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<p>[QUOTE="David Atherton, post: 2947533, member: 82616"]2017 was a very busy coining year for me. While it may not have had the peaks of 2016 (the year I received my favourite coin), it certainly made up for that in the shear number of 'grail' acquisitions. Plus, in 2017 I researched in minute detail a few issues (eagle on base, early transition portraits of Vespasian) that are not even represented in the Top Ten list. Oh, how I wish I could do a Top Fifty!</p><p><br /></p><p>I tried to order them from least to greatest.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>10.</b></p><p><b>[ATTACH=full]719271[/ATTACH] </b></p><p><b>Vespasian</b></p><p>AR Denarius, 3.29g</p><p>Rome mint, 69-70 AD</p><p>RIC 1397 (R). BMC p. 89,†. RSC 291. RPC 807 (5 spec.).</p><p>Obv: IMP CAES VESPAS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.</p><p>Rev: PACI ORB TERR AVG; Turreted and draped female bust, r.</p><p>Acquired from NB Numismatics, March 2017. Ex VAuctions 292 (Imperial Coins), 6 December 2012, lot 130.</p><p><br /></p><p>This particular denarius has a peculiarly crude style compared with other Ephesian denarii. RIC II.1 authors Carradice and Buttrey comment about this coin in the introduction on p. 8 - 'a recent example seen in trade (Imperial Coins 2004) had the correct legend (and good weight for a denarius, at 3.29g) but a very different, inferior style on both the obverse and reverse. Is such a coin a barbarous imitation, or simply the product of a less able die-engraver employed at the start of a mint's output?'</p><p><br /></p><p>I had my eye on this denarius for 12 years, following it through various coin venues and dealers. In 2017 I made it my own.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>9.</b></p><p>[ATTACH=full]719276[/ATTACH]<b>Vespasian</b></p><p>AR Denarius, 3.07g</p><p>Ephesus mint, 70 AD</p><p>RIC 1412A (R3), BMC - . RSC - . RPC - .</p><p>Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS II TR P P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.</p><p>Rev: PACI AVGVSTAE; Victory adv. r., with wreath and palm; at lower r., horizontal Φ</p><p>Acquired from Munthandel G Henzen, February 2017.</p><p><br /></p><p>A previously unknown type for Vespasian's Ephesian denarii dated COS II (group 3). It is not often that a new reverse type appears for such a well documented issue! I alerted Ted Buttrey about the coin and he has assigned it as RIC 1412A in the upcoming RIC II Addenda.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>8.</b></p><p><b>[ATTACH=full]719277[/ATTACH] </b></p><p><b>Vespasian</b></p><p>AR Denarius, 3.28g</p><p>Ephesus (?) mint, 76 AD</p><p>RIC 1477A (R3). BMC - . RSC - . RPC - .</p><p>Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r., a small 'o' mint mark below neck</p><p>Rev: PON MAX TR P COS VII (from high l.); Winged caduceus</p><p>Acquired from eBay, April 2017.</p><p><br /></p><p>Another new variant discovery. This time it is a unique specimen of the caduceus type from the rare and mysterious 'o' mint. This rare variant has the reverse legend starting from the upper left, all other known examples start from the lower right. I informed Ted Buttrey of the coin and he has assigned it 1477A in the upcoming RIC II.1 Addenda.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>7.</b></p><p><b>[ATTACH=full]719280[/ATTACH] </b></p><p><b>Domitian Caesar</b></p><p>AR Cistophorus, 10.77g</p><p>Rome mint (for Asia), 80-81 AD</p><p>RIC T517 (R). BMC T150. RSC 95. RPC 862 (6 spec.).</p><p>Obv: DIVI F DOMITIANVS COS VII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.</p><p>Rev: DIVO VESP across field; Altar shrine</p><p>Acquired from NumisCorner, July 2017.</p><p><br /></p><p>A fairly scarce Domitian Caesar cistophorus struck under Titus. The reverse honours the divine Vespasian and shows what catalogues have traditionally called a 'large altar' - in fact what the reverse depicts is a shrine in the shape of an altar. The doors, columns, and steps are strong evidence that what we are seeing is a building and not an altar. How the shrine related to the Temple of the Divine Vespasian is unknown.</p><p><br /></p><p>A fantastic piece in hand!</p><p><br /></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>6.</b></p><p><b>[ATTACH=full]719282[/ATTACH] </b></p><p><b>Domitian</b></p><p>AR Didrachm, 6.38g</p><p>Rome mint (for Cappadocia), 93-94 AD</p><p>RPC 1666 (18 spec.).</p><p>Obv: AYT KAI ΔOMITIANOC CЄBACTOC ΓЄPM; Head of Domitian, laureate, r.</p><p>Rev : No legend; emperor in quadriga, r., holding laurel branch in r. hand, sceptre in l. hand</p><p>Ex Lanz, eBay, November 2017.