Alexandria in that fateful summer during the Year of the Four Emperors struck a rare tetradrachm which basically announced Vespasian's intention to have Titus succeed him. Vespasian AR Tetradrachm, 11.86g Alexandria mint, 69 AD RPC 2405 (6 spec.) Obv: AYT TIT ΦΛAYI OYEΣΠAΣIAN KAIΣ; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r., date LA before neck Rev: ΦΛΑΥΙ ΟΥΕΣΠΑΣΙΑΝΟΣ ΚΑΙΣ; laureate and cuirassed bust of Titus, r. Acquired from Heritage Auctions (eBay), May 2017. Struck in July/August 69, this is the rarest tetradrachm type for Vespasian's regnal year one at Alexandria. The reverse featuring Titus Caesar is no doubt a nod to both his importance as Vespasian's heir and his new role as supreme commander of the legions suppressing the Jewish Revolt. On a personal note: This coin was originally offered on Vcoins at four times the price I eventually won it at on eBay. Patience paid off. Oh, and it was slabbed - which, needless to say, isn't the case now.
Great buy David Atherton, I have been looking for one myself but no luck to this stage, as the only Alexandrian Tets that interest me are that 69 AD issues. I envy you congrats!
VERY NICE!!! I love coins with such distinctive historic significance....especially the Alexandria Tets!
Very nice @David Atherton ! You are racking up some fantastic captures! Congrats on this Rare / Big Fish!
I really do love these coins struck in 69 before Vespasian was confirmed by the Senate in Rome. If it had gone the other way and Vitellius won the Second Battle of Cremona, Vespasian would be regarded today as a usurper and the above coin would fetch vastly more at auction.
