RIC 1208 Vespasian

Æ Sestertius, 24.14g
Lyon mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r., globe at point of bust
Rev: SALVS AVGVSTA; S C in exergue; Salus std. l. with patera and sceptre
RIC 1208 (C). BMC 827. BNC 822.
Acquired from eBay, April 2020. Ex Pegasi Auction 42, 12 November 2019, lot 488. Formerly in NGC holder 5872968-004, grade 'Ch F', strike 5/5, surface 3/5.

In 77-78 Lugdunum (modern Lyon) after a hiatus of several years struck a decently sized issue of bronze coinage, presumably to address a shortage in the Western provinces. The types copy those common to Rome and feature distinctive 'blocky' portraits. Sestertii from the issue are quite rare today, with this Salus type perhaps being the most common. According to Mattingly in BMCRE II the Salus type seen here perhaps represents 'the salvation conferred by the imperial system'. Salus here symbolises the health and welfare of the Roman state, not the person of the emperor himself.

Fine Lugdunese style portrait in good metal.