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RIC 0939 Vespasian
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AR Denarius, 3.27g
Rome Mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: COS VIII; Mars, helmeted, naked except for cloak, fastened with belt (?) round waist, standing l., holding spear slanting upwards l. in r. hand and trophy on l. shoulder in l. Corn-ear upright in ground r.
RIC 939 (R). BMC 203. RSC 129. BNC 179.
Ex Harlan J. Berk BBS 145, 14 September 2005, lot 235.
A rare variant containing a wheat-ear of the common Mars reverse, possibly to symbolize the peace and prosperity Roman arms has brought the people.
I had a difficult time finding a decent example of this type...patience has paid off and I'm very happy to add this respectable denarius to the collection.
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