</p><p><br /></p><p>The pronounced 'Roman' style and six o'clock die axis are clear evidence it was produced in Rome for circulation in the province. Remarkably, this reverse is the only instance of Domitian in a quadriga that was struck in silver for either the imperial or provincial issues.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>5.</b></p><p><b>[ATTACH=full]719286[/ATTACH] </b></p><p><b>Vespasian Mule</b></p><p>AR Denarius, 3.22g</p><p>Rome Mint, 77-78 AD</p><p>RIC 944 (R3, this coin). BMC - . RSC - .</p><p>Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.</p><p>Rev: COS VI in ex.; Pair of Oxen, under yoke, l.</p><p>Acquired from Celeste Jones Mining, April 2017. Ex CGB Monnaies 21, 18 June 2004, lot 2387.</p><p><br /></p><p>A unique mint mule specimen with an obverse of Vespasian combined with a reverse from Titus Caesar's parallel issue. Vespasian was COS VIII when the coin was struck in 77/78, so the reverse title is quite impossible. This specimen is cited in RIC, apparently the only one recorded.</p><p><br /></p><p>In any other year this grail would have ranked much higher on the list.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>4.</b></p><p><b>[ATTACH=full]719292[/ATTACH] </b></p><p><b>Vespasian</b></p><p>AR Denarius, 3.59g</p><p>Antioch mint, 72-73 AD</p><p>RIC 1547 (R2). BMC 498. RSC 588. RPC 1921 (2 spec.).</p><p>Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.</p><p>Rev: VICTORIA AVG; Victory stg. r., on globe, with wreath and palm</p><p>Ex Nomos Obolos 7, 9 July 2017, lot 313.</p><p><br /></p><p>An exceptionally rare denarius from Antioch - it is only the eighth known specimen (the others are: BM, Vienna, Tom Cederlind 2007, Helios 4, Gemini X, CNG E339, Lanz eBay 2017). This left facing portrait is unique in the Antiochene denarius issues, as well as the only appearance of Victory on globe in the series. Butcher and Ponting's metal analysis of the type found a silver bullion content of 99% - a remarkable level of fineness for an imperial or provincial issue at that time.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>3.</b></p><p><b>[ATTACH=full]719296[/ATTACH] </b></p><p><b>Vespasian</b></p><p>AR Denarius, 2.89g</p><p>Rome Mint, 75 AD</p><p>RIC 773 (R3). BMC - . RSC - .</p><p>Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, bare, l.</p><p>Rev: PON MAX TR P COS VI; Pax, bare to the waist, seated l., holding branch extended in r. hand, l. hand on lap</p><p>Acquired from eBay, November 2017.</p><p><br /></p><p>The bare head left portraits are seen sparingly (Buttrey - 'Fleetingly') on the denarii of Vespasian in 75 and 76 exclusively with the seated Pax reverse. This denarius is the second known specimen of the exceedingly rare bare head COS VI Pax from 75.</p><p><br /></p><p>Another grail coin!</p><p><br /></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>2.</b></p><p><b>[ATTACH=full]719298[/ATTACH] </b></p><p><b>Domitian</b></p><p>AR Denarius, 2.73g</p><p>Rome mint, 95-96 AD</p><p>RIC 816 (R2). BMC 243. RSC 175.</p><p>Obv: DOMITIANVS AVG GERM; Head of Domitian, bare, bearded, r.</p><p>Rev: Temple, eight columns, seated figure in centre; IMP CAESAR on architrave</p><p>Ex Private Collection.</p><p><br /></p><p>Domitian struck a rare undated issue of denarii depicting five different temples. Based on portrait style and the fact that Domitian's moneyers were experimenting with new reverse designs after 94, the issue has been dated to either 95 or 96. Needless to say it is a fantastically rare piece! The eight column type may be the scarcest of the temple group, considering I have located only two other examples in trade over the last 15 years. The other two coins (OldRomanCoins 2002, HJB 145, lot 265) are obverse die matches with mine. Oddly, some specimens (BM 234 for example) lack IMP CAESAR on the architrave.</p><p><br /></p><p>2017 will be fondly remembered because of this coin. Wow.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>1.</b></p><p><b>[ATTACH=full]719300[/ATTACH] </b></p><p><b>Titus</b></p><p>AR Cistophorus, 10.55g</p><p>Rome mint (for Asia), 80-81 AD</p><p>RIC 516 (R). BMC 149. RSC 398. RPC 861 (4 spec.).</p><p>Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.</p><p>Rev: Aquila between two standards, one surmounted by a banner, the other by a hand</p><p>Ex CNG E400, 28 June 2017, lot 609.