RIC 0392 Vespasian

Æ Dupondius, 12.05g
Rome mint, 72-73 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS IIII; Head of Vespasian, radiate, r.
Rev: FELICITAS PVBLICA; S C in field; Felicitas stg. l., with caduceus and cornucopiae
RIC 392 (R2). BMC -. BNC Spec. acquired 2004 (178).
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, November 2021.

After the massive bronze issues of 71, the Rome mint scaled back production considerably in 72. This extremely rare Felcitias dupondius was struck in 72-73 just prior to Vespasian's joint censorship with Titus. Despite its fleeting nature early on, Felicitas later became one of the commonest bronze reverse types of the reign. Here she symbolises the prosperity and abundance Vespasian has brought to the empire.