RIC 1225 Vespasian

Æ Dupondius, 11.25g
Lyon mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS VIII P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.; globe at point of bust
Rev: S C in field; Victory flying l., with shield inscribed SPQR
RIC 1225 (C2). BMC 839. BNC 836.
Acquired from eBay, November 2022.

A somewhat common Victory type unique to Lyon for Vespasian that was struck during his massive Lugdunese bronze issues of 71-72 and again in 77-78. It copies an earlier type produced for Nero at the mint. This example from 77-78 is characterised by the mint's distinctive style, globe at the point of the bust, and the majestic, sweeping Victory on the reverse. A majority of the Flavian bronzes found in France and the UK dating to Vespasian's reign are from the Lyon mint. Apparently there was a real need for another western mint to help supplement Rome's coinage production!