1. The Reign of Vespasian - Imperial Coins
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RIC 0002 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.35g
Rome Mint, 69-70 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: IVDAEA in exergue; Judaea std. r., head resting on hand, to r. of trophy
RIC 2 (C2). BMC 35. RSC 226. BNC 23. Hendin 1479.
Acquired from Glenn W. Woods, October 2003.
A reverse which commemorates the Roman victory over the Jews in the Jewish war of 66-70 AD. Here is what H. Mattingly in BMCRE II stated about the reverse: 'The veil over her head, the head sunk over her hand, her whole posture express utter dejection.' The reverse effectively captures the essence of a defeated foe and remains one of the most important historical types of the Flavian dynasty. Although listed in RIC as Vespasian's first denarius type, this reverse could not have been struck much before August 70 when Jerusalem fell to Titus Caesar and Judaea was truly 'Capta'. Although a very common type, these command premium prices in trade.
A coin that has a wonderful 'soldier-like' portrait and very detailed reverse. Very well centred for the type, most of which were struck on small flans.David Atherton
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RIC 0004 VespasianAR Denarius, 2.71g
Rome Mint, 69-70 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: IVDAEA in exergue; Judaea std. r., hands bound behind back, to r. of palm tree
RIC 4 (R). BMC 43. RSC 229. BNC -. Hendin 1480.
Acquired from Zuzim Judaea, May 2012.
The reverse commemorates the end of the Jewish War and is part of the 'Judaea Capta' series that Vespasian issued soon after he became emperor. The coin depicts a Jewess, seated before a palm tree (representing the land of Judaea), with her hands tied behind her back and in a dejected state mourning. Clearly no academic interpretation is needed to understand what is meant by this reverse design. This palm tree variety was only fleetingly struck and is much scarcer than the common Jewess seated before trophy design.
This coin is a replacement upgrade for one I purchased six years ago. Is it better? I'm not so sure. The flan is oblong (but large at 21.5 mm), the obverse slightly double struck, and the details are not as sharp on the reverse. With all that being said, I like the toning, the beaded border is almost in full on the reverse (a rarity for an early Vespasian denarius), and the style is quite attractive. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder after all.
David Atherton
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RIC 0005 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.17g
Rome Mint, 69-70 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: TITVS ET DOMITIAN CAES PRIN IV; Titus and Domitian riding r., hands outstretched
RIC 5 (R). BMC p. 7, ||. RSC 539. BNC 28.
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection.
A denarius of Vespasian from his first issue at Rome, dated from December 69 AD to early 70 AD by the new RIC. The reverse depicts Titus and Domitian galloping with their hands outstretched, an obvious dynastic type with the two princes 'as armed warriors on horseback' (BMCRE II p. xxxiii).
It was very important for Vespasian to establish the fact that his son(s) would succeed him. Indeed Suetonius writes 'either his sons would succeed him or nobody would' (Suet. Vesp. 25). The numismatic evidence backs this up. No less than 3 different precious metal dynastic types were minted at Rome in the first months of the new regime: The present type with Titus and Domitian on horseback, another with them seated on curule chairs, and a third with their confronting busts. Arguably, the horseback type is the rarest of the three with the confronting busts by far the most common.
David Atherton
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RIC 0006 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.07g
Rome mint, 69-70 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: TITVS ET DOMITIAN CAES PRIN IV; Titus and Domitian, togate, seated l. side by side on curule chairs, each holding branch extended in r. hand, l. hands at sides
RIC 6 (R). BMC 46. RSC 541. BNC -.
Acquired from Frank L. Kovacs, July 2006.
A reverse that announces Vespasian's desire to found a dynasty. Titus and Domitian are represented here as magistrates holding the branch of peace. A rare type.
A coin that looks much better in hand than the picture allows. I was pleasantly surprised when I first saw it. A reverse I have sought after for quite sometime. Earlier this year (2006) Harlan J Berk sold a coin of this type that was both an obv. and rev. die match with mine. After a casual look around, I was able to locate another die match. David Atherton
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RIC 0010 Vespasian Æ As, 10.12g
Rome mint, 70 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR AVG•VIISPAS•SIAN ; Head of Vespasian, bare, r.
Rev: PROVID in exergue; S C in field; Altar
RIC 10 (R2). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, May 2022.
A rare Rome mint first bronze issue as struck for Vespasian in early 70. The standardised legend formula and portrait for Vespasian had yet to be developed. Instead, we have an unusual obverse legend featuring the odd misspelling VIISPAS•SIAN(!) paired with a bare headed portrait of the newly throned emperor. Although attributed to Rome, RIC speculates this could be an early Spanish issue, however, there are no Spanish findspots attested. The reverse copies a Provident Altar type struck for Divus Augustus by Tiberius and was later revived during the Civil War by Galba and Vitellius. This is the first occasion of the type on Flavian coinage. Bronze coinage was not the Rome mint's primary concern at the outset, as evident by the extreme rarity of this early as. It may have predated the massive denarius issues which were struck later that same year. Missing from both the BM and Paris collections. Obverse and reverse die match with the lone Oxford specimen cited by RIC.
I can forgive the off-centre obverse legend and worn state, especially for such a scarce piece! David Atherton
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RIC 0016 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.04g
Rome Mint, January - June 70 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: CAESAR AVG F COS CAESAR AVG F PR; Bare heads of Titus on l. and Domitian on r., facing one another
RIC 16 (R). BMC 2. RSC 5. BNC 1.
Acquired from Ephesus Numismatics, November 2005.
This denarius was issued during the first year of Vespasian's reign to announce the beginning of a new dynasty. The titles of both Titus and Domitian as Caesars are proclaimed on the reverse. Titus: CAESAR AVG F COS = 'Caesar, son of the the Augustus and consul'. Domitian: CAESAR AVG F PR = 'Caesar, son of the Augustus and praetor'. After the chaos of the Civil War, Rome badly needed stability and Vespasian and his family would provide it. Along with Judaea Capta, dynastic continuity is a major theme of the early coinage.
