AncientCoinnoisseur Posted July 21 · Member Share Posted July 21 Fake coin of Vespasian from the show "Those about to die" (probably made to resemble Anthony Hopkins) vs. my real denarius of Vespasian from 79 AD, the year the show is set in and in which the emperor died:   For the occasion, how about we show our Flavian Dynasty coins? 🙂 I'll start: Vespasian Denarius, 79 AD, 19.6mm, 3.17g. RIC II 1058. Obv: Laureate bust of Vespasian right - IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG (Imperator Caesar Vespasianus Augustus) Rev: Capricorn left. Below, globe - TR POT X COS VIIII (Tribunicia Potestas 10, Consul 9) This coin was minted the year of the Vesuvius eruption, the same year the emperor died and Titus took his place. The capricorn, half goat, half fish, was a symbol adopted by emperor Augustus. Apparently it was the sign under which he was conceived (instead of the one under which he was born), and the Flavian dynasty used many of those reverses to connect to the previous emperors and give legitimacy to their reign.  Titus Denarius, 80 AD, 18mm, 3.3g. RIC II 115. Obv: Laureate bust of Titus right - IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M (Imperator Titus Caesar Vespasianus Augustus Pontifex Maximus) Rev: Elephant (cuirassed?) left, walking on exergue line. Below, globe - TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P (Tribunicia Potestas 9, Imperium 15, Consul 8, Pater Patriae) The coin was minted the year of the inauguration of the Colosseum (Flavian Amphitheatre), and it features one of the animals that could be found there: an elephant. The games lasted for over 100 days.  Now I only need a Domitian. What denarius from him do you think is interesting / has a nice backstory, and why? 🙂 11 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrMonkeySwag96 Posted July 21 · Member Share Posted July 21 (edited) Vespasian: Â Titus: Â Domitian: Â Â Edited July 21 by MrMonkeySwag96 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parthicus Posted July 21 · Member Share Posted July 21 Let's get some bronze in here! Â How about a sestertius of Vespasian: Or an as of Domitian: Â 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edessa Posted July 21 · Supporter Share Posted July 21 (edited) Domitian as Caesar, AD 69-81. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.56g, 5h). Rome mint. Struck AD 76. Obv: CAESAR AVG F-DOMITIANVS; Laureate head of Domitian right. Rev: COS IIII; Pegasus standing right, raising left foreleg. Ref: RIC II.1 921. NGC Choice Very Fine, pleasant light toning. Ex Pegasi Auction 18 (1 Apr 2008), Lot 429. Ex Heritage Auction 232210 (9 Mar 2022), Lot 62232. Note from a CGB.fr auction of the same type: Domitian took his fourth consulship in 76, while his father took his seventh consulship and Titus the fifth. The representation of Pegasus is rare in imperial coinage. Some authors have wanted to see in it an association between Domitian and Bellerophon, the companion of the winged horse, and to compare Domitian to Perseus. Medusa, one of the three Gorgons, had the peculiarity of petrifying any human being who stared at her, Perseus cut off her head, and from her blood was born Pegasus, Bellerophon's winged horse. The Greek hero tamed the mythical horse, killed the Chimera, and triumphed over the Amazons. Edited July 21 by Edessa 9 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
expat Posted July 21 · Supporter Share Posted July 21 TITUS (79-81). Denarius. Rome. Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M. Laureate head right. Rev: TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P. Pulvinar (throne) of Jupiter and Juno: square seat, draped, with tassels, with triangular frame, on which are eight corn ears and one palmette. RIC² 124. Weight: 3.13 g. Diameter: 17 mm. (No longer my coin)    Domitian, AD 83., AE23 of Caesaria Maritima, Judea. 10.88 gr. 23mm IMP DOMITIANVS CAES AVG GERMANICVS, laureate head left / No legend, Minerva standing left, holding shield and spear, placing helmet on trophy consisting of cuirass, two shields and spears, two crossed greaves at bottom. Hendin 1455, Meshorer TJC 392, RPC II 2305, SNG ANS 492-494. Vespasian Denarius, Rome 72-73 AD. RIC 360, (RIC [1962] 50), RSC 574, BMC 71 SEAR 2316. 18mm, 3.19g. IMP CAES VESP AVG P M COS IIII, laureate head right / VES-TA to either side of Vesta standing left, holding simpulum & scepter. 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor Ancient Coin Hunter Posted July 21 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted July 21 A bit of a different tack here, Vespasianus from Alexandria. The legions based in Egypt were instrumental in his success. Vespasian (A.D. 69-79) Billon Tetradrachm of Alexandria, Egypt. 