Naville Numismatics Ltd.
Auction 78 11 Dec 2022
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Titus Caesar, 69-79 Aureus Rome circa 72-73, AV 19.40 mm., 7.17 g.
Laureate head r. Rev. Palm tree; on l., Titus standing r., foot set on globe, holding spear and parazonium; on r., Jewess seated r. in attitude of mourning. C 391. RIC Vespasian 368. Calicó 721.
This coin celebrates the victory of Vespasian and Titus over the Jewish insurgents in the Jewish War. The war began in 66 and was basically over in 70 when Jerusalem was captured and destroyed by Titus, though isolated groups of fighters continued to resist until the fall of Masada in 73. The reverse of this coin symbolizes the Roman victory perfectly: on the left we see the victorious Emperor in military attire, his left foot resting on the helmet of a defeated enemy; the palm tree at the center was the symbol of Judaea; the mourning woman is a personification of Judaea. The type is perhaps the oldest in the Jewish War series, as it was introduced by Vespasian's predecessor, Vitellius, on his sestertii of the Rome mint. On his coins the composition are identical to the present piece, though without the figure of Judaea. By the time Vitellius came to power the tide of the Jewish War had turned in favour of the Romans, making it possible to issue coins touting Rome's success.
Very rare, mounted as jewellery, otherwise Very Fine.
Ex Naville sale 70, 423 (not paid.).
Laureate head r. Rev. Palm tree; on l., Titus standing r., foot set on globe, holding spear and parazonium; on r., Jewess seated r. in attitude of mourning. C 391. RIC Vespasian 368. Calicó 721.
This coin celebrates the victory of Vespasian and Titus over the Jewish insurgents in the Jewish War. The war began in 66 and was basically over in 70 when Jerusalem was captured and destroyed by Titus, though isolated groups of fighters continued to resist until the fall of Masada in 73. The reverse of this coin symbolizes the Roman victory perfectly: on the left we see the victorious Emperor in military attire, his left foot resting on the helmet of a defeated enemy; the palm tree at the center was the symbol of Judaea; the mourning woman is a personification of Judaea. The type is perhaps the oldest in the Jewish War series, as it was introduced by Vespasian's predecessor, Vitellius, on his sestertii of the Rome mint. On his coins the composition are identical to the present piece, though without the figure of Judaea. By the time Vitellius came to power the tide of the Jewish War had turned in favour of the Romans, making it possible to issue coins touting Rome's success.
Very rare, mounted as jewellery, otherwise Very Fine.
Ex Naville sale 70, 423 (not paid.).