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Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 525  19-20 Oct 2022
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Lot 1083

Estimate: 750 USD
Price realized: 2500 USD
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Titus. AD 79-81. AR Denarius (17.5mm, 2.86 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck 1 January-30 June AD 80. Laureate head right / Elephant, wearing armor, walking left on exergual line. RIC II.1 115; RSC 303. Attractive iridescent tone, some marks and scratches under tone. Good VF.

From the Brian Holland Collection, purchased from Pegasi Numismatics.

The elephant on this particular issue represents one of the numerous species displayed in the newly constructed Flavian Amphitheater, better known today as the Colosseum, built by prisoners of the First Jewish War on the site of the Domus Aurea of Nero. Opened to the public during Titus' rule, in AD 80, and commemorated by Martial in de Spectaculis, the Colosseum was welcomed with great fanfare and games. During the opening ceremonies a great number of animals, including elephants, were both exhibited and slaughtered.
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