Continuing the discussion @Valentinian brought up in this thread https://www.cointalk.com/threads/details-make-a-difference.289169/ ... here is another (minor?) difference I think worthy of mention. I earlier discussed the Titus Caesar version of the eagle on altar type and how it is seen both with the eagle clutching a thunderbolt and without thunderbolt. https://www.cointalk.com/threads/titus-as-caesar-a-vexing-variant.288127/#post-2597735 Recently I acquired a Vespasian example of the type without thunderbolt. Vespasian AR Denarius, 3.08g Rome Mint, 76 AD RIC 847 (C2), BMC 180, RSC 121 Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r. Rev: COS VII across field; Eagle with wings spread, standing front on low garlanded base, head l. Here is my other example with thunderbolt. Vespasian AR Denarius, 3.21g Rome Mint, 76 AD RIC 847 (C2), BMC 180, RSC 121 Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r. Rev: COS VII across field; Eagle with wings spread, standing front on low garlanded base, thunderbolt in claws, head l. RIC describes this type as eagle with thunderbolt in claws, however, it is much more commonly seen without thunderbolt. Oddly, there is no mention of the two different variants in the catalogue. Would you pay a premium for the scarcer second type?
It's not a fair question because one coin is in F grade and the other one is easily XF, so yeah, I would pay more for the XF regardless of thunderbolt. But if the condition was the same or similar between both coins, no, I would not pay more for the thunderbolt.
I suppose I wasn't clear enough (now edited). The hypothetical question would apply to two coins in similar condition. And I agree with you, the type with thunderbolt is more desirable!
Probably not to answer your question @David Atherton. But then, I'm not a specialist in Flavians like you. I'd bet you might pay the premium.
I think it's safe to bet that most specialists will pay a premium of some sort due to them knowing how many may be seen on the market where someone who just wants the type, it don't matter. Honestly comparing the varieties is like u.s collectors buying coins with a Morgan dollar reverse arrow pointing one way then normal or extra large cent having an extra berry. Depends on the buyer. Like me, I have actually paid more for an ancient cause it weighs more then usual of a type. Most here don't care but it's actually one of my quirks.
