Description
Denomination: Hammered silver denarius
Period: Roman Imperial
Date: AD79
Origin: Rome mint
Condition: Fine, a scarce coin
Obverse: Head of Titus, laureate, right, IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN [AVG P M]
Reverse: Statue of radiate male (possibly Sol) on rostral column, holding spear and parazonium, TR P VIIII IMP XV COS VII P P
Size and Weight: 18mm, 3.4g
References: RIC II.2 Titus 46
Features and Provenance: Titus was the eldest son of Vespasian, born in AD39. He was a successful military leader and a key player in supressing the Jewish Revolt in 67, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem a year later. One of his considered good achievements, by modern standards, was the building of the Colosseum, the opening celebrations for which last a hundred days! He was also known for his generosity and his reign although short experienced at least three disasters: the eruption of mount Vesuvius that destroyed Pompeii and Herculaneum; there was also a plague that year; also a devastating fire in Rome; all of which brought out his best side, when he made great efforts to help those that suffered. He died in 81 at the age of 41, probably by natural causes but there is rumour that Domitian, that succeeded him, may have poisoned him. On a numismatic note: the rostral column commemorated victories at sea and the spars at the sides depicted the number of prows of the ships that were defeated.
Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades between
Uncirculated (U). As struck with no traces of wear
Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear. all parts of legend etc present. visible and clear
Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief. all parts of legend etc present. but maybe worn
Fine (F). Wear on the coin and parts of legend etc may be missing or not visible
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