This is the coin I received from @Bing in exchange for the Vespasian and Titus Caesar denarii. Titus AR Denarius, 3.26g Rome mint, 80 AD RIC 108 (C2). BMC 66. RSC 318. Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r. Rev: TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P; Curule chair; above, wreath Most dies of this pulvinar type depict the wreath sitting atop the chair unadorned. Here we see what appears to be some sort of semi-circular backing. Ben Damsky in his paper 'The Throne and Curule Chair types of Titus and Domitian' speculated the semicircle variant may be the result of a literal minded engraver who included the support device that held the wreath in place (!). I'm not quite sure what it is. Possibly it is just some sort added decoration. Regardless, it is a rare variant of this common pulvinar type. A quick scan of asearch.info turned up 80 specimens with an unadorned chair and only 7 with a semicircular 'frame'. Interestingly, the pulvinar depicted on the reverse may be for Divus Vespasian. Modern scholarship has proposed these pulvinaria coins commemorate the religious ceremonies conducted for the opening of the Flavian Amphitheatre in the Spring of 80 AD. This coin perhaps honours Vespasian role in the building's construction. For comparison, here is my unadorned example. Thanks again @Bing!
I've never noticed that before David. My Titus has the same backing but different die, I'm on my phone so I can only provide a link: http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-81089
I remember you commenting on this when Bing first shared it here. It's a very interesting variation. Since you mentioned it before I have looked more closely at the type when they come available but have not seen the specific variety for sale. Here is my more common reverse varity but facing left.
Interesting detail which I had never noticed, David. Your post caused me to check my Titus-Curule chair denarius. It appears to be of the adorned wreath type that you mention.
Cule curools. Um... cool curules! I might only have seven ancients in my collection, but I've got that theme covered! But... no wreath.
Very nice trade from @Bing , @David Atherton ! My only Curule Chair... no back, as originally prescribed so that the person holding Imperium could not "rest" in the seat of authority, rather they must keep their time on the seat at a minimum to settle matters quickly. Republican Rome: RR P Furius Crassipes 84 BC AR Denarius 19mm 3.84g Rome Turreted head Cybele right foot upward Curule chair Cr 356-1a Syd 735 Furia 20 Ex: The Great @Mikey Zee who relinquished his Chair as my 2016 Saturnalia Gift!
Thanks for the kind comments everyone! And wonderful curule chair coins too! I probably posted it a bit too soon since I'm still doing research on the type, but it's such a wonderful coin I couldn't resist.
Now your're making me wonder at the wisdom to trade (just joking). I'm glad it's gone to a home where someone can appreciate the details.
