Although this denarius features Titus on the obverse, the coin was actually minted during the reign of his father, Vespasian. Thus this coin is an example of an important development of coinage. Vespasian gave a greater number of obverses to his sons than any of his predecessors had given their heirs designate. This increase in references promoted the idea of a dynastic succession. By putting his son Titus on the obverse of his coinage while he was still ruling and by making his son look like a younger version of him, he was promoting his future heir. The reverse of this coin features Annona Augusta, the divine personification of the grain supply. Annona gained popularity in the Roman Empire and represents the emperor’s ability to care for the provision of his people through the grain supply. Because of the violent circumstances of Vespasian’s accession, it is clear why a theme of an emperor being able to care for his people should be selected. Furthermore, the figure of Annona together with the obverse of the future heir of the Empire declares that this care will continue after Vespasian’s reign, when Titus assumes power. Lauren Brooks 2011.