Titus, Silver Denarius, Annona, AD 77-8, Rome

Titus (AD 79-81), as Caesar under Vespasian, silver Denarius, Rome, AD 77-78, T CAESAR VESPASIANVS, laureate head right, rev. ANNONA AVG, Annona seated left, 3.45g, 6h (RIC II, 972 [Vespasian]), Very fine.

This silver denarius was struck at Rome in 77-78 AD, during the reign of Emperor Vespasian, and features his eldest son, Titus, who was then Caesar and heir to the imperial throne. The obverse bears the legend T CAESAR VESPASIANVS around Titus' laureate head facing right. The reverse depicts Annona, the Roman personification of the grain supply, seated left with the legend ANNONA AVG. The design reflects an important concern of Roman government, ensuring a reliable supply of grain to the population of Rome.

Titus was born in 39 AD, the eldest son of Vespasian, and rose to prominence during the Jewish War of 66-73 AD. As commander of Roman forces, he captured Jerusalem in 70 AD and destroyed the Second Temple, an event that became central to his military reputation. After Vespasian became emperor in 69 AD, Titus returned to Rome and was formally presented as his father's successor. Coins such as this denarius helped communicate Titus' position and legitimacy to the Roman public.

Vespasian died in 79 AD, and Titus succeeded him as emperor. His relatively short reign, lasting until 81 AD, was marked by major events including the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, which destroyed Pompeii and Herculaneum, and the completion of the Colosseum in Rome. Titus died unexpectedly in September 81 AD, aged only 41, and was succeeded by his younger brother Domitian.

The obverse legend T CAESAR VESPASIANVS translates to "Titus Caesar Vespasian."

The reverse legend ANNONA AVG translates to "Annona of the Emperor."