Rarest of the Gold Judaea Capta Issues

Triton XVI, Lot: 1060. Estimate $30000. Sold for $65000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Vespasian. AD 69-79. AV Aureus (17mm, 7.32 g, 6h). “Judaea Capta” commemorative. Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck circa AD 70-71. IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG TR P, laureate head right / TRIVMP • AVG in exergue, Vespasian, holding branch and eagle-tipped scepter, standing right in triumphal quadriga, horses prancing right; behind him in chariot car stands Victory crowning him with wreath; in front of the horses is a Jewish captive with bound hands escorted by a Roman soldier, looking back left and holding spear; in the background is a man standing right blowing a trumpet. RIC II 1127 (same rev. die as illustration); Lyon 17 (D46/R45); Hendin 1475 (same rev. die as illustration); Calicó 689a (same rev. die as illustration); BMCRE 397; BN 301 (same dies); Friedberg 136 (this coin, illustrated). Good VF, toned, traces of deposits. Extremely rare. The rarest of the gold Judaea Capta issues.

Of great historical importance, and extreme rarity, this issue is highly regarded for its detailed, compelling, and artistic reverse composition. This type commemorates the Flavian triumph, awarded to Vespasian and Titus by the Roman Senate, and celebrated in June AD 71. Spoils from the Temple in Jerusalem and many Jewish captives were paraded through the streets. Graphically depicting in miniature what onlookers would have witnessed on a larger scale, this aureus exhibits a procession scene, displaying a Jewish captive, hands bound, being pushed forward at a grueling pace by a Roman legionary, who turns to look at Vespasian. The triumph of Vespasian is further, clearly emphasized by Victory crowning Vespasian, the trumpeter heralding the news, the horses in triumphal step, and the legend in the exergue. A lively and dramatic scene.