Roma Numismatics Ltd
E-Sale 83 6 May 2021
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Divus Titus Æ Sestertius. Rome, AD 81-82. Aerial view of the Flavian Amphitheatre (the Colosseum) viewed from the southeast, Meta Sudans to left, porticoed building to right / [DIVO AVG T DIVI] VESP F VESPASIAN, Divus Titus, togate, seated to left on curule chair, holding branch and roll, surrounded by oval shields, helmets and a cuirass; [SC] in exergue. RIC II.1 131 (Domitian); BMCRE 191 note; Elkins, NC 2006, p. 217, 9c (same dies?). 20.17g, 33mm, 6h.
Good Fine; some areas of corrosion. Extremely Rare and of considerable historical and numismatic interest; arguably the most sought after architectural type and only the twelfth known example featuring the deified Titus as opposed to as Emperor (cf. RIC II.1 184).
From the Antonio Carmona Collection.
Built of concrete and stone, the great Amphitheatrum Flavium was the largest amphitheatre of the Roman Empire, and is considered one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and engineering. Construction began under Vespasian in AD 72, and was completed in AD 80 under his successor and son Titus, though further modifications were made during the reign of Domitian.
It is estimated that the Colosseum could hold between 50,000 and 75,000 spectators, and was the scene of grand gladiatorial contests and public spectacles including mock sea battles, animal hunts, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology. The building ceased to be used for entertainment in the early medieval era and was later reused for such purposes as housing, workshops, quarters for a religious order, a fortress, a quarry, and a Christian shrine.
This rare emission of Sestertii depicting the newly-completed Colosseum was a very effective form of propaganda, intended to trumpet the achievements of the Flavian dynasty as well as to serve as a symbol of Rome's strength, prosperity and engineering prowess.
Good Fine; some areas of corrosion. Extremely Rare and of considerable historical and numismatic interest; arguably the most sought after architectural type and only the twelfth known example featuring the deified Titus as opposed to as Emperor (cf. RIC II.1 184).
From the Antonio Carmona Collection.
Built of concrete and stone, the great Amphitheatrum Flavium was the largest amphitheatre of the Roman Empire, and is considered one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and engineering. Construction began under Vespasian in AD 72, and was completed in AD 80 under his successor and son Titus, though further modifications were made during the reign of Domitian.
It is estimated that the Colosseum could hold between 50,000 and 75,000 spectators, and was the scene of grand gladiatorial contests and public spectacles including mock sea battles, animal hunts, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology. The building ceased to be used for entertainment in the early medieval era and was later reused for such purposes as housing, workshops, quarters for a religious order, a fortress, a quarry, and a Christian shrine.
This rare emission of Sestertii depicting the newly-completed Colosseum was a very effective form of propaganda, intended to trumpet the achievements of the Flavian dynasty as well as to serve as a symbol of Rome's strength, prosperity and engineering prowess.