David Atherton
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RIC 0019 Vespasian (1)AR Denarius, 3.17g
Rome mint, January - June 70 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: COS ITER FORT RED; Fortuna, draped, standing l.,setting r. hand on prow and holding cornucopiae in l. hand
RIC 19 (C). BMC 7. RSC 84. BNC 7.
Acquired from Beast Coins, March 2005.
A reverse type that wishes for a safe return of the new emperor Vespasian back to Rome after the end of the Civil war. Fortuna's hand resting on a prow is quite appropriate.
A nice coin marred only by the slightly off center obverse. The die cutters were still finding it difficult to come up with a portrait of the new emperor.David Atherton
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RIC 0019 Vespasian (2)AR Denarius, 3.45g
Rome mint, January - June 70 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: COS ITER FORT RED; Fortuna, draped, standing l.,setting r. hand on prow and holding cornucopiae in l. hand
RIC 19 (C). BMC 7. RSC 84. BNC 7.
Ex eBay, March 2017.
Early in Vespasian's reign the Rome mint had a hard time getting his portrait right because he spent the balance of his first year as emperor in Egypt. There is a wide variation in portrait types and styles until the mint was able to procure a suitable portrait bust. Some, such as the one on this common Fortuna type, are unmodified Vitellius portraits. Certainly this denarius was one of the first coined for Vespasian at the mint.
A strikingly unusual portrait struck on a large flan.David Atherton
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RIC 0021 Vespasian (1)AR Denarius, 3.36g
Rome Mint, January - June 70 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: COS ITER TR POT; Aequitas, draped, standing l., holding scales in r. hand, transverse rod in l.
RIC 21 (C). BMC 17. RSC 94a. BNC 10.
Acquired from Nedao Coins, November 2005.
Aequitas, the goddess of financial equity, was an understandable reverse design for a new emperor borne out civil war. A common early type.David Atherton
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RIC 0021 Vespasian (2)AR Denarius, 2.82g
Rome Mint, January - June 70 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: COS ITER TR POT; Aequitas, draped, standing l., holding scales in r. hand, transverse rod in l.
RIC 21 (C). BMC 17. RSC 94a. BNC 10.
Acquired from Ars Coin Wein, February 2017.
This coin was most likely struck in the early weeks of Vespasian's reign, which would account for the Vitellian-like portrait. With Vespasian still in Egypt and the mint engravers probably not having an accurate bust of Vespasian to work from, a modified portrait of the previous emperor was produced. Aequitas, the goddess of financial equity, was an understandable reverse design for a new emperor borne out civil war.
David Atherton
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RIC 0023 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.39g
Rome Mint, January - June 70 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: COS ITER TR POT; Mars, helmeted, naked except for cloak round waist, advancing r., holding spear in r., holding spear in r. hand, and aquila over l. shoulder in l.
RIC 23 (C). BMC 11. RSC 87. BNC 12.
Acquired from Tom Cederlind, July 2005.
An early denarius struck with a Galba-like portrait. Before Vespasian's arrival in Rome, the mint's engravers really struggled to come up with an accurate portrait of him. On the reverse Mars may either be a reference to the Judaean War or, covertly, the recently concluded Civil War.
David Atherton
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RIC 0025 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.10g
Rome Mint, January - June 70 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: COS ITER TR POT; Neptune stg. l., foot on prow, with dolphin and trident
RIC 25 (R). BMC 14. RSC 90. BNC - .
Acquired from Nemesis, February 2008.
This coin commemorates Vespasian's return to Rome in October of 70 AD (RIC II p 19). Neptune, as god of the sea, is given his just due in Vespasian's safe voyage home. This coin type was copied by Lugdunum. Antioch also had a variation of the Neptune reverse (with a globe instead of a prow).
Considered rare by the RIC, I had a most difficult time locating this reverse type from Rome. Vespasian looks a bit bemused in this portrait, which I find very appealing.David Atherton
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RIC 0027 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.40g
Rome Mint, January - June 70 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: COS ITER TR POT; Pax, draped, standing l., holding branch extended in r. hand and winged caduceus in l.
RIC 27 (C). BMC 21. RSC 94g. BNC 15.
Ex Amphora Coins, ebay, February 2006.
An early denarius issue struck for Vespasian within the first several months of the reign. Pax was an appropriate sentiment after the previous year's bloody conflicts. Not as commonly seen as the Pax seated types.David Atherton
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RIC 0029 Vespasian (1)AR Denarius, 3.39g
Rome Mint, January - June 70 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: COS ITER TR POT; Pax, draped, seated l., holding branch extended in r. hand and winged caduceus in l.
RIC 29 (C3). BMC 26. RSC 94h. BNC 18.
Acquired from Hail Cesare, eBay, August 2004.
The seated Pax was likely struck in such vast numbers so early in Vespasian's reign as a propaganda type to help heal the many wounds after a devastating Civil War and the rebellions in Batavia and Judaea. The restoration of the Roman World was a major theme of the fledgling Flavian dynasty. The coinage announced 'all would be well'.
A pleasing coin of a common type.David Atherton
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RIC 0029 Vespasian (2)AR Denarius, 3.28g
Rome Mint, January - June 70 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: COS ITER TR POT; Pax, draped, seated l., holding branch extended in r. hand and winged caduceus in l.
RIC 29 (C3). BMC 26. RSC 94h. BNC 18.
Acquired from Aegean Numismatics, August 2018.
This seated Pax is by far the most common type of the 'COS ITER' issue. It may even have been struck well after June 70, evidenced by the vast quantities that have survived and the classic Vespasianic portrait many of them display (Vespasian arrived in Rome c. October 70). COS ITER in the reverse legend is sometimes unusually spaced dependent on where Pax's branch is positioned - here the break occurs between the 'T' and 'E'. Most examples do not have such a break.
