Titus AR Denarius, RIC II 124
Titus (79-81 AD). AR Denarius (18 mm, 2,86 g), Roma (Rome), 80 AD.
Obv. IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M, laureate head left.
Rev. TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P, draped throne.
RIC II, 120. fine, 3.21 gm, 18 mm
Titus AR Denarius (RIC II 124) is part of the so-called "atonement" coinage, issued shortly after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, which destroyed Pompeii and Herculaneum. The reverse shows a draped throne (pulvinar), symbolizing the divine presence of gods like Jupiter and Juno. These coins were minted as a religious response, likely to appease the gods and show Titus’ piety. They served both religious and political purposes—expressing divine atonement, public reassurance, and imperial legitimacy after a national disaster.