Titus, 79-81. Sestertius (Orichalcum, 37 mm, 25.60 g, 6 h), Rome, 80. IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII Laureate head of Titus to left. Rev. IVD - CAP / S C Palm tree with two bunches of dates; to left, Judaea, draped and veiled, seated left on cuirass in attitude of mourning, resting her head on her right hand; to right, male captive standing right, head to left, with his hands bound behind his back; in front of him, shield and helmet. BMC 164. Bromberg I 311. CBN 158. Cohen 110. Hendin 6622a. RIC 149. Samel 2341. Shoshana I 20538. Rare and in exceptional condition for the issue. Beautifully struck, with a perfectly centered reverse of almost medallic appearance; surely among the finest known examples. Slightly rough, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.



With the accession of Titus in 79 CE, the victory over Judaea remained one of the central themes of Flavian imperial representation. This was especially appropriate for the new emperor, who had personally commanded the final campaign and captured Jerusalem in 70 CE. The continued issue of explicit IVDAEA CAPTA types in 80 CE therefore linked Titus’ own military achievement with the dynastic victory programme established under Vespasian. The familiar composition of the mourning Judaea and standing captive beneath the palm tree made that continuity immediately recognizable, while at the same time giving the type a particularly personal relevance for the conqueror of Jerusalem himself.

The present sestertius is exceptionally well preserved for the issue and undoubtedly ranks among the finest known examples. The reverse in particular is perfectly centered and boldly struck, with the full dotted border giving it an almost medallic appearance. Beyond its exceptional quality, the coin is also an important reminder that the Judaean victory remained a powerful element of Flavian dynastic identity under Titus.