An early fine style portrait with true Vespasianic features. Unobtrusive flan flaw.David Atherton
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RIC 0039 VespasianAR 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.David Atherton
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RIC 0041 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.20g
Rome Mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VE-SP AVG P M; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: TRI POT II COS III P P; Pax, draped, seated l., holding branch in extended r. hand and winged caduceus in l.
RIC 41 (C2). BMC 61. RSC 566. BNC 45.
Acquired from Nemesis, June 2005.
Pax was a dominant reverse type for Vespasian, one could say it was his 'campgate'. After the Civil Wars and the war in Judaea, peace was something everyone wanted and needed. There are at least four different reverse types that depict Pax on his denarii.
A lovely coin with a solid portrait.
David Atherton
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RIC 0042 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.20g
Rome Mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VE-SP AVG P M; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: Above, AVGVR, below, PON MAX; Simpulum, sprinkler, jug and lituus
RIC 42 (R). BMC 48. RSC 42. BNC 35.
Acquired from Rudnik, May 2007.
A reverse which underlines Vespasian's role as 'pontifex maximus'. In November of 70, Vespasian added PM to his title, hence the religious nature of many of the reverses of this issue.
A Very rare reverse to find with the PON MAX legend, most examples have TRI POT instead.
The coin itself suffers from some light scratches due to cleaning but this does not detract from it's over all appeal.David Atherton
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RIC 0043 Vespasian (1)AR Denarius, 3.39g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VES-P AVG P M; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: Above AVGVR, below, TRI POT; Simpulum, sprinkler, jug, and lituus
RIC 43 (C2). BMC 50. RSC 43. BNC 36.
Acquired from Beast coins, May 2007.
The most common obverse legend with this reverse type. This reverse commemorates Vespasian's religious role as Pontifix Maximus, symbolised by the simpulum, sprinkler, and jug. The lituus is the symbol of the augurate.
A fairly decent coin in good shape. The flan is a bit ragged, owed no doubt to lack of the mint's quality control early in Vespasian's reign.David Atherton
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RIC 0043 Vespasian (2)AR Denarius, 3.14g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESP AVG P M; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: Above AVGVR, below, TRI POT; Simpulum, sprinkler, jug, and lituus
RIC 43 (C2). BMC 50. RSC 43. BNC 36.
Acquired from Germania Inferior, June 2018.
The vast majority of denarii from this issue with the shortened obverse legend have a legend break above the portrait, normally seen between VE-SP or VES-P (see my other RIC 43). This is a rare variant without the break above the portrait. I suppose it was a whim of the engraver whether the legend was continuous or not. The reverse commemorates Vespasian being voted pontifex maximus by the Senate in November of 70, shortly after his arrival in Rome. It copies a type struck for Julius Caesar.
Workman-like portrait with beautiful gold toning and rainbow hints.David Atherton
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RIC 0045 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.48g
Rome Mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VES-P AVG P M; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PON MAX across field; Vesta, draped, hooded, seated l., holding simpulum in extended r. hand, l. hand at side
RIC 45 (C). BMC 55. RSC 358. BNC 38.
Acquired from NB Numismatics, April 2007.
This Vesta type highlights the religious functions of the Emperor. Vespasian seemed to be stressing his sacred duties as chief priest with many of the reverse types from this issue.
The PON MAX variety is difficult to find in trade, despite its frequency rating of 'common' according to RIC. The TRI POT variety is far more commonly encountered. David Atherton
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RIC 0046 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.56g
Rome Mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VE-SP AVG P M; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: TRI POT across field; Vesta, draped, hooded, seated l., holding simpulum in extended r. hand, l. hand at side
RIC 46 (C2). BMC 57. RSC 561. BNC 39.
Acquired from Malter Galleries, January 2005.
Vesta holding a simpulum here symbolises Vespasian's duties as chief priest. A very common reverse type in good condition.David Atherton
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RIC 0049 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.08g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VE-SP AVG P M; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: No legend; Vespasian stg. r., with branch and sceptre, in quadriga r.
RIC 49 (R2, this coin). BMC p. 14 note. RSC -. BNC -. Hendin 1481.
Acquired from Ephesus Numismatics, December 2005.
An extremely rare Rome mint quadriga reverse commemorating Vespasian and Titus' Judaean Triumph. It is much more commonly seen from the Antioch mint with an obverse legend recording Vespasian as COS IIII. RIC dates this Rome mint prototype close to the triumph which occurred in 71. RIC co-author Ian Carradice knew of only three other specimens. This specimen serves as the RIC II plate coin.
Kind thanks to Harry Sneh for the attribution help.David Atherton
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RIC 0064 VespasianÆ As, 9.15g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG P M TR P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r., with aegis
Rev: T ET DOMITIAN CAESARES PRIN IVVENT; S C in field; Titus and Domitian riding r., with hands raised
RIC 64 (R2). BMC 750. BNC 469.
Acquired from Praefectus Coins, September 2019.
An extremely rare early dynastic As struck during Vespasian's first As issue at Rome. H. Mattingly in the BMCRE mistakenly attributes it to Tarraco, but does express doubt in a footnote. Only one reverse die is known and apparently it was used to produce both dupondii and Asses. This specimen is undoubtedly an As due to the copper composition and the low weight. It is a double die match with the lone specimen in the BM and both examples in the BN. This reverse with Titus and Domitian on horseback (oddly, Cohen has them holding spears) copies a similar type struck on the denarius and boldly announces Vespasian's intention to found a dynasty.
Interestingly, this early style portrait features an aegis, an added level of prestige.David Atherton
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RIC 0082 Vespasian Æ Sestertius, 24.75g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG P M T P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: LIBERTAS PVBLICA; S C in field; Libertas stg. l., with pileus and rod
RIC 82 (C2). BMC 801. BNC 503.
Acquired from Savoca Coins, August 2022.
