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Vespasian RIC II 1427 Variant
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Vespasian 69-79 A.D. Ephesus Mint. 77-78 A.D. (2.98g, 17.4mm, 6h). Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS III TR PPP, laureate head right. Rev: AVG in oak wreath (no mark). RIC II 1427 Varian.
The interest in this coin is its identity. The Ephesus mint issued the AVG in an oak wreath with EPHE, V1427. I have carefully examined this coin in various types of light, with, and without a loop and other types of magnification. The tassel above the bottom of the wreath is clearly visible and not that worn, and any issue mark would likely be visible in that area. It is my opinion there is no mint or issue mark on this coin.
David Atherton, another Flavian collector at the Forum has a Vespasian 1429 with no mint mark and a Titus as Caesar V1444 with no mint mark as well making it possible there was a series in Ephesus in 71 A.D. without the marks.
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