I just added a second Titus Spes within a month. She was a very popular reverse type with the Flavians, likely owing to the their dynastic ambitions. Titus Æ As, 11.25g Rome mint, 80-81 AD Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r. Rev: S C in field; Spes stg. l., with flower RIC 237 (C). BMC 216. BNC 220. Acquired from ANE, November 2019. Spes was a fairly common reverse type under Vespasian, connected to future dynastic hope and harmony. It continued to be struck by Titus and can be viewed as his hope for the future with his chosen heir Domitian. As Mattingly put it: '...the recurring types of Spes suggests that Titus gave Domitian full due as heir to the throne.' Suetonious would have us believe this public fraternal affection was a sham and Domitian did everything he could to plot against Titus. The Flavian historian Brian Jones speculates the brother's relationship was one of 'mutual indifference and ignorance' due to their age and personality differences. Regardless, as the numismatic evidence shows, Titus looked upon Domitian as his legitimate heir until his untimely natural death in mid September 81. A handsome specimen struck with a worn reverse die but in good style. Feel free to add your Spes to this space!
Nice new addition, David. Titus, As, Lugdunum, (28mm, 8.51g), Laureate head right, globe at point of bust / Spes advancing left, holding flower and raising hem of skirt. RIC II 1273 (Vespasian).
Nice one. I really like Spes as a reverse type, and the Flavians did them very well. I have a weird one - the legend seems to be a bit "off" with a "CAES VESPAS" legend. It served as jewelry or a talisman. Vespasian Æ As (75 or 76A.D.) Rome Mint IMP CAES VESPAS AVG COS [VI or VII ?], laureate head right / S-C, Spes standing left holding flower and hem of skirt. Holed planchet. RIC 816 (VI) or 894 (VII)? ("CAES VESPAS" var. ?) (9.89 grams / 26 mm)
That as has a lot of eye-appeal, @David Atherton ! Nice one! 75 years later, Spes is still walking left, holding a flower and raising the hem of her stola: 125 years later, Spes is still walking left, holding a flower and raising the hem of her stola: 200 years later, Spes is still walking left, holding a flower and raising the hem of her stola:
I suspect the uniformity of the design across the centuries is due to the type being based on a cult image of Spes. Interesting to see her in later ages!
