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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;David Atherton, post: 2596891, member: 82616&quot;]I like seeking out overlooked variants. My latest purchase seems to fall into that category.</p><p><br /></p><p>[ATTACH=full]566126[/ATTACH] <b>Titus Caesar</b></p><p>AR Denarius, 3.45g</p><p>Rome Mint, 76 AD</p><p>RIC V873 (R2), BMC p. 36 note, RSC 60</p><p>Obv: T CAESAR IMP VESPASIANVS; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.</p><p>Rev: COS V across field; Eagle, stg. front on garlanded altar, wings open, head l.</p><p><br /></p><p>The common eagle and altar type was struck for both Vespasian and Titus Caesar. Here is a very scarce left facing portrait example of the type. However, what interested me about this coin was the reverse, not just the rare obverse. What isn&#039;t noted in the references and catalogues is the fact this type comes in two variants - one with eagle clutching a thunderbolt in its talons and another lacking a thunderbolt. RIC generically describes the reverse as eagle with &#039;thunderbolt in claws&#039;, so this coin without thunderbolt should be regarded as a variant. I have another example of this type clearly showing the eagle clutching a thunderbolt. Those coins missing a thunderbolt actually seem to be a bit more common.</p><p><br /></p><p>Here is my other example with eagle clutching thunderbolt for comparison.</p><p><br /></p><p>[ATTACH=full]566127[/ATTACH]</p><p><br /></p><p>I&#039;m at a loss to explain the reason for the difference. Perhaps the two variations are the result of nothing more than an engraver&#039;s whim? Or are we looking at different workshops operating within the mint? IMHO, the difference is substantial enough to be noted. After all, lesser variations of other types have been assigned their own catalogue numbers! I purchased the coin in the belief the distinction is indeed important.</p><p><br /></p><p>Feel free to post your eagles, with or without thunderbolts.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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