RIC 0589 Vespasian

Æ As, 11.55g
Rome mint, 73 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESP AVG P M T P COS IIII CENS; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PAX AVGVST; S C in field; Pax stg. l., leaning on column, with caduceus and branch
RIC 589 (C). BMC spec. acquired 1958. BNC 655.
Acquired from Lost Dutchman Rare Coins, July 2020.

In 73 Vespasian and Titus Caesar held a joint censorship which was duly recorded on the coinage. This fairly worn As is from the very first bronze issue recording that censorship. Most Asses from the issue are quite rare - this Pax type is probably the most 'common' reverse of the group. The right facing portrait variant was missing from the BM's collection until 1958, hinting it may be slightly rarer than the left facing.

Good metal and pleasing style.