Watch List notes:

The Roman Empire
Titus augustus, 79 – 81

Denarius after 1st July 79, AR 3.42 g. IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M Laureate head r. Rev. TR P VIIII IMP XIIII COS VII P P Venus standing r., leaning on column and holding helmet and spear.
C 268. BMC 9. RIC 34. CBN 9. Light iridescent tone and extremely fine

This coin, with a very typical portrait of Titus as Augustus, has a very interesting reverse representing the standing goddess of love, Venus. When Titus, still as Caesar, visited Cyprus and its Aphrodite temple, he obtained reassurance he would become Augustus. Since then Titus saw Venus as his personal protector. This reverse type is also used on coins of his daughter Julia, who is known to have been presented as Venus in marble and bronze sculpture (See lot 1123 in this catalogue). AMP.