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RIC 1105 Vespasian
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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.
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