Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 359 9 September 2015
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Titus. AD 79-81. Æ Sestertius (32mm, 23.12 g, 7h). Rome mint. Struck AD 80. View of the Flavian Amphitheater (The Colosseum) from the southeast, seen from aerial perspective and containing imperial box; porticus of the Baths of Titus to left, Meta Sudans to right / IMP [T CAES VESP AVG P] M TR P P P COS VIII, S C across field, Titus seated left on curule chair, with arm across lap, holding branch in outstretched hand; around, helmets, shields, and cuirass. RIC II 185; Elkins Type B, 3 (A2/P3). Fine, brown surfaces, some red encrustation and cleaning damage to the reverse. Very rare and of great historical interest.
Duplicate from the Collection of M. A. Armstrong. Ex Spink 121 (7 October 1997), lot 182.
This sestertius offers a bird's eye view of the most famous landmark of ancient Rome. Construction on the Colosseum began in AD 71 during the reign of Vespasian, and dedication ceremonies were held in 75 after the completion of the first three stories. In 80, the remaining two stories were completed, and new dedication ceremonies were conducted in June, celebrated on this sestertius of Titus. Elkins, in his recent article on these pieces, argues that they were commemorative pieces distributed by Imperial munificence at games held in the Colosseum.
Duplicate from the Collection of M. A. Armstrong. Ex Spink 121 (7 October 1997), lot 182.
This sestertius offers a bird's eye view of the most famous landmark of ancient Rome. Construction on the Colosseum began in AD 71 during the reign of Vespasian, and dedication ceremonies were held in 75 after the completion of the first three stories. In 80, the remaining two stories were completed, and new dedication ceremonies were conducted in June, celebrated on this sestertius of Titus. Elkins, in his recent article on these pieces, argues that they were commemorative pieces distributed by Imperial munificence at games held in the Colosseum.