Vespasian struck a massive bronze issue in 71 which easily dwarfs any other produced during his reign. The reverse themes are largely given over to ones an incoming dynasty would find useful, such as this Libertas type, copied from the coinage of Galba. Libertas here symbolises Vespasian's rescue of the Roman people from tyranny - a most fitting type in the wake of civil war. She is seen at Rome early in the reign on the bronze issues and a few rare denarii from an unknown western mint. This specimen sports a more youthful and thinner portrait of Vespasian, quite different from what would become standardised later on. Clearly the engravers were still grappling with the appearance of their new emperor who had only arrived in Rome the previous October. David Atherton
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RIC 0102 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 23.43g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG P M T P P P COS III; Bust of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: RO-MA across field; S C in field; Roma stg. r., with Victory and spear
RIC 102 (R2). BMC -. BNC -.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 6. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex Heidelberger Münzhandlung Herbert Grün e.K Auction 32, 5 May 2001, lot 552.
An early Vespasian sestertius from 71 featuring a fine style idealised portrait paired with a reverse die recycled from Galba's reign. All of the coins from this first sestertius issue of 71 are rare with most being monumental in design. Missing from both the BM and Paris collections. RIC cites one specimen from Oxford.David Atherton
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RIC 0111 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 26.55g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG P M T P P P COS III; Bust of Vespasian, laureate, draped, r.
Rev: SALVS AVGVSTA; S C in exergue; Salus std. l., with patera and sceptre
RIC 111 (R2). BMC -. BNC -.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 7. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex Tom Cederlind.
An extremely rare sestertius struck for Vespasian between January and March 71. Curtis Clay had this to say about the piece which I cannot improve upon:
'Kraay in his illuminating Oxford dissertation, summarized in the new RIC, p. 22, established that Vespasian's sestertii of 71 (COS III) fall into three successive groups marked by progressive abbreviations of the emperor's name, and he suggested the following dates for the groups: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG P M T P P P COS III: Jan.-March/April 71; Same but VESPASIAN and TR P for T P: March/April-July/August 71; Same but VESPAS: July/August-Dec. 71. The reverse SALVS AVGVSTA S C occurs mainly in the third and latest issue of the year. In the earlier groups this type is very rare. Obv. VESPASIANVS, with bust laureate and draped; the bust types and portrait features are much more varied in this early group than in the two later ones. Rev. SALVS AVGVSTA S C, from the only die known for this type in the VESPASIANVS issue. Kraay discovered that this is actually a rev. die of Galba's, engraved and used by Galba in 68 (Kraay's P 61), now reused by Vespasian about 2 1/2 years later!'
An utterly fantastic piece! RIC describes many of the sestertii from this issue as 'monumental', I think the above coin fits that description perfectly. Missing from the BM and Paris collections.David Atherton
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RIC 0115 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 25.44g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG P M T P P P COS III; Bust of Vespasian, laureate, draped, l.
Rev: S C in field; Mars adv. r., with trophy and spear
RIC 115 (R2). BMC -. BNC 541.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 8. EX Curtis Clay Collection. Acquired from Olding, MA Shops, March 2019 = Olding List 96, March 2019, Sammlung Fritz Reusing, no. 139. From the collection of Fritz Reusing (1874-1956), acquired from the Heynen Collection; inherited and continued by Reusing's nephew Paul Schürer (1890-1976).
A fantastically rare variety from Vespasian's first issue of 71 featuring an obverse left facing draped bust. RIC describes many of the sestertii from this issue as 'monumental', likely owing to the fine style, large flans, and ornate busts. Missing from the BM.
This particular specimen has the added honour of a distinguished old pedigree from the Fritz Reusing Collection. Reusing was a German portrait painter of the early 20th Century whose portraits included Richard Strauss, Igor Strawinsky, Max Planck, and Albert Einstein. I would like to think large imperial bronzes such as this one gave him inspiration. After Reusing's death his nephew Paul Schürer inherited and curated the collection.
David Atherton
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RIC 0143 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 27.31g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: CAES AVG F DES IMP AVG F COS DES IT; S C in field; Titus and Domitian stg. l. and r., with spears; Titus (to r.) also with parazonium, Domitian with roll
RIC 143 (R). BMC 528. BNC 473.
Acquired from NumisCorner, June 2020.
An iconic dynastic sestertius struck during Vespasian's great bronze issue of 71. The type was struck both at Rome and Lyon (ancient Lugdunum) and announced Vespasian's intention to found a dynasty. Mattingly in BMCRE II calls it a 'famous' type placing the figures on the reverse as Titus on the left and Domitian on the right. While that is the conventional numismatic placement for the two Caesares, here we see the figure on the right holding a parazonium an attribute of an imperator, which of the two could only be Titus. Conversely, the figure on the left is holding something smaller (a book scroll?) that does not appear to be a parazonium. The reverse legend corresponds for this placement of the figures with the first half of the legend CAES AVG F DES for Domitian on the left, the second half IMP AVG F COS DES IT for Titus on the right. The legend has caused confusion over the years with some numismatists creating the phantom title Designatus Imperator for Titus. The title COS is implied for Domitian after DES in the legend as a kind of numismatic shorthand. Gunnar Seelentag attempted to clear up the matter in his Numismatic Chronicle, Vol 167 (2007) article 'Titus and the Supposed Title Designatus Imperator', but doubts remain. Curtis Clay has proposed that the traditional view of Titus on the left and Domitian on the right is correct, pointing out that both are holding a parazonium, theorising Titus's is hidden behind his body with only the handle showing. His arguments in full can be read here: http://www.forumancientcoins.com/board/index.php?topic=44488.0 The reverse type itself is fairly rare with only a handful of specimens coming to market each decade. Flavian dynastic types are far more common in silver.
Fantastic early style portrait.David Atherton
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RIC 0157 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 26.66g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: FORTVNAE REDVCI; S C in exergue; Fortuna stg. l., with branch and rudder on globe, and cornucopiae
RIC 157 (C). BMC 756. BNC 482.
Acquired from CGB, March 2023.