26mm 11.98 grams Obverse: Laureate bust right, LB in front (Year 2, 69-70 A.D.) AYTOK KAIΣ ΣEBA OYVEΣΠAΣIANOY Reverse: Nike Advancing Left, holding wreath and palm branch Reference: RPC 2412, Koln 276, Milne 393, BMCGr 236, Emmet 205.2, Dattari 360 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Romismatist Posted July 22 · Member Share Posted July 22 @David Atherton probably has a boatload of coins to show, many of them interesting and historical rarities. His collecting specialty is the Flavians. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CPK Posted July 22 · Supporter Share Posted July 22 9 hours ago, AncientCoinnoisseur said: Fake coin of Vespasian from the show "Those about to die" (probably made to resemble Anthony Hopkins) vs. my real denarius of Vespasian from 79 AD, the year the show is set in and in which the emperor died:   For the occasion, how about we show our Flavian Dynasty coins? 🙂 I'll start: Vespasian Denarius, 79 AD, 19.6mm, 3.17g. RIC II 1058. Obv: Laureate bust of Vespasian right - IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG (Imperator Caesar Vespasianus Augustus) Rev: Capricorn left. Below, globe - TR POT X COS VIIII (Tribunicia Potestas 10, Consul 9) This coin was minted the year of the Vesuvius eruption, the same year the emperor died and Titus took his place. The capricorn, half goat, half fish, was a symbol adopted by emperor Augustus. Apparently it was the sign under which he was conceived (instead of the one under which he was born), and the Flavian dynasty used many of those reverses to connect to the previous emperors and give legitimacy to their reign.  Titus Denarius, 80 AD, 18mm, 3.3g. RIC II 115. Obv: Laureate bust of Titus right - IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M (Imperator Titus Caesar Vespasianus Augustus Pontifex Maximus) Rev: Elephant (cuirassed?) left, walking on exergue line. Below, globe - TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P (Tribunicia Potestas 9, Imperium 15, Consul 8, Pater Patriae) The coin was minted the year of the inauguration of the Colosseum (Flavian Amphitheatre), and it features one of the animals that could be found there: an elephant. The games lasted for over 100 days.  Now I only need a Domitian. What denarius from him do you think is interesting / has a nice backstory, and why? 🙂 Nice coins (and I really like your photos!) If you're looking for an interesting denarius of Domitian, I've always liked this type with Germania in mourning. Though be warned, it is rare and generally pretty pricey! https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=3512357  1 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salomons Cat Posted July 22 · Member Share Posted July 22 The Flavians! Yes, let's show them. Â 5 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Atherton Posted July 22 · Member Share Posted July 22 48 minutes ago, Romismatist said: @David Atherton probably has a boatload of coins to show, many of them interesting and historical rarities. His collecting specialty is the Flavians. The coin depicted in the opening credits is copying a sestertius issue from 71, here's an example of the real deal.  Vespasian Æ Sestertius, 25.66g Rome mint, 71 AD Obv: IMP CAES VESPAS AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r. Rev: S C in field; Mars adv. r., with spear and trophy RIC 247 (C2). BMC 568. BNC 538. Acquired from CGB.fr, October 2022. Ex Chaponnière & Firmenich SA Auction 13, 16 May 2021, lot 296. From the P. J. H. D. collection formed between 1970 and 2000.  I absolutely love Those About to Die. Basically my whole life I've waited for some big production to depict the opening games of the Colosseum and take on the power dynamic between Titus and Domitian. And, having Sir Anthony Hopkins play Vespasian is icing on the cake! Is it Shakespeare? No, but it's sure fun to watch. The history is damn more accurate than what Gladiator ever attempted too. 4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AncientCoinnoisseur Posted July 22 · Member Author Share Posted July 22 4 hours ago, CPK said: Nice coins (and I really like your photos!) If you're looking for an interesting denarius of Domitian, I've always liked this type with Germania in mourning. Though be warned, it is rare and generally pretty pricey! https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=3512357  Ok, this is an absolutely phenomenal coin with both a stunning portrait and an amazing reverse. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to afford one like this one you posted, but it’s still remarkable. It hammered for 6k CHF at NAC in 2016: https://www.biddr.com/auctions/nac/browse?a=90&l=80003 I’m still in awe at that portrait, it could rival Greek portraits in terms of accuracy and realism. 3 hours ago, David Atherton said: The coin depicted in the opening credits is copying a sestertius issue from 71, here's an example of the real deal.  