Vespasian RIC II 0982

Vespasian 69-79 A.D. AR Denarius. Rome Mint. 77, July-78 Dec. A.D. (3.34g, 19.1m, 6h). Obv: CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head right. Rev: IMP XIX, in exergue; sow l., with three (possibly two) piglets. RIC II 982, BMC 212, RSC 213.

This is another of Vespasian’s agrarian series issued at the time. Most of this type have three piglets, while a few have two. This is possibly an example with two as the third piglet often gets close enough to the sow’s rear leg it should be visible here, but based on the flan shape, it’s not possible to be sure without a die match. In any event, this is an angry looking sow.

I had hoped to get a better example of this type. While common, this type seems to be popular, so there is always the balancing of condition and price. Finally, this is the one I ended up with after looking for quite some time.