RIC 1105 Vespasian

AR Denarius, 3.17g
Lyon mint, 70 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG TR P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: COS ITER FORT RED; Fortuna stg. l., r. hand on prow, with cornucopiae
RIC 1105 (R2). BMC p. 76 note. RSC 82. BNC 288.
Ex G&N, eBay, 22 September 2013.

At first glance this denarius would seem to be unremarkable. The Fortuna reverse is a well known common reverse type minted in Rome in 70; however, this example is from Lyon (Lugdunum) and is considerably rarer. It can be distinguished from the Rome mint examples based on style and the obverse legend. Style wise Lyon is known for its large headed portraits and neat, blocky legends. TR P (either I or II) is also recorded in the obverse legend, unlike at Rome. Many Lyon denarius types are copied from those minted in Rome and are sometimes misattributed by less diligent cataloguers.

A good coin with honest wear and a fine styled portrait.

File information
Filename:	V1105sm.jpg
Album name:	David Atherton / 1. The Reign of Vespasian - Imperial Coins
Rating (1 votes):	Show details
Filesize:	156 KiB
Date added:	Oct 02, 2013
Dimensions:	800 x 399 pixels
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Comment 1 to 8 of 8

Page: 1

ickster

[Oct 02, 2013 at 12:51 AM]

Nice coin and excellent write up. I learned something from that about style types.

Steve E

[Oct 02, 2013 at 03:36 AM]

Great catch! Part of the fun, isn't it ? Wink

Nemonater

[Oct 02, 2013 at 08:45 AM]

Great coin, powerful, lifelike portrait.

Sam

[Oct 02, 2013 at 11:57 AM]

Lyon mint , rarity , congratulations David.

Legatus

[Oct 03, 2013 at 01:11 AM]

Love it.

quadrans

[Oct 03, 2013 at 03:11 AM]

Good pick up.. Congrats.. Very Happy

Randygeki(h2)

[Oct 07, 2013 at 08:04 AM]

Nice find! I like the portrait a lot too

Sosius

[Nov 11, 2013 at 01:50 PM]

Great find and very informative writeup!

Comment 1 to 8 of 8

Page: 1