Coin dealers occasionally label certain Flavian Victory types as part of the ‘Judaea Capta’ series in fairly dubious ways for promotional reasons – doing so will bring in biblical punters and other collectors who would otherwise have overlooked a piece. Not all of these Victory types are part of the series and should more appropriately be viewed in generic terms – especially if there are no legends or devices that clarifies the matter.
IMHO, this coin is one that unmistakeably is a true ‘Judaea Capta’ Victory type based on its design.
Vespasian
Æ As, 10.91g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: VICTOR AVGVSTI; S C in field; Victory adv. l. to place shield on trophy; below, Judaea std. l.
RIC 332 (R2). BMC 615. BNC -. Hendin 1556b
Acquired from Witter Coins, eBay, May 2020. Formerly in NGC holder 4683650-004, grade ‘F’, strike 4/5, surface 3/5.
This is a not so common ‘Judaea Capta’ As. The type of Victory and trophy with Judaea seated below has several variant reverse legends on the As, many of which are quite rare. This example has the unique reverse legend ‘VICTOR AVGVSTI’, which only appears on this one variant. Although lacking a ‘Capta’ legend, this reverse certainly refers to the recently concluded Jewish War – the defeated captive personifying Judaea sitting at the base of the trophy strongly declares the type’s meaning under no uncertain terms.
Later, this same type was more commonly struck on the denarius for Vespasian in 79 and Divus Vespasian under Titus in 80-81. Take note that the denarius version has the same design as seen on the As.
Vespasian
AR Denarius, 3.42g
Rome Mint, 72-73 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESP A-VG P M COS IIII; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: VICTORIA AVGVSTI; Victory, draped, advancing r., holding palm over l. shoulder in l. hand and with r. about to place wreath on a standard set in ground on r.
RIC 362 (C2). BMC 74. RSC 618. BNC 60.
Acquired from Incitatus Coins, July 2004.
Divus Vespasian
AR Denarius, 3.45g
Rome mint, 79-80 AD (Titus)
Obv: DIVVS AVGVSTVS VESPASIANVS•; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: EX S C across field; Victory adv. l. to place shield on trophy; below, Judaea std. l.
RIC 364 (C). BMC 112. RSC 144. BNC 90.
Acquired from Vaughn Rare Coin Gallery, June 2006.
In contrast, the following denarius featuring Victory sans captive struck a year or so after the As can be viewed as a universal triumphal Victory type.
Vespasian
AR Denarius, 3.42g
Rome Mint, 72-73 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESP A-VG P M COS IIII; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: VICTORIA AVGVSTI; Victory, draped, advancing r., holding palm over l. shoulder in l. hand and with r. about to place wreath on a standard set in ground on r.
RIC 362 (C2). BMC 74. RSC 618. BNC 60.
Acquired from Incitatus Coins, July 2004.
When deciding if a coin type is a true ‘Judaea Capta’ or not, consider the context the coin was issued and the reverse design. A bit of scepticism is a good thing.
Flavian Fanatic 