A Tetradrachm Starring Vespasian, Titus, and an Eagle

AR Tetradrachm
Antioch mint, 69-70 AD
RPC 1944 (4 spec.)
Obv: AYTOKPAT KAIΣA OYEΣΠAΣIANOY; Small head of Vespasian, laureate, l., with drapery on far shoulder, above eagle standing l., l. wing extended
Rev: T ΦΛAYI OYEΣΠ KAIΣ ETOYΣ NEOY IEPOY; Head of Titus, laureate, r.; in l. field, lituus; in r. field, B

An extremely rare RPC Group 2 (regnal year 2) Tetradrachm from Antioch. This is visually one of the more impressive obverse designs struck by the mint. Vespasian, draped, is majestically depicted above an eagle about to take flight. The symbolism is perhaps divine in nature. There are two variations of this type: one with a lituus in the reverse left field, as seen here, and the other with a star. Both have roughly the same frequency rating. The style is "Alexandrian", indicating at the very least the die was prepared there and perhaps struck at Antioch. This was a time of massive military activity leading up to Titus' siege of Jerusalem, which explains his prominent presence on the reverse.

I've always wanted to add this rare type to my collection. I really love the enigmatic symbolism.

 

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Wonderful!

 

Outstanding!

 

Nice!! => congrats on adding a very cool coin to your Vespasian collection (I have never seen this impressive coin combination) ...



Ummm, my only addition to your cool thread is actually pretty weak ... but weak is right up my alley!!

So here is a humble Trajan-example with an eagle on the obverse (a cheap man's version of your sweet coin) ...

 

Not in any way 'cheap' or 'humble', IMHO, a lovely coin.

 

I like very much the style on both portraits
As Stevex6, I can only provide images of a Trajan tet featuring an eagle below bust. A different type though


ROMAN EMPIRE, TRAJAN Tetradrachm, Prieur 1495 Tyre mint, c. AD 110-111
ΑΥΤΟΚΡ ΚΑΙC ΝΕΡ ΤΡΑΙΑΝΟC CΕΒ ΓΕΡΜ ΔΑΚ, Laureate bust of Trajan right, eagle in field
ΔΗΜΑΡΚ ΕΞ ΥΠΑTΕ, Laureate bust of Melkhart right
15.34 gr
Ref : Sear #1088 var, Prieur # 1495_179

Q

 

I LOVE all the posts and I agree with everyone else 'v-7'-----That Tet of Vespasian and Titus is fantastic!!!

I'd love to have any of those posted---well there's always tomorrow LOL

 

Deleted--computer jam up LOL

 

Wonderful piece. Would love to have that too!

 

The color on this seems really off, almost like the color was removed.

 

@Bing :
Although colors on a picture are never 100% accurate, it's almost the actual color on the coin : made of reasonably good silver I think, covered with a dark grey patina and some "yellowish" hints in the left field on obverse and on Melkhart's cheek on reverse (a bit less yellow in hand though : I should have removed more color....)

Q

 

that's an awesome silver TET!!

 

Hello,

Very interesting coin nice, also never seen it before.

see my eagle Trajan coins. sorry photo is not so good.

Cucumbor your coin looks a little bit strange.

 

cucumbor your coins looks ok, I need glasses.

 

Congrats on an excellent addition David!

 

Great looking coin,congrats......

 

Sweet

 

Dear Sir,

Would you please be so kind and intimate me with the estimate price of the Vespasian and Titu silver tetradrachm.

Thanks a Lot

Moath Al alem
Amman,Jordan

 

Nice Vespasian Tet. Been eyeing some Vespasian coins, you guys are pushing me closer to getting it.

 

Great catch David. You have a true talent for finding these rarities.