Roman Imperial Coinage, Divus Titus, Sestertius, Rome, c. 81-2, view of the Coliseum, on left Meta Sudans, on right, porticoed building, rev. divo avg t divi vesp f vespasian, Titus, holding branch, seated left on curule chair, arms around, s c below, 26.13g (Elkins, NC 2006, D8, dies A5/P7, item c, this coin; RIC 131; BMC –; CBN 543; C 399). Very fine and extremely rare, only 10 specimens known of the Divo type, 7 of which are in institutions; one of the most important Roman bronze coins available to commerce and a full grade finer than the only other example sold recently (NAC Auction 86, 8 October 2015, lot 182 [80,000 Sw Fr]) £60,000-80,000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Distinguished Collection of Roman Bronze Coins, the Property of a Gentleman.

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Provenance: Ars Classica Auction XIII, 27-9 June 1928, lot 1201; J. Campion Collection, Glendining Auction, 30 November-3 December 1937, lot 205; bt Spink February 1939.

Perhaps no architectural representation on Roman coinage is more recognised than the Flavian Amphitheatre (Roman Coliseum). The structure was begun under Vespasian but not completed until the reign of Titus and the dedication ceremony took place in 80. Funds for the build came from the spoils of war with the Jews and the treasure removed from the Jewish temple. More than Rome’s first permanent amphitheatre, the Coliseum celebrated the ideology and policy of the Flavian regime