Titus Quinarius

Roger Chamley asked for a valuation on this Roman silver coin. From the illustrations it could be mistaken for a denarius. However, it measures only 15mm in diameter, so it’s a silver quinarius. On the obverse the legend reads IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M around the laureate head of the emperor, who in this case is Titus, the elder son of Vespasian. On the reverse the figure of Victory advances to the right and the legend on this side reads VICTORIA AVGVST. In volume I of David Sear’s Roman Coins and Their Values the coin is listed as number 2519, dated to AD 79-80 and is said to have been struck at Rome.

Valuation

On the obverse there is weakness in the centre of the laurel wreath and a small striking crack at the top but this side is otherwise in VF condition. The reverse isn’t as good. There is some encrustation to the surface, an edge defect at the top and the start of the legend is unclear. Overall, the condition could be described at best as being only Fine. The denomination is much scarcer than a denarius and this is the first quinarius I can remember seeing as a detecting find. The obverse is attractive but the reverse does not have much eye appeal.

Despite being a rarity, if this coin was offered for sale at auction then in its present condition a likely pre-sale auction estimate would be no higher than £150-200.

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