Just won this rare Vespasian denarius

So, I placed a bid before boarding a flight from Dublin to Munich. I arrived at my hotel a few minutes ago and realized I had won the lot I bid on. There are only 3 examples on acsearch, RIC II Part 1 rates it as the highest rarity "R3", and there is 1 on CNG but it is one of the three from acsearch. I really wanted one of these Vespasian denarii from the Ephesus mint. I love the look of it and cannot wait to have it in hand. And now since I am in Munich, I think I will go have a beer.


Roman Empire, Vespasian 69-79, Denarius, 3.24g: Obv: Laureate head of Vespasian right "IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS II TRPPP" Rev: "AVG" within an wreath, Phi-Alpha monogram above ties. "AVG" in the center. RIC 1414. Ephesos mint, Some roughness on the reverse. Ex Savoca Auction #9, lot 533 8/21/16, realized 350 Euro + buyer's fee

 

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You ought to have two because that is a really nice score! Just curious, was there a lot of competition?

 

I think there was some competition because it went for my maximum bid. I just might have that second beer a little later.

 

Haha well it's a wonderful coin. Love the bust & style.

 

When I acquired my specimen of the type in 2012 from Harry Sneh it was the third known example - the CNG coin and another in Vienna being the other two. When RIC II.1 was published in 2007 the Vienna coin was the only known specimen. The upcoming Addenda updates the frequency rating to R2 (very few known).

Congrats on acquiring such a rare denarius!

 

Thanks David. I really like the style of the portrait.

 

Yea, it's hard to beat those Ephesian engravers!

 

Awesome score Orfew!

 

Yeah-- the Ephesian Flavians shown on CoinTalk have prompted me to keep an eye out for them. The artistry is remarkable and the style is immediately identifiable. I'm on the lookout for one. Or two

Nice pickup, Orfew!

 

Thanks @Ajax

 

Thanks @TIF Yes they are special coins. I wish you luck in your search.

 

Damn, that's a nice one, Orfew. I don't need more coins to put on The List!

 

Wow! That is quite a distinctive coin. I don't recall seeing that reverse on any other denarius from any other emperor. Excellent catch!

 

What fantastic artistry!! And what a rare and exquisite reverse! HUGE CONGRATS!!!!

BTW: Have a third beer on me

 

Thanks @IdesOfMarch01 The portrait is very special, but it was the unusual reverse that sold me on the coin.

 

Thanks @Mikey Zee I thought it was a very special coin when I saw it come up for auction. I feel very lucky to have acquired it.

Thanks for the beer!

 

I'm going to drink a beer in honor of you sweet new coin!


It really is great, that wreath "AVG" is killer.

 

Thanks Chris, enjoy that beer.

 

Congratulations @Orfew ! What a great capture! Fantastic Denarius.

 

Exceptional portrait Orfew, great catch!