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

Titus (AD 79-81), as Caesar under Vespasian, silver Denarius, Rome, AD 77-78, T CAESAR IMP VESPASIANVS, laureate head right, rev. COS VI, prow right, star above, 3.23g, 6h (RIC II, 950 (Vespasian). Cabinet tone, very fine, rare.

This silver denarius was struck at Rome in 77-78 AD during the reign of Vespasian, featuring his eldest son Titus as Caesar and designated successor. The obverse shows a laureate head of Titus facing right, accompanied by the inscription T CAESAR IMP VESPASIANVS. The reverse depicts a ship's prow facing right, with a star above and the legend COS VI, referring to Titus' sixth consulship. The imagery combines symbols of authority, military power, and Rome's maritime strength.

Titus was born in 39 AD and became an important figure during the Flavian dynasty founded by his father, Vespasian. He gained considerable military prominence during the Jewish War, commanding Roman forces in the campaign that culminated in the capture of Jerusalem in 70 AD and the destruction of the Second Temple. Following these successes, Titus returned to Rome and increasingly shared his father's political responsibilities, serving as Caesar and heir to the imperial throne.

The inscription COS VI is particularly significant because Roman consulships were an important marker of status and political authority. By 77-78 AD, Titus had already held the consulship six times, demonstrating his growing prominence within the imperial government. The ship's prow on the reverse may be interpreted as a reference to naval power and Rome's control of the Mediterranean, while the star above adds a celestial or auspicious element to the design.

When Vespasian died in 79 AD, Titus succeeded him as emperor. His reign lasted only two years, but included major events such as the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD and the completion of the Colosseum.

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

The reverse legend COS VI translates to "Consul for the 6th time."