The Flavian denarii struck at the mystery 'o' mint in Asia Minor are extremely coveted by collectors. The series is riddled with mint mules - none more unlikely than these two Domitian Caesar reverse types of Spes and Domitian Caesar on horseback paired with Vespasian. I am very pleased to share them here! Vespasian Mule AR Denarius, 3.06g Ephesus (?) mint, 76 AD Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r., 'o' mint mark below neck Rev: PRINCEPS IVVENTVT; Spes, draped, advancing l., holding up flower in r. hand and with l. holding up her skirt. RIC 1479 (R2). BMC 492. BNC -. RPC 1455 (2 spec.). RSC 393a. Ex Harlan J Berk, MBS 224, lot 124. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. A mysterious eastern mint struck a spate of denarii in 76 which copied many contemporary types from Rome, such as this common Rome mint Spes. Both RIC and RPC speculate the mint possibly could be Ephesus, citing a similar style with a previous Ephesian issue from 74 and the use of an annulet as a mint mark. The issue is extremely rare. This denarius is a mint mule erroneously combining a Domitian Caeasar Spes reverse with a Vespasian obverse. Mules, muddled titles (PRINCEPS IVVENTVT for Vespasian!), and various reverse types mixed between Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian are hallmarks of the series. These 'o' mint denarii are often confused with the issues from Rome, however, they can be distinguished by their superior style, large portraits, and an annulet (if visible) below the bust. Missing from the Paris collection. In hand. Vespasian Mule AR Denarius, 2.87g Ephesus (?) mint, 76 AD Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r., a small 'o' mint mark below neck Rev: No legend; Domitian on horse l.; r. hand raised, sceptre in l RIC 1480 (R3). BMC -. BNC -. RSC -. RPC -. Ex Harlan J Berk, MBS 224, lot 126. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. The infamous 'o' mint denarii struck for Vespasian, Titus Caesar, and Domitian Caesar are thought to have been minted at Ephesus due to a similar 'o' mint mark previously used at that mint. The types are the same as those struck somewhat contemporaneously at Rome. Mules are a hallmark of the series, perhaps indicating a lack of care in their production, although the style is generally quite fine. This Vespasian denarius features a reverse that was originally struck for Domitian Caesar at Rome. The variety is listed as unique in RIC (citing the Jack Benedict Coll. which shares the same dies), this is possibly the second known specimen. Although it is likely a mule combining an obverse of Vespasian with a reverse intended for Domitian, the type has yet to be attested for Domitian at this mint! An unusual oversight considering the type commemorates Domitian's role in the Jewish War Triumph of 71. In hand. As always, thanks for looking!
Nice coins David. Looks like you made out well in the recent HJB sale. I’m sure Curtis is glad to see a specialist pick these up.
I'm pretty excited to now be the owner of the Vespasian Spes mule denarius from Ephesus (or somewhere East) - thanks to this post, I was able to actually figure out what it was - so thank you @David Atherton. Here it is: Adding to my excitement, I believe it is a die-match to David's coin in the OP - mine is much more worn, but the elements I can see seem to match both obverse and reverse - note the laurel ties, big neck folds, reverse legend arrangement around Spes, etc.:
