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RIC 0181 Vespasian
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Æ Sestertius, 21.72g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PAX AVGVSTI; S C in field; Pax stg. l., with branch and cornucopiae
RIC 181 (C2). BMC 554. BNC 512.
Acquired from Savoca Coins, January 2023.
The standing Pax is one of the most common types encountered on Vespasian's sestertii struck during the great bronze issue of 71, mirroring the prominent role Pax played on his early denarii. Colin Kraay counted 16 obverse dies paired with this second issue reverse type, undoubtedly there are more. Here Pax is represented holding a cornucopiae (on the denarius she holds a caduceus) symbolising the emperor's gift of peace and prosperity to the empire.
A fantastic veristic portrait.
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