Titus, 79-81. Aureus (Gold, 18 mm, 7.26 g, 5 h), Rome, January-June 80. IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M Laureate head of Titus to right. Rev. TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P Elephant standing left. BMC 42. Calicó 775. CBN 35. Cohen 300. RIC 114. Rare. Removed from NGC encapsulation, graded XF 5/5, 2/5. A lovely example of this prestigious issue celebrating the inauguration of the Colosseum. Small die breaks on the reverse and with faint scratches and very minor traces of mounting on the edge, otherwise, good very fine.



This beautiful aureus of Titus, with an elephant on the reverse, was struck in the first half of 80. It celebrates the inauguration of the Flavian Amphitheatre, later known as the Colosseum. The monumental structure, the largest amphitheatre in the world, stood as a symbol of the power and munificence of the Flavian dynasty. To mark its opening, Titus presented magnificent games that lasted several months and included elaborate animal hunts. The elephant on the coin alludes to the exotic beasts displayed and hunted in these spectacles. In doing so, the image underscores Rome’s global reach, able to draw creatures from every corner of the empire. At the same time, the coin projects an impression of imperial cura - the emperor’s solicitude in providing the people with awe-inspiring entertainment.