RIC 1172 Vespasian

Æ As, 8.90g
Lyon mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.; globe at point of bust
Rev: SECVRITAS AVGVSTI; S C in exergue; Securitas std. r., head resting on raised arm, with sceptre; to r., altar and torch
RIC 1172 (C). BMC -. BNC 810.
Acquired from eBay, November 2021.

Lugdunum (modern Lyon) struck a fairly large issue of aes coinage during the great bronze issue of 71. Most of the reverse types copy those produced at Rome, however, unique to the mint is this variant of the seated Securitas type showing Securitas resting her head on her hand in a relaxed pose - no doubt based on a cult image. It shows up on both the dupondii and asses. Mattingly observed in BMCRE II 'The type of Securitas was not without reason popular in Gaul after the terrors of the revolt.' (p. lxi). This second issue as from 71 is probably the most common variant of the type at Lugdunum. Curiously missing from the BM!