Vespasian struck a massive bronze issue in 71 which easily dwarfs any other of the reign. The issue is dominated by the Judaea Capta series, but many other important themes are employed by the mint. This common Fortuna reverse carries an important propaganda message concerning the safe return of the imperial household. Mattingly in BMCRE explains it as 'the Fortuna who brings Titus home in June 71; the branch which she holds, beside her own rudder and cornucopiae, is either the olive branch of Pax or the laurel of the home-returning conqueror.' Titus had been absent from Rome completing the successful siege of Jerusalem and was en route home in Spring 71.David Atherton
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RIC 0158 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 26.08g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: FORTVNAE REDVCI; S C in exergue; Fortuna stg. l., with branch and rudder on globe, and cornucopiae
RIC 158 (R2). BMC 757. BNC-.
Acquired from Praefectus Coins, February 2020. Ex Stack's Bowers Galleries, NYINC Auction, 17 January 2020, lot 2217. Ex P. & P. Santamaria, 4 June 1952, Signorelli Collection Part II, lot 1256. Formerly in NGC holder #4682693-014, with grade XF.
Vespasian struck a massive bronze issue in 71 which easily dwarfs any other of the reign. The issue is dominated by the Judaea Capta series, but many other important themes are employed by the mint. This Fortuna reverse carries an important propaganda message concerning the safe return of the imperial household. Mattingly in BMCRE explains it as 'the Fortuna who brings Titus home in June 71; the branch which she holds, beside her own rudder and cornucopiae, is either the olive branch of Pax or the laurel of the home-returning conqueror.' Titus had been absent from Rome completing the successful siege of Jerusalem and was en route home in Spring 71. This example is a rare variant bust left (all Vespasian's sestertii with left busts are indeed quite scarce). Interestingly, the left facing sestertius portraits are engraved in a different style than the corresponding right facing ones.
Wonderful fine style and superb EF condition. Cayón 39 (this coin).
Special thanks to Curtis Clay for the additional provenance information.
David Atherton
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RIC 0159 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 26.69g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: IVDAEA CAPTA; S C in exergue; Palm tree; to l. Captive stg. r.; to r., Judaea std. r. on cuirass; both figures surrounded by arms
RIC 159 (C3). BMC 532. BNC 490, pl. XLIV (same dies). Hendin 1500.
Acquired from Witter Coins, eBay, October 2019. Ex Triton V, 16 January 2002, lot 1913 (From the Robert Schonwalter Collection). Ex Worner List 1, January 1951, no. 394. Formerly in NGC holder #4683650-005, with grade 'F', strike 5/5, surface 3/5.
Ambition sighed: she found it vain to trust
The faithless column and the crumbling bust;
Huge moles, whose shadow stretched from shore to shore,
Their ruins perished, and their place no more!
Convinced, she now contracts her vast design,
And all her triumphs shrink into a coin.
A narrow orb each crowded conquest keeps,
Beneath her palm here sad Judea weeps. -
Alexander Pope, To Mr. Addison, Occasioned by his Dialogues on Medals II. 19-26
For Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen ... Thy men shall fall by the sword and thy mighty in the war. And her gates shall lament and mourn, and she being desolate shall sit upon the ground - Isaiah III.25-26.
In 70 AD Jerusalem was besieged and sacked and the Temple razed by the Roman forces commanded by Titus Caesar. The following year a massive joint Triumph was held in Rome for Vespasian and Titus to celebrate their successful conclusion of the Jewish Rebellion. Coins were also issued to commemorate their victory. These so called 'Judaea Capta' coins first appeared in late 70 just after the fall of Jerusalem in August, both in the precious metals and at first sparingly in bronze. It wasn't until 71, the year of the triumph, that the bronze coinage came into its own with a whole host of 'Judaea Capta' types. Probably the most famous of these depicts the ubiquitous date palm with a standing bound captive to the left and a seated Judaea to the right, both surrounded by arms. The second bronze issue of 71 saw these produced in massive quantities (Colin Kraay knew of 23 reverse dies paired with this obverse). Although the overall allegorical meaning of the reverse is readily apparent, what each individual device specifically symbolises is open to debate. We are on firm ground to assume the date palm represents the land of Judaea as H. Mattingly proposed in BMCRE II (although J. M. Cody speculated the palm possibly represents the Roman victory). The motif of the standing captive is copied from earlier Republican coin issues, reminiscent of the Gaulish and Spanish captives on those Republican types. His dress indicates he is a barbarian from outside the boundaries of Roman civilisation. In the spirit of the 'Vercingetorix' denarius, H. St. J. Hart proposed the captive is actually either Simon Bar Giora or John of Gischala(!), the two defeated Jewish commanders. The seated female figure is the personification of Judaea, the daughter of Zion. This figure is frequently seen on the various designs of the series, often paired with the palm tree. Her attitude of mourning and dejection leaves little doubt she is lamenting the defeat of her people.
Modern viewers see this as a forlorn scene of defeat, however, to the Roman coin designers the images are meant to convey victory over a worthy foe. The Jewish War was an important event for the fledgling Flavian dynasty - in essence it gave them the legitimacy to rule. The ensuing propaganda onslaught after the 'Gotterdammerung' fall of Jerusalem is awe inspiring. The slight of hand the Flavian regime pulled off which transformed defeated rebel provincials into a foreign menace is truly amazing. The coins were a major part of the regime's propaganda commemorating Vespasian's defeat of the Jews and saving the empire. Their efforts paid off, for even today this 'Judaea Capta' type is one of the most iconic and recognised reverses in the whole of Roman coinage.
Fantastic surfaces in good metal. A beauty in hand.David Atherton
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RIC 0165 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 23.94g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: IVDAEA CAPTA; S C in exergue; Palm tree; to l., Judaea std. l. on cuirass; to r., Captive stg. l.; both figures surrounded by arms
RIC 165 (R). BMC 540. BNC 494. Hendin 1502.
Acquired from Sebastian Sondermann, June 2023.
