🪙 Roman Empire, Titus, 77-78 C.E., Silver Denarius
This silver denarius was struck between 77-78 C.E. when Titus was Caesar, the heir to the throne, under the reign of his father, Emperor Vespasian. Titus would later become emperor himself, ruling from June 24, 79 C.E. to September 13, 81 C.E., during which the construction of the Colosseum would be completed. This coin was minted during a period of stability and prosperity in the Roman Empire, symbolized by the imagery of Ceres, the goddess of agriculture and harvest.
Obverse: The obverse features a laureate bust of Titus, who was then Caesar and being groomed for leadership. The laurel wreath symbolizes victory, honor, and divine approval, reflecting the future emperor’s role as the successor to Vespasian. This portrait emphasizes Titus’ status and his impending rise to power.
Reverse: The reverse depicts Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture, grain, and fertility, standing and holding an ear of grain and a long torch. The inscription “CERES AVGVST” celebrates the goddess and reflects the empire’s agricultural abundance and prosperity during this period. Ceres was a symbol of nourishment and the well-being of the empire, indicating that Titus’ rule would bring continued peace and prosperity.
Historical Context: This silver denarius weighs 3.3 grams and measures 19 mm in diameter. The period from 77-78 C.E. was a time when the Colosseum’s construction was nearing completion, a massive undertaking initiated by Vespasian and completed during Titus’ reign. This era also marked the consolidation of Roman power following the civil wars that had previously disrupted the empire. The imagery of Ceres underscores the importance of agriculture to the Roman economy and the promise of continued stability under the Flavian dynasty.
Condition: The coin is in Near Very Fine (VF) condition, with some wear, but the major features, including Titus’ bust and the figure of Ceres, remain clearly visible. The details of the laurel wreath and Ceres’ attributes, such as the grain ear and torch, are well-preserved, making this a desirable piece for collectors of Roman coinage.
Significance: This coin not only commemorates Titus as Caesar but also reflects the values of the Roman Empire during this time—agricultural abundance, stability, and the promise of a prosperous future. The connection to the near completion of the Colosseum, one of Rome’s greatest architectural achievements, adds further historical significance to this piece.
Authenticity Guaranteed: This silver denarius is guaranteed authentic, offering collectors a genuine artifact from the reign of Titus as Caesar. Its depiction of Ceres and connection to the construction of the Colosseum make it a highly significant piece for both numismatic and historical collections.
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