RIC 0945 Vespasian Mule

AR Denarius, 3.22g
Rome Mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: COS VI in ex.; Pair of Oxen, under yoke, l.
RIC 945 (R3, this coin). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Celeste Jones Mining, April 2017. Ex CGB Monnaies 21, 18 June 2004, lot 2387. Formerly in NGC holder 4278700-005, grade 'VF', strike 5/5, surface 3/5.

A unique mint mule with an obverse of Vespasian combined with a reverse from Titus Caesar's parallel issue. Vespasian was COS VIII when the coin was struck in 77/78, so the reverse title is quite impossible. This specimen is cited in RIC, apparently unique. The combination of a scarce left facing Vespasian portrait with a rare yoked oxen type for Titus Caesar makes it unlikely another specimen will turn up any time soon. The yoked oxen reverse copies a Republican denarius struck by L. Cassius Caecianus, Crawford 321/1. Possibly a 'colonist' or general agricultural type.

In very fine condition and good style.