Titus, as Augustus (AD 79-81). AE sestertius (33mm, 17.09 gm, 6h). NGC VG 5/5 - 1/5. Rome, AD 80-81. Oblique overhead view of the Colosseum (Flavian Amphitheater), the exterior displaying four tiers of arches, the top three containing statuary, and the interior showing spectators arrayed in sectioned seating; fountain on base (Meta Sudans) to right, porticoed building (Baths of Titus?) to left / IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII, Titus seated left on curule chair, branch upward in right hand, scroll in left; pile of arms on both sides, S-C across fields. RIC II.1, 185. An extremely rare and popular type amongst historical and architectural collectors. While this coin is of a modest grade, the Colosseum is clearly visible. Among the most famous monuments of antiquity is Rome's Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheater, named after the dynasty that built it. Flavius Vespasianus (AD 69-79), began its construction in AD 71 on the site of Nero's sumptuous Golden House. It was Rome's first permanent outdoor amphitheater, and it was built on a scale not to be exceeded for the next eighteen centuries. Vespasian dedicated the partially completed structure in AD 75; however, the final touches, including the top tiers of arches and seating, were not completed until June, AD 80, under his son and successor Titus. This remarkable coin was issued to mark the occasion. The die engraver did an exemplary job depicting the mammoth structure in surprising detail, carefully rendering the exterior tiers of arches and the decorative statuary within each arch, as well as the spectators crowded within. The interior staircases, arched entranceways, and the Imperial box are visible. To the right of the central structure stands a huge, conical fountain called the Meta Sudans; to the left is a porticoed building usually identified as the Baths of Titus, formerly part of Nero's Golden House. HID09801242017 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

To the auctioneer's website