RIC 1396 Vespasian

AR Denarius, 3.15g
Rome mint, 69-70 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPAS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PACI AVGVSTAE; Victory, advancing l., holding wreath in extended r. hand and palm curving up in l.
RIC 1396 (R2). BMC 431. RSC 280b. RPC 806 (2 spec.). BNC -.
Acquired from Pars Coins, September 2017. Ex Hirsch 326, 16 February 2017, lot 1924. Ex Savoca Live Auction 9, 21 August, 2016, lot 532.

Ephesus struck a small issue of denarii for Vespasian between 69 and 74. The vast majority of these Ephesian denarii have a mintmark of one sort or another. Those without one are preciously rare.
The earliest and rarest are undated with no mint mark and were minted in late 69 or early 70. This unmarked type with Victory on the reverse has been a most elusive one to acquire! Very scarce in trade.

Struck in fine Ephesian style.