RIC 1547 Vespasian

AR Denarius, 3.59g
Antioch mint, 72-73 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: VICTORIA AVG; Victory stg. r., on globe, with wreath and palm
RIC 1547 (R2). BMC 498. RSC 588. RPC 1921 (2 spec.). BNC -.
Ex Nomos Obolos 7, 9 July 2017, lot 313.

An exceptionally rare denarius from Antioch - it is only the eighth known example (the others are: BM, Vienna, Tom Cederlind 2007, Helios 4, Gemini X, CNG E339, Lanz eBay 2017). This left facing portrait is unique in the Antiochene denarius issues, as well as the only appearance of Victory on globe in the series. Butcher and Ponting's metal analysis of the type found a silver bullion content of 99% - a remarkable level of fineness for an imperial or provincial issue at that time. The portrait style is identical to the Antiochene tetradrachms with the left facing portraits and eagle on base reverses struck somewhat contemporaneously in 71-72. This is strong evidence that the same die engravers were producing both imperial and provincial issues at Antioch.

A stunning portrait in ultra-high relief.