Sestertius of Titus, struck at Rome in 72 CE

Sestertius of Titus, struck at Rome in 72 CE during his tenure as Caesar under Vespasian; weight 25.74 g, diameter 34 mm. Obverse legend T CAES VESPASIAN IMP PON TR POT COS III CENS encloses a right-facing laureate, draped bust with slight cuirassed shoulder. Reverse shows Spes advancing left, holding a flower and lifting hem, flanked by large S C in field. Strike is high-relief on broad flan, with centred dies and minor die-axis variance; surfaces exhibit dark olive patination with lighter brassy highlights and scattered smoothing marks. Referenced as RIC II.1 749; rarity recorded as extremely rare, single public specimen on ACSearch.

Issued while Titus served as co-ruler and military heir, the coin reflects Vespasian's effort to publicise dynastic continuity after the civil wars of 69 CE. The image of Spes embodies optimism for the Flavian line and Rome's recovery. Titus's limited Caesars' bronze series is sparse, explaining the extraordinary rarity of this sestertius.