While collecting Flavian coins I sometimes make nice little discoveries. This Titus as Caesar denarius with the Salus reverse type coupled with
the obverse legend on the present coin is unlisted in all the major
references, including the new RIC II. The coin comes from a series
minted in 73 AD in which the Salus type was known for Vespasian but not
for Titus until this present denarius surfaced. Ian Carradice has given
this new type the number 529A (under Vespasian) in the RIC II Addenda.
Also, this coin is an obverse die match for the RIC V531 plate coin.
What to my eyes makes this a highly desirable coin is not the rarity but the bold portrait
which was described by the Flavian collector who sold it to me as
"striking". I tend to agree. The reverse is weakly struck (worn die?)
but well centered.
Struck on a huge flan and weighing 3.48 g. This coin is a true beauty in hand.
Titus as Caesar RIC V529A
AR Denarius
Rome mint, 73 AD
RIC V529A (R3), BMC - , RSC -
Obv: T CAES IMP VESP PON TR POT CENS; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: SALVS AVG; Salus std., l., with patera
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