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Auction: 25055 - British Medals and World Coins featuring The Hurter-Amman Collection of Ancient and European Gold
Lot: 1094

NGC Choice VF | Roman Empire, Titus, as Caesar (69-79), 'Fine Style' AV Aureus, struck AD 73, Rome, T CAES IMP VESP CEN [sic], laureate head right, rev. PAX AVG, Pax standing resting on column, holding olive branch in left hand, extending winged caduceus over purse on tripod, 7.17g, 12h (BMC Vespasian 110; Calicó 744; Cohen 131; RIC Vespasian 551), residually lustrous and lightly cabinet toned, with a good expressive portrait and an unusual die-sinker's error omitting the S of CENS, a pleasing very fine, in NGC 'Ancients' holder, graded Choice Very Fine ~ Brushed (Cert. #8534355-002) [Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5]

Provenance

The "Hurter-Amman" Collection of Ancient and World Gold and Silver Coins and Medals



Though struck during the reign of Vespasian, this gold aureus represents his son and successor, Titus, as Caesar, a title given by the emperor to his heir. Most reverse types of the period AD 71-73 are heavily influenced by the Jewish-Roman War of 66-70 and the triumph celebrated by father and son in 71. This gave rise to types such as the Judaea Capta, Mars Victor and Roma Victrix, as well as an abundance of types based around Pax, 'peace', which is to say Roman victory. To further commemorate this victory, Vespasian ordered the construction of the Temple of Peace, 'Templum Pacis' which housed the Temple Menorah famously plundered from the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. It is possible that this issue was struck to pay for these construction works, perhaps even using the gold taken as booty.


https://www.ngccoin.uk/certlookup/8534355-002/NGCAncients/

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Estimate
£2,500 to £3,500

Starting price
£1700