Vespasian Mystery Denarius

[David Atherton]

I was really thrilled about finally obtaining my latest piece. https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-135752

I've known of this specimen for nearly a dozen years, following it from one coin venue to another. It is commented upon in the new RIC II (which just adds to its celebrity) in the section concerning barbarous types. When it surfaced last year on a European dealer's website I finally pulled the trigger and added this personally highly coveted coin to my collection.

The mystery is whether or not the crude style is an indication it was struck at an unofficial mint or not. My personal belief is the coin is indeed official. The metal and weight are good, and the style can be explained by RIC's 'less able die-engraver' hypothesis. Not to mention, the Ashmolean has a specimen in a similar style.

[Jay GT4]

Incredible coin David, congrats!

[SC]

Neat coin.

Any idea who the female figure is?

It is described as turreted but seems to me to be more like a stephane. 

That and Ephesus makes me wonder if it is Diana?

Shawn

[David Atherton]

Thanks everyone for the kind compliments!

Shawn, my guess is that the female figure represents Tyche. On the above specimen the turrets are not very visible (only two small ones), but other examples of the type in better style clearly show them.

[gordian_guy]

Congratulations again David! Wow!

c.rhodes