TITUS (79-81). Denarius. Rome.

Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M.
Laureate head right.
Rev: TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P.
Elephant advancing left.

RIC² 115.

The presence of the elephant on this denarius is connected to the inauguration of the Colosseum. The construction of the magnificent amphitheatre, begun under Vespasian, was completed by his son Titus and inaugurated with great ostentation in 80 AD. The celebrations lasted a hundred days, during which thousands of gladiators and animals, including elephants, lost their lives. According to some, rare coins, such as this denarius (and the aureus with same rev. type) or the Sestertii depicting the architecture of the Colosseum, were distributed to spectators at the inaugural games or thrown to the crowd as donations during the shows.

Condition: Good very fine.

Weight: 3.48 g.
Diameter: 19 mm.