In 70 AD Jerusalem was besieged and sacked and the Temple razed by the Roman forces commanded by Titus Caesar. The following year a massive joint Triumph was held in Rome for Vespasian and Titus to celebrate their successful conclusion of the Jewish Rebellion. Coins were also issued to commemorate their victory. These so called 'Judaea Capta' coins first appeared in late 70 just after the fall of Jerusalem in August, both in the precious metals and at first sparingly in bronze. It wasn't until 71, the year of the triumph, that the bronze coinage came into its own with a whole host of 'Judaea Capta' types. Probably the most famous of these depicts the ubiquitous date palm with a standing bound captive and a seated Judaea, both surrounded by arms. The second bronze issue of 71 saw these produced in massive quantities with a few different variations on the theme. This coin is a rarer variety featuring Judaea seated to the left of the palm and the standing captive to the right. It is more commonly encountered with the position of the figures reversed.
Modern viewers see this as a forlorn scene of defeat, however, to the Roman coin designers the images are meant to convey victory over a worthy foe. The Jewish War was an important event for the fledgling Flavian dynasty - in essence it gave them the legitimacy to rule. The ensuing propaganda onslaught after the 'Gotterdammerung' fall of Jerusalem is awe inspiring. The coins were a major part of the regime's propaganda commemorating Vespasian's defeat of the Jews and saving the empire. Their efforts paid off, for even today this 'Judaea Capta' type is one of the most iconic and recognised reverses in the whole of Roman coinage.
David Atherton
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RIC 0167 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 24.60g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: IVDAEA CAPTA; S C in exergue; Palm tree; to l., Vespasian stg. r. with spear and parazonium, foot on helmet; to r., Judaea std. r. on cuirass
RIC 167 (C3). BMC 543. BNC 497. Hendin 1504.
Acquired from Denarius, December 2018.
The Jewish War was an important event for the fledgling Flavian dynasty - in essence it gave them the legitimacy to rule. The ensuing propaganda onslaught after the 'Gotterdammerung' fall of Jerusalem in August of 70 is awe inspiring. We have Josephus' description of the joint triumph of 71 held for Vespasian and Titus in book 7 of his 'Jewish War', the buildings and monuments erected by the regime, and more importantly for our purposes we have the coins. Judaea Capta types were struck in all metals for almost as long as the dynasty ruled. The first flurry of these came in 71, presumably in conjunction with the triumph, amidst a great issue of bronze coinage that same year. One of the most iconic Judaea Capta types is this sestertius' reverse featuring a triumphal Vespasian with a defeated Judaea at his feet, not surprisingly one of the more common types from the issue. Vespasian is seen proudly standing holding a spear and parazonium (a triangular sword) with his foot on an enemy helmet, while Judaea is sitting on a captured cuirass in abject despair - take note of their size discrepancy. The iconography on display here strongly hints at what the spectators of the triumph likely witnessed. The slight of hand the Flavian regime devised which transformed defeated rebel provincials into a foreign menace is truly amazing.
'Ambition sighed: she found it vain to trust
The faithless column and the crumbling bust;
Huge moles, whose shadow stretched from shore to shore,
Their ruins perished, and their place no more!
Convinced, she now contracts her vast design,
And all her triumphs shrink into a coin.
A narrow orb each crowded conquest keeps,
Beneath her palm here sad Judea weeps.' -
Alexander Pope, To Mr. Addison, Occasioned by his Dialogues on Medals II. 19-26
Honest wear with some minor cleaning scratches.David Atherton
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RIC 0181 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 21.72g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PAX AVGVSTI; S C in field; Pax stg. l., with branch and cornucopiae
RIC 181 (C2). BMC 554. BNC 512.
Acquired from Savoca Coins, January 2023.
The standing Pax is one of the most common types encountered on Vespasian's sestertii struck during the great bronze issue of 71, mirroring the prominent role Pax played on his early denarii. Colin Kraay counted 16 obverse dies paired with this second issue reverse type, undoubtedly there are more. Here Pax is represented holding a cornucopiae (on the denarius she holds a caduceus) symbolising the emperor's gift of peace and prosperity to the empire.
A fantastic veristic portrait.
David Atherton
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RIC 0182 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 23.86g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r., with aegis
Rev: PAX AVGVSTI; S C in field; Pax stg. l., with branch and cornucopiae
RIC 182 (R3, this coin). BMC -. BNC -.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 9. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex CNG E93, 7 July 2004, lot 83.
A unique Pax variety with aegis portrait. This is the RIC reference coin and an obverse die match with BMC 567 (RIC 200, R3). The rarity of this unique aegis variety indicates the mint was phasing out the more elaborate portrait designs at this point in time.David Atherton
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RIC 0186 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 24.63g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PAX AVGVSTI; S C in field; Pax std. l., with branch and sceptre
RIC 186 (R2, this coin). BMC -. BNC 521.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 10. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex Schulman 254, 11-12 November 1971, lot 3376. Ex Dutch Royal Coin Cabinet, The Hague.
An extremely rare sestertius variety featuring Pax seated on the reverse. Normally on Vespasian's bronze coins she is seen standing or leaning on a column. The provenance presented quite a puzzle. Clay writes 'same dies' as the RIC plate coin from the Hague collection, but clearly it is the same piece! The Hague collection was incorporated into the Geldmuseum of Utretch, which in turn was closed in 2013. Most of the Geldmuseum coins were sent to the Dutch National Bank where they reside today. Clay may have purchased the coin in 1971 via Schulman auction 254 which listed this coin (lot 3376) from the Dutch Royal Coin Cabinet. RIC erroneously assumed the piece was still part of the Royal Cabinet collection when it was transferred to the Geldmuseum! The auction provenance was either forgotten or lost.
High relief portrait in fine style.David Atherton
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RIC 0190 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 25.22g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: ROMA; S C in field; Roma stg. l., with Victory and spear
RIC 190 (C3). BMC 560. BNC 525.