</p><p><br /></p><p>A small issue of Asian cistophori were struck under Titus in 80 or 81 AD. Style and the six o'clock die axis point to Rome as the likely mint. Two types were coined for Titus - Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus and Aquila between two standards. These are the only coins of Titus that are identifiable as being struck after the fire of 80 since one of the types commemorates the restoration of the Capitoline Temple. The issue continued into Domitian's reign with the same two reverse types. The fact that Titus' cistophori are much rarer than those of Domitian may indicate they were struck near the end of Titus' reign in 81 rather than 80. The aquila between two standards copies similar reverse types from Nero's denarii and the bronze of Galba. The portraits on Titus' cistophori are in the same style as his pulvinaria denarii.</p><p><br /></p><p>The lone Titus to make the list, but oh what a coin! The best grail acquisition of the year.</p><p><br /></p><p>2018 will have a tough time beating this list.</p><p><br /></p><p>Happy New Year coin friends![/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>
[QUOTE="David Atherton, post: 2947533, member: 82616"]2017 was a very busy coining year for me. While it may not have had the peaks of 2016 (the year I received my favourite coin), it certainly made up for that in the shear number of 'grail' acquisitions. Plus, in 2017 I researched in minute detail a few issues (eagle on base, early transition portraits of Vespasian) that are not even represented in the Top Ten list. Oh, how I wish I could do a Top Fifty! I tried to order them from least to greatest. [B]10. [ATTACH=full]719271[/ATTACH] Vespasian[/B] AR Denarius, 3.29g Rome mint, 69-70 AD RIC 1397 (R). BMC p. 89,†. RSC 291. RPC 807 (5 spec.). Obv: IMP CAES VESPAS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r. Rev: PACI ORB TERR AVG; Turreted and draped female bust, r. Acquired from NB Numismatics, March 2017. Ex VAuctions 292 (Imperial Coins), 6 December 2012, lot 130. This particular denarius has a peculiarly crude style compared with other Ephesian denarii. RIC II.1 authors Carradice and Buttrey comment about this coin in the introduction on p. 8 - 'a recent example seen in trade (Imperial Coins 2004) had the correct legend (and good weight for a denarius, at 3.29g) but a very different, inferior style on both the obverse and reverse. Is such a coin a barbarous imitation, or simply the product of a less able die-engraver employed at the start of a mint's output?' I had my eye on this denarius for 12 years, following it through various coin venues and dealers. In 2017 I made it my own. [B] 9.[/B] [ATTACH=full]719276[/ATTACH][B]Vespasian[/B] AR Denarius, 3.07g Ephesus mint, 70 AD RIC 1412A (R3), BMC - . RSC - . RPC - . Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS II TR P P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r. Rev: PACI AVGVSTAE; Victory adv. r., with wreath and palm; at lower r., horizontal Φ Acquired from Munthandel G Henzen, February 2017. A previously unknown type for Vespasian's Ephesian denarii dated COS II (group 3). It is not often that a new reverse type appears for such a well documented issue! I alerted Ted Buttrey about the coin and he has assigned it as RIC 1412A in the upcoming RIC II Addenda. [B] 8. [ATTACH=full]719277[/ATTACH] Vespasian[/B] AR Denarius, 3.28g Ephesus (?) mint, 76 AD RIC 1477A (R3). BMC - . RSC - . RPC - . Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r., a small 'o' mint mark below neck Rev: PON MAX TR P COS VII (from high l.); Winged caduceus Acquired from eBay, April 2017. Another new variant discovery. This time it is a unique specimen of the caduceus type from the rare and mysterious 'o' mint. This rare variant has the reverse legend starting from the upper left, all other known examples start from the lower right. I informed Ted Buttrey of the coin and he has assigned it 1477A in the upcoming RIC II.1 Addenda. [B] 7. [ATTACH=full]719280[/ATTACH] Domitian Caesar[/B] AR Cistophorus, 10.77g Rome mint (for Asia), 80-81 AD RIC T517 (R). BMC T150. RSC 95. RPC 862 (6 spec.). Obv: DIVI F DOMITIANVS COS VII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r. Rev: DIVO VESP across field; Altar shrine Acquired from NumisCorner, July 2017. A fairly scarce Domitian Caesar cistophorus struck under Titus. The reverse honours the divine Vespasian and shows what catalogues have traditionally called a 'large altar' - in fact what the reverse depicts is a shrine in the shape of an altar. The doors, columns, and steps are strong evidence that what we are seeing is a building and not an altar. How the shrine related to the Temple of the Divine Vespasian is unknown. A fantastic piece in hand! [B] 6. [ATTACH=full]719282[/ATTACH] Domitian[/B] AR Didrachm, 6.38g Rome mint (for Cappadocia), 93-94 AD RPC 1666 (18 spec.). Obv: AYT KAI ΔOMITIANOC CЄBACTOC ΓЄPM; Head of Domitian, laureate, r. Rev : No legend; emperor in quadriga, r., holding laurel branch in r. hand, sceptre in l. hand Ex Lanz, eBay, November 2017. The pronounced 'Roman' style and six o'clock die axis are clear evidence it was produced in Rome for circulation in the province. Remarkably, this reverse is the only instance of Domitian in a quadriga that was struck in silver for either the imperial or provincial issues. [B] 5. [ATTACH=full]719286[/ATTACH] Vespasian Mule[/B] AR Denarius, 3.22g Rome Mint, 77-78 AD RIC 944 (R3, this coin). BMC - . RSC - . Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l. Rev: COS VI in ex.; Pair of Oxen, under yoke, l. Acquired from Celeste Jones Mining, April 2017. Ex CGB Monnaies 21, 18 June 2004, lot 2387. A unique mint mule specimen with an obverse of Vespasian combined with a reverse from Titus Caesar's parallel issue. Vespasian was COS VIII when the coin was struck in 77/78, so the reverse title is quite impossible. This specimen is cited in RIC, apparently the only one recorded. In any other year this grail would have ranked much higher on the list. [B] 4. [ATTACH=full]719292[/ATTACH] Vespasian[/B] AR Denarius, 3.59g Antioch mint, 72-73 AD RIC 1547 (R2). BMC 498. RSC 588. RPC 1921 (2 spec.). Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l. Rev: VICTORIA AVG; Victory stg. r., on globe, with wreath and palm Ex Nomos Obolos 7, 9 July 2017, lot 313. An exceptionally rare denarius from Antioch - it is only the eighth known specimen (the others are: BM, Vienna, Tom Cederlind 2007, Helios 4, Gemini X, CNG E339, Lanz eBay 2017). This left facing portrait is unique in the Antiochene denarius issues, as well as the only appearance of Victory on globe in the series. Butcher and Ponting's metal analysis of the type found a silver bullion content of 99% - a remarkable level of fineness for an imperial or provincial issue at that time. [B] 3. [ATTACH=full]719296[/ATTACH] Vespasian[/B] AR Denarius, 2.89g Rome Mint, 75 AD RIC 773 (R3). BMC - . RSC - . Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, bare, l. Rev: PON MAX TR P COS VI; Pax, bare to the waist, seated l., holding branch extended in r. hand, l. hand on lap Acquired from eBay, November 2017. The bare head left portraits are seen sparingly (Buttrey - 'Fleetingly') on the denarii of Vespasian in 75 and 76 exclusively with the seated Pax reverse. This denarius is the second known specimen of the exceedingly rare bare head COS VI Pax from 75. Another grail coin! [B] 2. [ATTACH=full]719298[/ATTACH] Domitian[/B] AR Denarius, 2.73g Rome mint, 95-96 AD RIC 816 (R2). BMC 243. RSC 175. Obv: DOMITIANVS AVG GERM; Head of Domitian, bare, bearded, r. Rev: Temple, eight columns, seated figure in centre; IMP CAESAR on architrave Ex Private Collection. Domitian struck a rare undated issue of denarii depicting five different temples. Based on portrait style and the fact that Domitian's moneyers were experimenting with new reverse designs after 94, the issue has been dated to either 95 or 96. Needless to say it is a fantastically rare piece! The eight column type may be the scarcest of the temple group, considering I have located only two other examples in trade over the last 15 years. The other two coins (OldRomanCoins 2002, HJB 145, lot 265) are obverse die matches with mine. Oddly, some specimens (BM 234 for example) lack IMP CAESAR on the architrave. 2017 will be fondly remembered because of this coin. Wow. [B] 1. [ATTACH=full]719300[/ATTACH] Titus[/B] AR Cistophorus, 10.55g Rome mint (for Asia), 80-81 AD RIC 516 (R). BMC 149. RSC 398. RPC 861 (4 spec.). Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r. Rev: Aquila between two standards, one surmounted by a banner, the other by a hand Ex CNG E400, 28 June 2017, lot 609. A small issue of Asian cistophori were struck under Titus in 80 or 81 AD. Style and the six o'clock die axis point to Rome as the likely mint. Two types were coined for Titus - Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus and Aquila between two standards. These are the only coins of Titus that are identifiable as being struck after the fire of 80 since one of the types commemorates the restoration of the Capitoline Temple. The issue continued into Domitian's reign with the same two reverse types. The fact that Titus' cistophori are much rarer than those of Domitian may indicate they were struck near the end of Titus' reign in 81 rather than 80. The aquila between two standards copies similar reverse types from Nero's denarii and the bronze of Galba. The portraits on Titus' cistophori are in the same style as his pulvinaria denarii. The lone Titus to make the list, but oh what a coin! The best grail acquisition of the year. 2018 will have a tough time beating this list. Happy New Year coin friends![/QUOTE]
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