An interesting Titus denarius

I am very happy to add this worn denarius of Titus to my collection. I knew this was an unusual coin as soon as I saw it. This reverse type also exists for Vespasian. What is interesting is the grain ease behind Mars. On coins of Vespasian this variant is rare for both the left and right facing busts. This coin however is designated as common in RIC. Well, you should try to find one. There is one in the FAC galleries. Yes, @David Atherton owns that one. There are 2 on Acsearch and 2 on OCRE. In other words this coin is pretty scarce for a supposedly common coin.

Also, I would not be surprised if a left facing bust of this issue appeared eventually since both exist already for Vespasian

Please fee free to post your favourite coin of Titus.



TITUS, as Caesar AD 69-79 AR Denarius.
Rome mint, AD 77-78
(19.1 mm 3.07g)
RIC 949; BMC 222; RSC 66
OBV: laureate head right; T CAESAR IMP VESPASIANVS
REV: Mars standing left holding spear and trophy, large wheat ear behind him; COS VI
RIC 949;

 

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I love the portrait and the overall look of this coin . Very nice photos too!

 

Many thanks @TIF. Yes I thought it was rather attractive myself. I think the crowd that wants only coins that are slabbed have the AU or higher designation would pass this coin by. I see the charm of the portrait and appreciate that this coin passed through the hands of those who lived almost 2 millennia ago.

 

@TIF hit the nail on the head. Great coin, congrats! (Also: Do you have a new photo setup? I agree it's an excellent photo.)

Here's a Titus that the condition snobs would also have passed by, though more due to corrosion than wear. Still, I thought it was appealing, especially for the nice portrait.

 

Now that is a sympathetic portrait of Titus. Wow that is really nice. As for the photo it is the seller's photo.

 

Thanks for the kind words! Re: the seller's photo, I think they've been taking lessons from Doug.

 

Great coin, Andrew... being that is a coin in its truest sense. Great portrait, great circulation wear, and cool Mars spear reverse.

 

Exactly Brian, every ancient coin has a story. Many times we do not know the story but at least we know it has one. The circulation wear is evidence of that story. How did people remember Titus when they saw this portrait? What did he mean to the people of Rome? Was this coin a cherished keepsake or spent as soon as it was acquired?
Thinking about the story behind the
Coin is one important reason why I
Collect these coins.
Thanks again Brian

 

The photo actually looks exactly like a @zumbly product... I don’t suppose you bought that at Minotaur?

 

Bing bing bing! You win the prize. Unfortunately the prize is only the knowledge that you were correct.

 

Well, I love being right, so that's OK!

 

My friend you are truly a treasure.

 

I like the toning on this one:


Titus as Caesar, AD 69-79.
Roman AR Denarius, 3.27 g, 18.5 mm, 6 h.
Rome, AD 76.
Obv: T CAESAR IMP VESPASIAN, laureate head right.
Rev: COS V, Eagle standing front on garlanded altar, thunderbolt in claws, wings open, head left.
Refs: RIC.191a; RIC2.861; BMCRE 191; CBN 166; RSC.59a; RCV 2438.

 

Well, speaking of Titus with circulation wear, lol:


RI Titus 79-81 CE AR Denarius Sow piglets

 

This coin is part of the agrarian series for Vespasian. I like it.

 

Thanks for the order, @Orfew. I'm glad one of the Flavian connoisseurs here has seen fit to adopt it.

Too true!

 

Thanks @zumbly I am glad I could buy this from a fellow forum member! It will have a good home with me.