Lot 3440

Description

Titus, (A.D. 79-81), silver denarius, Rome mint, issue of A.D. 80, (3.40 g), obv. IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIANVS AVG P M, laureate head to right, rev. TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P, elephant to left, (S.2512, RIC 22a, BMC 43, RSC 303). Slightly off centred on the obverse, otherwise very fine and rare in this condition.

Ex Noble Numismatics Sale 75 (lot 1988).
A most interesting reverse as the elephant reverse type refers to the dedication of the famous and historically important Coliseum in Rome. For the Romans, the elephant was representative of many different things. Its African origins made it a logical symbol of Africa. Consequently, the personification of Africa is also suggested.