Lot 3049

Description

Titus and Diefied Vespasian, (A.D.79-81), issue struck at Rome A.D.80-81, AE Sestertius, obv. DIVO AVG VESP in three lines, SPQR in exergue, Vespasian seated, holding sceptre and Victory to right, in a quadriga of elephants, rev. S C in centre, around [IMP T CAES] DIVI VESP F AVG P M TR [P PPP COS VIII], (S.812, RIC 143 (Titus), C.205). Surface porosity, has been laquered, otherwise fine/very good and rare.

The chariot of elephants (thensa) was assigned to the gods, and to the emperors who had been made a god. In this example Vespasian after his death, has been deified, and he is travelling in a quadriga of elephants as a god.