Hi everyone, Just thought I'd share two recent Flavian acquisitions today. Vespasian (69-79 AD) AE Dupondius Date: AD 76 Obv: IMP CAES VESP AVG P M T P COS VII, radiate head right. Rev: FELICITAS PVBLICA S-C, Felicitas standing left, holding caduceus and cornucopiae. Diameter: 27.5mm Weight: 12.67 grams Mint: Rome RIC II 887 Ex: CNG, Benito Collection Vespasian (69-79 AD) AR Denarius Date: AD 77-78 Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head right. Rev: COS VIII, Prow right, star of eight rays above. Diameter: 18.5mm Weight: 3.28 grams Mint: Rome RIC II 941 Ex: CGB Numismatics This was my first purchase from CGB and I am very happy with it. Shipping was inexpensive (Fedex) and I received it within two days (France to Canada) with no additional costs. My shipments from the U.S. (via Fedex) usually take longer and are more expensive. The buyer's fee is also relatively low. For anyone that hasn't already purchased from CGB, I would highly recommend it! Feel free to post anything you feel is relevant (Flavian related)!
Nice coins. Here's a Vespasian: Vespasian (A.D. 69-79) Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. 26mm 11.98 grams Obverse: Laureate bust right, LB in front (Year 2, 69-70 A.D.) AYTOK KAIΣ ΣEBA OYVEΣΠAΣIANOY Reverse: Nike Advancing Left, holding wreath and palm branch Reference: RPC 2412, Koln 276, Milne 393, BMCGr 236, Emmet 205.2, Dattari 360
Excellent additions (and photographs)!! A few Flavians... Vespasian, 69 - 79 AD AE Sestertius, Rome Mint, 32mm, 22.53 grams Obverse: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS VII, Laureate head of Vespasian left. Reverse: PAX AVGVSTI S C, Pax standing left holding branch and cornucopia. Domitian, 81 - 96 AD AE Sestertius, Rome Mint, 35mm, 30.75 grams Obverse: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GER M COS XIII CENS PER P P, Laureate head of Domitian right. Reverse: IOVI VICTORI S C, Jupiter seated left holding Victory and scepter Titus AE As. AD 80. IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII, laureate head left / PAX AVGVST S-C, Pax standing left, holding branch and caduceus.
The bust of Domitian has the counter mark of Athena on the neck. Large SC within wreath on reverse of this coin. Antioch.
My Felicitas Publica dupondius is not nearly as nice as the OP coin but brings up a matter I find interesting. The dupondius was marked as a double denomination by a radiate crown which allow easy separation from its half, the as. When new, the two denominations were distinguished by the color of their metals but patina now obscures the red copper and yellow orichalcum. Vespasian was unusual when he issued some dupondii with a laurel wreath instead of a radiate crown. My example with Fides Publica reverse is not a very good looking coin but was selected for its lack of patina allowing us to see the yellow metal. Does anyone else have a laurel wreath on a dupondius? Also note that Caesars and Augustae were not shown with radiate crowns so the metal color is our best hope for separating the denomination.
Even though it was labelled a dupondius, I mistakenly assumed it was an As when I bought it. AE Dupondius Date: AD 74 Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVG, laureate head right. Rev: PON MAX TR POT P P COS V CENS, winged caduceus between two crossed cornucopiae. Diameter: 27mm Weight: 13.17 grams Mint: Rome, possibly for use in Syria RIC II 756 Ex: CNG