Vespasian RIC II 1434

Vespasian 69-79 A.D. AR Denarius. Ephesus Mint. 71 A.D. (3.36g, 17.1m, 7h). Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS III TR P P P, laureate head right. Rev: PACI ORB TERR AVG; Turreted and draped female bust, r; EPE in left field. RIC II 1434 (R); BMC 459; RPC 835.

This reverse type is unique to Ephesus, and identity of the female isn’t clear. Mattingly speculates she could be Tyche describing the crown as composed of towers bringing to mind a city, or perhaps Cybele, or Great Mother. The message of peace brought to the world by Vespasian however, is clear. This type with the EPHE to the left of the female, is more scarce that V1433 with EPHE below. Neither Mattingly, nor the authors of RPC distinguish between the types with differing placements of the monogram as Carradice and Buttrey do.

This example is a pleasure in hand. The lettering is sharp on both sides. While the reverse is a bit off center, the details of the figures are well preserved as is the monogram.