Type: Silver AG Denarius
RIC II, 115
Struck: AD 80
Historical Context – Completion of the Colosseum
This is one of the special issues minted to celebrate the inauguration of the Amphitheatrum Flavium (the Colosseum) in AD 80, officially opened by Emperor Titus. The grand festivities reportedly lasted 100 days, featuring mass spectacles, exotic animals, and large-scale hunts (venationes).
Obverse
Legend: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M
Portrait: Titus with a laurel wreath.
The face, nose, lips, and eyes are all fully intact and sharply rendered. No noticeable flattening from wear is present.
The legend is almost completely present, though somewhat difficult to read due to strike or minor wear.
Reverse
Legend: TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P
(Tribunician power for the 9th time, Imperator for the 15th time, Consul for the 8th time, Father of the Fatherland.)
Type:
An armored elephant walking left on a ground line.
This elephant is a direct reference to the exotic animal hunts that Titus staged for the opening ceremonies of the Colosseum. Ancient accounts describe thousands of animals being slaughtered during the 100-day celebrations.
“Scarce Elephant Issue”
The elephant reverse is significantly rarer than the far more common Pax or Victoria reverses of Titus. This rarity greatly increases its numismatic appeal and market value.
The elephant and the complete reverse legend (TR P IX … COS VIII P P) are fully present. The reverse legend is even somewhat easier to read than the obverse.
Grade:
Good Very Fine, approaching Extremely Fine (GVF, near EF)
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