Ex Pegasi 39, 13 November 2018, lot 467. Ex Bonhams, 11 June 2018, group lot 3. Ex Superior 2-3 June 1998, The J. B. Parker Collection, lot 7023.
In 71 AD the Rome and Lugdunum mints struck a massive iconic issue of aes coinage for Vespasian, setting the tone for the bronze coinage for the remainder of the reign. One of the commonest sestertius types struck for the issue was Roma holding Victory. Roma is depicted in the guise of an Amazon warrior, a typical attribute for her on the coinage during the Flavian era.
Fantastic portrait in good style. David Atherton
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RIC 0195 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 25.37g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r., drapery on l. shoulder
Rev: ROMA RESVRGES; S C in exergue; Vespasian stg. l., raising kneeling Roma (city); behind, the goddess Roma stg. r.
RIC 195 (R2). BMC 565. BNC 531.
Acquired from Marti Numismatics, September 2020. Ex Jean Elsen Auction 144, 14 March 2020, lot 526.
This iconic sestertius struck during the great bronze issue of 71 advertises Vespasian's ambitions to repair both the great financial burden and physical devastation Rome had suffered from the recent Civil War and Nero's great fire of 64. Vespasian is shown extending a hand to raise the kneeling personification of the city of Rome while the goddess Roma looks on with approval in the background. Suetonius tells us 'Rome was unsightly because of earlier fires and collapsed buildings...Having undertaken the restoration of the Capitol, he (Vespasian) was the first to set his hands to clearing away the rubble and carried it off on his own shoulders.' It would cost nearly 400 million aueri to set things right and put the city and the empire on sound footing. The 'Resurgence of Rome' announces the beginning of the bold plan to do so, which in hindsight was quite successful. The completion of the temple of Claudius, the rebuilding of the Capitol, the construction of the temple of Peace, and the building of the Colosseum all attest to Vespasian's success at achieving his goal.
Ironically, despite the importance of the reverse's message, these ultra-rare ROMA RESVRGES sestertii were struck from only one die pair and could not have been produced in very large numbers. Also of note, the drapery on Vespasian's left shoulder marks this coin as part of a special issue (the vast majority of his portraits are unadorned). Remarkably, this same exact scene was used for a reverse with the legend LIBERTAS RESTITVTA, probably produced by the same engraver.
Many examples of this type seen in trade are actually Paduan aftercasts in poor condition and are mistakenly(?) presented as ancient coins.
Fantastic portrait with beautiful dark olive patina. No tooling or smoothing!David Atherton
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RIC 0199 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 25.22g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: S C in field; Mars adv. r., with trophy and spear
RIC 199 (C2). BMC 777. BNC 539.
Acquired from Incitatus Coins, April 2020. Ex Noonans Auction 171, 17 September 2019, lot 153 (part).
Struck during the great bronze issue of 71, this reverse features the standard Mars as a 'heroic nude', similar to the same type struck on the denarius. Mars here can best be interpreted as a triumphal type, likely based on a cult image.
Nice style with planchet flaw on reverse.David Atherton
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RIC 0221 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 19.38g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: VICTORIA AVGVSTI; S C in exergue; Victory stg. r., l. foot on helmet, inscribing OB / CIV / SERV on shield on palm tree; to r., Judaea std. r.
RIC 221 (C3). BMC 582. BNC 561. Hendin 1508.
Ex CNG eAuction 453, 2 October 2019, lot 522.
The commonness of most Judaea Capta types underscores how important the Jewish War and subsequent defeat of the Jews was to the fledgling Flavian dynasty. This iconic sestertius from the second bronze issue of 71 was struck in fairly plentiful numbers and copies a similar Victory type coined under Vitellius. It very likely was the first 'Judaea Capta' type struck for Vespasian. Colin Kraay records 21 different reverse dies used for this one type alone. The iconography on the reverse is quite explicit. Victory, nude from the waist up, is inscribing a shield attached to the trunk of a palm tree, the palm being a topographical symbol for the land of Judaea. The personification of Judaea herself sits in dejected mode to the right of the palm. The inscription on the shield, OB CIV SERV - 'for saving the citizens', credits the emperor for keeping the empire safe. The clear allegorical message of the reverse giving the credit to Vespasian for defeating the Jews and saving the empire would have been quite apparent to most people handling this coin. The amount of propaganda squeezed from the rebellion of such a small region is indeed remarkable. Josephus' declaration of the Jewish War as the 'greatest' of all time would have been quite welcomed by the Flavian regime.
Beautiful dark olive green patina good style.
NB: Special thanks to Curtis Clay for the Kraay citation.David Atherton
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RIC 0230 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 23.18g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPAS AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: FORTVNAE REDVCI; S C in exergue; Fortuna stg. l., with branch and rudder on globe, and cornucopiae
RIC 230 (C2). BMC 529. BNC 484.
Acquired from CGB.fr, September 2021.
Vespasian struck a massive bronze issue in 71 which easily dwarfs any other of the reign. The issue is dominated by the Judaea Capta series, but many other important themes are employed by the mint. This Fortuna reverse carries an important propaganda message concerning the safe return of the imperial household. H. Mattingly in BMCRE explains it as 'the Fortuna who brings Titus home in June 71; the branch which she holds, beside her own rudder and cornucopiae, is either the olive branch of Pax or the laurel of the home-returning conqueror.' Titus had been absent from Rome completing the successful siege of Jerusalem and was en route home in Spring 71. This fairly common Fortuna from the third bronze issue of 71 features a stylish portrait of Vespasian. The commonness of the type indicates the immense propaganda value it had for the new regime. David Atherton
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RIC 0232 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 25.70g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPAS AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: HONOS ET VIRTVS; S C in exergue; Honos stg. r. with sceptre and cornucopiae, and Virtus stg. l. with spear and parazonium
RIC 232 (R). BMC 530. BNC 484.
Acquired from Den of Antiquity, October 2020.