Vespasian Æ Sestertius, 25.66g Rome mint, 71 AD Obv: IMP CAES VESPAS AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r. Rev: S C in field; Mars adv. r., with spear and trophy RIC 247 (C2). BMC 568. BNC 538. Acquired from CGB.fr, October 2022. Ex Chaponnière & Firmenich SA Auction 13, 16 May 2021, lot 296. From the P. J. H. D. collection formed between 1970 and 2000.  I absolutely love Those About to Die. Basically my whole life I've waited for some big production to depict the opening games of the Colosseum and take on the power dynamic between Titus and Domitian. And, having Sir Anthony Hopkins play Vespasian is icing on the cake! Is it Shakespeare? No, but it's sure fun to watch. The history is damn more accurate than what Gladiator ever attempted too. Oh, that’s why I couldn’t find it, I was searching for a denarius and none had that legend!!! The colour from the intro confused me! BTW, I have only seen one episode, but so far I love it! (I’m not too focused on historical accuracy, given that it’s already a miracle we got this show!), and it’s so cool because I have a Vespasian denarius from 79 AD and a Titus denarius from 80 AD, the years of the show! (And they are my only two Flavian coins!). 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GERMANICVS Posted July 22 · Member Share Posted July 22 Flavians? , ok, let"s go. Vespasianus: The SPQR sestertius is ex Muenzhandlung Basel Sale of the Prinz Waldeck Collection, 1934, lot 344. The sestertius depicting Victoria inscribing on shield is considered part of the Judaea Capta series. This particular example is, as I understand it, very scarce with this reverse legend (one other example in the BMC).  4 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GERMANICVS Posted July 22 · Member Share Posted July 22 Here the eldest of Vespasian"s sons, Titus:Â Â Â 4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AETHER Posted July 23 · Member Share Posted July 23 Just watched the show, and took this screenshot from the last episode of season one. I think Titus might be a time traveler. Â 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dafydd Posted July 24 · Supporter Share Posted July 24 Â Here is a relatively common one but nice portrait IMHO. Vespasian, 69-79 Denarius circa 75, AR 19.5mm., 3.58g. IMP CAESAR # VESPASIANVS AVG Laureate head r. Rev. PON MAX # TR P COS VI Pax seated l., holding branch. C 366. BMC 161. RIC 772. CBN 139. Â 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Romancollector Posted July 24 · Member Share Posted July 24 (edited) I recently acquired two coins of Vespasian from the Wild Rose/Terence Cheesman collection. One is a denarius, the same type posted by OP. The second is a dupondius. Both are Sear plate coins. Â Â IMG_6513.HEIC Edited July 24 by Romancollector 6 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KentOldster Posted July 24 · Member Share Posted July 24 My only Vespasian, but a Boscoreale Aureus, so I am quite attached to it 🙂 - Biaggi 307, AD 70 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GERMANICVS Posted July 24 · Member Share Posted July 24 (edited) On 7/22/2024 at 2:54 AM, CPK said: Nice coins (and I really like your photos!) If you're looking for an interesting denarius of Domitian, I've always liked this type with Germania in mourning. Though be warned, it is rare and generally pretty pricey! https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=3512357  @CPKThat is a beautiful and scarce denarius, so full of symbolic. My heartfelt congratulations! Edited July 24 by GERMANICVS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GERMANICVS Posted July 24 · Member Share Posted July 24 Since this thread continues, I"ll now post my coins of Domitian. Â Â 3 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CPK Posted July 24 · Supporter Share Posted July 24 4 hours ago, GERMANICVS said: @CPKThat is a beautiful and scarce denarius, so full of symbolic. My heartfelt congratulations! Thanks, but I should have added that the coin isn't mine, I just pulled the nicest looking example I could find on ACSearch. 😉 I only wish I could afford a coin like that! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GERMANICVS Posted July 24 · Member Share Posted July 24 I forgot this sestertius of Domitian which was struck to commemorate his victory over the Germanic tribe of the Chatti. The Chatti are thought to have lived in what is now the State of Hessen, where I live, so this coins has both historical, as well as a sort of personal significance for me. The coin itself is unfortunately only in an average state of preservation, but in my opinion the bust is well executed. Â Â 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amarmur Posted July 24 · Member Share Posted July 24 My imperial coins of Titus. The most underrated emperor. The As is in my top ten favorite coins in my collection because of the portrait. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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