 CE AR Denarius Jupiter Sacrificing RI Vespasian 69-79 CE AR Quinarius VICTORIA AVGVST Victory std L Rare
TITVS: A sow and piglets for your Oxen! RI Titus 79-81 CE AR Denarius Sow piglets RI Titus 79-81 CE AR Denarius Ceres seated corn ear poppy torch
My two cow is a Vespasian and shows no harness if it ever did. My Titus is Eastern and just one bull. Coins of this period are often worn.
Excellent example of the type Mikey! This 'colonist' type was struck for both Vespasian and Titus Caesar in the midst of a series of agricultural themed reverses. It echoes a similar reverse struck under Octavian, RIC 272, fully in line with the antiquarian theme of the Rome mint during Vespasian's reign. The type for Titus Caesar is considered 'rare' by RIC. Just as rare is Vespasian's with a left facing portrait, RIC 944, although it is listed as 'common'.
i got nothin' to show really, "foundation ox/plow coin" is high on my list however. congrats to you MZ.
I grew up with one of these... for a small dog, she maintained a very large pomerium. Nice coin, Mikey... it's on The List!
A final comment: @vespasian70 mentioned this type of Titus was 'rare' and it certainly is highly scarce and it seemed FORVM had that in mind when they first offered it in their 'store'. Initially, they had it priced at $185.00 then listed on the 'free auctions' with an estimate of $120.00 and I won it for $59.00 shipped. I'm bidding for a more common (another animal reverse) but far higher grade denarius that appears to be 'valued' considerably more than the OP....once again making it clear that scarcity/rarity do not always translate to price or desirability. BTW: For those with deeper pockets than me, there's another example being offered at Forvm (not at the auction site).....of far higher grade and far more costly than my coin. Thanks again for all the posts and comments!!
KILLER DEAL MIKEY !!! Unfortunately, when I buy from FORUM, I am already behind the 8-Ball with our state sales tax... I still buy, but it is a bummer...
