Vespasian’s “Judaea Capta” Series

CNG 84, Lot: 976. Estimate $750. Sold for $1600. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Vespasian. AD 69-79. AR Denarius (18mm, 2.81 g, 6h). “Judaea Capta” commemorative. Rome mint. Struck AD 69-70. Laureate head right / IVDAEA, trophy; at base to right, Jewess, in attitude of mourning, seated right. RIC II 2; Hendin 759; RSC 226. Good VF, toned. Well struck for issue.

From the Patrick H.C. Tan Collection.

When Vespasian was proclaimed emperor by the legions in the East in AD 69, he left his son Titus to quell the Jewish uprising led by the Zealots, John of Gischala and Simon bar Giora. Titus accomplished the task in 70 AD, and in the following year, Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian celebrated a splendid triumph in Rome. Several different reverse types were employed on the coinage of the Flavians at all mints to commemorate the triumph, and these reappeared on various occasions in subsequent issues under Vespasian and Titus. The most common motifs are Victory, a military trophy, the emperor, a palm tree (representing the Province of Judaea), and one or two captives (usually a seated female in an attitude of mourning).