Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction XII 29 September 2016
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Titus, as Caesar, Æ Dupondius. Rome, 1 July AD 72-30 June AD 73. T CAESAR VESPASIAN IMP IIII PON TR POT III COS II, radiate head right / FELICITAS PVBLICA, Felicitas standing left, holding caduceus and cornucopiae; S-C across fields. RIC 504, citing two known specimens (in Paris and Vienna); BMC -; C. -. 13.63g, 28mm, 6h.
Good Extremely Fine. An imperial bronze of truly exceptional quality.
Ex Numismatik Lanz 150, 13 December 2010, lot 150.
Having been hailed emperor by the legions under his command while in the field, Titus' father Vespasian departed Judaea to return to Rome and claim the throne from the usurper Vitellius, who had meanwhile already deposed Otho, second of the four emperors to rule Rome in the year AD 69. Vespasian had led a successful campaign to restore order in the province after the disastrous attempts by the legate of Syria, Cestius Gallus, who had suffered a defeat considered to be the worst the Roman military had been subjected to by a rebel province throughout its history. Titus was thus charged with concluding the war, having been left in a strong position by his father, with the remaining rebel factions largely cut off within the city of Jerusalem.
Against his father's designs, Titus resolved to besiege the city and over seven months in AD 70 he completely circumvallated it with a permanent army camp. Eventually breaching the walls, the city was ransacked, burnt and the treasures from the Temple were carried off. Depicted on the Arch of Titus on the Via Sacra in Rome, built by Domitian after his brother's death, these same treasures were carried into Rome as part of the Triumph that Titus celebrated on his successful return in AD 71.
Struck shortly after the suppression of the uprising in Judaea and his triumphant return to Rome to take his place as Caesar beside his father, the depiction of the goddess Felicitas on the reverse of this magnificent coin is highly appropriate for Titus at this time. Reinforced by the wonderfully detailed attributes she carries, with peace symbolised by the caduceus and plenty brought by the cornucopiae, Felicitas personified the luck, blessedness and happiness of the successful general, while the use of the epithet Publica more specifically highlighted the prosperity of the Roman people that he had helped to enhance. Looking very much his father's son, the obverse portrait gives us a vigorous impression of Titus and shows him to be strong, robust and in the prime of life, qualities very important to highlight as held by the men of the fledgling Flavian Dynasty.
Good Extremely Fine. An imperial bronze of truly exceptional quality.
Ex Numismatik Lanz 150, 13 December 2010, lot 150.
Having been hailed emperor by the legions under his command while in the field, Titus' father Vespasian departed Judaea to return to Rome and claim the throne from the usurper Vitellius, who had meanwhile already deposed Otho, second of the four emperors to rule Rome in the year AD 69. Vespasian had led a successful campaign to restore order in the province after the disastrous attempts by the legate of Syria, Cestius Gallus, who had suffered a defeat considered to be the worst the Roman military had been subjected to by a rebel province throughout its history. Titus was thus charged with concluding the war, having been left in a strong position by his father, with the remaining rebel factions largely cut off within the city of Jerusalem.
Against his father's designs, Titus resolved to besiege the city and over seven months in AD 70 he completely circumvallated it with a permanent army camp. Eventually breaching the walls, the city was ransacked, burnt and the treasures from the Temple were carried off. Depicted on the Arch of Titus on the Via Sacra in Rome, built by Domitian after his brother's death, these same treasures were carried into Rome as part of the Triumph that Titus celebrated on his successful return in AD 71.
Struck shortly after the suppression of the uprising in Judaea and his triumphant return to Rome to take his place as Caesar beside his father, the depiction of the goddess Felicitas on the reverse of this magnificent coin is highly appropriate for Titus at this time. Reinforced by the wonderfully detailed attributes she carries, with peace symbolised by the caduceus and plenty brought by the cornucopiae, Felicitas personified the luck, blessedness and happiness of the successful general, while the use of the epithet Publica more specifically highlighted the prosperity of the Roman people that he had helped to enhance. Looking very much his father's son, the obverse portrait gives us a vigorous impression of Titus and shows him to be strong, robust and in the prime of life, qualities very important to highlight as held by the men of the fledgling Flavian Dynasty.