An Exceptional Dynastic Drachm

5701891.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Vespasian, with Titus as Caesar. AD 69-79. Æ Drachm (34mm, 27.97 g, 12h). Dated RY 8 (AD 75/6). ΑΥΤΟΚ ΚΑΙΣ ΣΕΒΑ • ΟΥΕΣΠΑΣΙΑΝΟΥ, laureate head of Vespasian right; L H (date) below chin / ΑΥΤΟΚΡΑΤΩΡ • ΤΙΤΟΣ • ΚΑΙΣΑΡ, laureate head of Titus right. Köln 307; Dattari (Savio) 350-1; K&G 20.54; RPC II 2448; Emmett 209.8 (R3). Brown patina with spots of red, cleaning marks. EF. Well centered and struck, two exceptional portraits. Likely the finest known, superior to those recorded in RPC.

This dynastic issue with busts of Vespasian and Titus was struck in the drachm denomination for only years 8 and 9 of Vespasian’s reign.