2017-02-27 Mon

One of the 10 known examples of a silver sestertius by the Roman emperor Titus, issued to celebrate the inauguration of a famous Colosseum was sold for £372,000, almost five times its estimate, at the Dix Noonan Webb’s auction on 15th February.

Divus Titus ruled for a short period from circa 79 to 81 and the coin is one of the earliest ones featuring the Roman Colosseum which was built in A.D. 80 during the emperor’s reign. Seven of these examples are showcased in museums. It depicts an aerial view of the most famous Roman Colosseum whose construction began in A.D. 71 during the reign of Vespasian. A ceremony was conducted in 75 after the completion of the first three stories. The remaining two levels were completed in 80 and a new inauguration ceremony was conducted during the reign of Titus. This example of the coin was last sold in February 1939. Experts believe that 42 examples exist with four varieties. 10 examples of this specific type exist. The gold aureii of the design is rarer.

The coin was bought by a private collector in Europe. It was a part of a collection of Roman bronze coins formed by a connoisseur before and during World War II. It hit the market after a gap of 75 years, making it very desirable at the auction.