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RIC 0039 Vespasian
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AR Denarius, 2.69g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VES-P AVG P M; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: TRI POT II COS III P P; Mars adv. r., with spear and aquila
RIC 39 (R). BMC 59A. RSC 564. BNC 41.
Acquired from Forvm Ancient Coins, June 2012. Ex Maridvnvm Collection.
An exceedingly rare Vespasian denarius struck in 71. The reverse features the familiar Mars walking right with spear and aquila, but it is the shorter obverse legend used in early 71 and the (unique to this series) TRI POT II COS III P P reverse legend that makes this a rare denarius. Oddly enough, the only other denarius from the same series (Pax seated) was minted in copious amounts.
The coin itself has deep cabinet toning and good centring. Very nice in hand. Vespasian seems to be cracking a rare smile too.
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