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RIC 1542 Vespasian
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AR Denarius, 2.81g
Antioch mint, 70 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: VIRTVS AVGVST; Virtus stg. r., l. foot on prow with spear and parazonium
RIC 1542 (R2). BMC 499. RSC 640. RPC 1916 (5 spec.). BNC 315.
Ex G&N, eBay, 2 May 2011.
Minted at Antioch in 70 AD, this early eastern type of Vespasian is one of only two times that i know of that Virtus appears on Flavian denarii, the other type being Vespasian RIC 1379 a unique coin. Virtus here symbolizes the military prowess of the emperor on both land and sea. The type was normally popular during Roman Civil Wars, so it is not at all surprising that Vespasian issued it coming out of one.
The coin is scratched and the flan is ragged and uneven but the high profile portrait remains showing a unique Antiochene style.
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