RIC 1202 Vespasian

Æ As, 10.37g
Lyon mint, 72 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVG COS IIII; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.; globe at point of bust
Rev: S C in field; Eagle stg. front on globe, wings outstretched, head r.
RIC 1202 (C2). BMC 822. BNC 819.
Acquired from Felicitas Perpetua, October 2018.

This iconic eagle on globe type copies a similar reverse struck under Tiberius for Divus Augustus. The connection to Augustus demonstrates Vespasian's worthiness as his successor. The type is fairly rare at Rome and more commonly found from the mint at Lugdunum (Lyon). It is almost exclusively reserved for the As issues at both mints.

A wonderful early portrait from Lyon, highlighted by a beautiful dark brown patina.