RIC 0793 Vespasian

AR Quinarius, 1.41g
Rome mint, 75(?) AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: VICTORIA AVGVST; Victory adv. r., with wreath and palm
RIC 793 (R). BMC 288 var. (rev. legend). RSC 614a var. (same). BNC -.
Acquired from CGB, April 2016.

Vespasian revived the quinarius after a long hiatus going back to the time of Augustus. Striking this denomination was quite in keeping with the antiquarian flavour of the Rome mint during the reign. The largest issue of quinarii, of which this coin is part of, was minted in 75. Keeping to tradition, Vespasian employed two Victory types (advancing and seated) for the reverses. They are all quite rare. Dating this undated issue is a little tricky. The quinarii struck before 75 have AVGVSTI in the reverse legend, while those struck after 75 use the shorter AVGVST. This undated issue employs both forms, therefore it fits neatly to 75.

This example is in exceedingly fine condition and style for the series.