Lot 2179

Description

Vespasian, (A.D. 69-79), AE dupondius, Lugdunum mint, issued A.D. 71, obv. radiate head of Vespasian to right, around IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN [AVG] COS III, rev. [VICTORIA] NAVALIS, SC across in field, Victory standing to right on prow, (RIC 481, C.-, cf.S.805), another Titus, (A.D. 79-81), AE As, Lugdunum mint, issued 77-78 as Caesar, obv. laureate head to right, around T CA[ES IMP] F TR P COS VI CENSOR, rev. as above VICTORIA NAVALIS, (RIC 789a, cf.C.388, S.-). Nearly fine and rare. (2)

This rare reverse issue to both Titus and Vespasian refer to the victory over the Jews but very specifically to either the naval victory as a result of the great naval loss by storm sustained by the Jews who had fled from Joppa to their ships when the town was attacked by Cestius or the naval victory gained by the vessels of Vespasian over the barks of the Jews on the lake of Gennesareth. THe victory was significant to be commemorated by both Vespasian and Titus on their coinage at various times during the reign.