RIC 1339 Vespasian

AR Denarius, 3.07g
Uncertain Spanish mint, 69-70 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: LIBERTAS PVBLICA; Libertas stg. l., with pileus and rod
RIC 1339 (R2). BMC 360. RSC 259. BNC -.
Ex Pecunem 39, 4 January 2016, lot 874.

Late in 69 during the waning stages of the Civil War, Spain began striking coins for Vespasian. Some of these Spanish issues may be earlier than those struck at Rome. The Libertas reverse was copied from the Spanish coinage of Galba and both he and Vitellius issued left facing portraits in the province. The metal analysis by K. Butcher and M. Ponting of this issue shows Spanish silver was used in its production, however, the location of the mint is a mystery. The coin's style is different than those traditionally attributed to Tarraco(?), so another mint must have been active in the province. Also of note, the style is very similar to those of RIC's Uncertain western mint group 2 denarii. The reverse type of Libertas was used by the various contenders during the Civil War to show they were rescuing the Roman people from 'tyranny'.

A wonderful portrait in similar style to the Spanish issues of Vitellius. Very rare.