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Titus. AD 79-81. AR Denarius (18.5mm, 3.55 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck 1 January-30 June AD 80. Laureate head right / Filleted tripod surmounted by dolphin. RIC II.1 128; RSC 321. Lightly toned, faint hairlines. EF.
There are two different theories about the series of coins issued under Titus and Domitian during the first half of 80 AD which depict thrones, altars, and tripods with symbols related to the Roman pantheon of Gods. The first, known as the "atonement series", is that the coins were minted in response to the eruption of Vesuvius. It is known that Titus came to the aid of survivors and personally supported relief and rebuilding efforts around the Bay of Naples after the eruption.
The second theory is the coins represent objects placed around the newly opened Colosseum (Flavian Ampitheater) which was built with proceeds from the spoils of the Jewish war. This theory would indicate the Romans were thanking their multiple Gods for allowing them to defeat the "single God" Jews.
Whichever is the case, this is a very collectible set of denarii. The present example is perhaps the rarest in the series and is not often found this well struck and centered.
Ex Berk BBS 202 (26 October 2017), lot 183; Goldberg (5 June 2000), lot 3565.
Closing Date and Time: 4 October 2023 at 14:51:00 ET.
All winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer’s fee.
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