Struck during Vespasian's massive bronze issue of 71, this HONOS ET VIRTVS reverse type copies one struck earlier by Galba. The occasion for resurrecting it may have been prompted by Vespasian's restoration of the temple of Honos and Virtus recently damaged during Nero's great fire. Very rare, only two reverse dies for the type were recorded by C. Kraay.
Dark brown toning with some cleaning marks.David Atherton
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RIC 0238 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 25.68g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPAS AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: MARS VICTOR; S C in field; Mars, armoured, adv. l., with Victory and trophy
RIC 238 (C). BMC 552. BNC 509.
Ex CNG E443, 1 May 2019, lot 530.
A sestertius struck in Vespasian's great bronze issue of 71. The reverse features the first Mars type coined for the new emperor, copied from one previously struck for Vitellius. Mars is seen here in full military dress instead of the heroic nude he is normally depicted as on the contemporary denarii. This MARS VICTOR type pays proper respect to the god of war for granting Flavian success in the recently concluded Jewish War (an open display of celebration for defeating Vitellius would be taboo on the coinage). The portraits from this aes issue can be quite extraordinary. C.H.V. Sutherland in his book Roman Coins writes: 'Vespasian's aes, however, and not merely the sestertii, developed a full magnificence of portraiture ... The beauty of this work lay in it's realism, strong in authority and yet delicate in execution ...' (p. 189). Perhaps, a portrait such as this is what Sutherland had in mind when he wrote that passage.
The minor porosity does not detract from the superb veristic portrait and beautiful dark brown patina. David Atherton
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RIC 0243 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 25.77g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPAS AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PAX AVGVSTI; S C in field; Pax stg. l., with branch and cornucopiae
RIC 243 (C3). BMC 555. BNC 516.
Acquired from Wallinmynt, September 2019.
The standing Pax is one of the most common types encountered on Vespasian's sestertii struck during the great bronze issue of 71, mirroring the prominent role Pax played on his early denarii. Colin Kraay counted a staggering 31 obverse dies paired with this sestertius reverse type alone. Here Pax is represented holding a cornucopiae (on the denarius she holds a caduceus) symbolising the emperor's gift of peace and prosperity to the empire.
A strong veristic portrait in good metal.David Atherton
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RIC 0244 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 26.08g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPAS AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: ROMA; S C in field; Roma stg. l., with Victory and spear
RIC 244 (C2). BMC 564. BNC 529.
Acquired from CGB.fr, November 2022.
Part of the third sestertius issue of 71 AD, this fairly common reverse type features Roma holding Victory. Roma is depicted in the guise of an Amazon warrior, a typical attribute for her on the coinage during the Flavian era likely based on a cult image. The massive portrait on the obverse is rendered in fine veristic style. C. H. V. Sutherland in his work Roman Coins commented on the Vespasianic portraits of the era - 'Vespasian's aes, however, and not merely the sestertii, developed a full magnificence of portraiture. Again the heads were large, even massive, and normally in high relief, giving the strong impression of the purely profile view of sculpture in the round. And, because of the larger scale which this aes permitted, a wealth of detail could be achieved: close cut hair, finely wrinkled brow, a minutely rendered profile eye, and all the jowls and neck-folds of an old man. The beauty of this work lay in its realism, strong in authority and yet delicate in execution; and it was in the addition of technical delicacy to strength of conception that Vespasian's coinage clearly excelled over Galba.' I believe this coin to be a fine example of what Sutherland had in mind.David Atherton
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RIC 0245 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 24.02g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPAS AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: SALVS AVGVSTA; S C in exergue; Salus std. l. with patera and sceptre
RIC 245 (C2). BMC 574. BNC 533.
Acquired from Golden Rule Enterprises Coins, February 2020.
A fairly common sestertius Salus type from the great bronze issue of 71. According to Mattingly in BMCRE II this Salus type may perhaps represents 'the salvation conferred by the imperial system', presumably after the upheavals of the Civil War. Salus here symbolises the health and welfare of the Roman state, not the person of the emperor himself.
Superb portrait in good metal.
David Atherton
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RIC 0247 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 25.66g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPAS AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: S C in field; Mars adv. r., with spear and trophy
RIC 247 (C2). BMC 568. BNC 538.
Acquired from CGB.fr, October 2022. Ex Chaponnière & Firmenich SA Auction 13, 16 May 2021, lot 296. From the P. J. H. D. collection formed between 1970 and 2000.
Struck during the great bronze issue of 71, this reverse features the standard Mars as a 'heroic nude', similar to the same type struck on the denarius. Mars here can best be interpreted as a triumphal type, likely based on a cult image. The magnificent portrait on the obverse is a superb example of early Vespasianic portraiture. C. H. V. Sutherland in his work Roman Coins commented 'Vespasian's aes, however, and not merely the sestertii, developed a full magnificence of portraiture. Again the heads were large, even massive, and normally in high relief, giving the strong impression of the purely profile view of sculpture in the round. And, because of the larger scale which this aes permitted, a wealth of detail could be achieved: close cut hair, finely wrinkled brow, a minutely rendered profile eye, and all the jowls and neck-folds of an old man. The beauty of this work lay in its realism, strong in authority and yet delicate in execution; and it was in the addition of technical delicacy to strength of conception that Vespasian's coinage clearly excelled over Galba.' And more recently, David Vagi in Coinage and the History of the Roman Empire said 'Most numismatists agree that the height of Roman coin portraiture occurred in the 1st Century A.D., when the "Twelve Caesars" chronicled by Suetonius ruled Rome. Many would also agree that the absolute peak occurred from 60 to 75, beginning with the last issues of Nero, encompassing the Civil War of 68-69 and ending with the early issues of the Flavians.' High praise indeed from two imminent scholars for the engravers working at the Rome mint under Vespasian. This coin, I think, exemplifies the fine style which they passionately praise. It's certainly one of the finest portraits of Vespasian I've come across. David Atherton
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RIC 0266 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 13.83g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, radiate, r.
Rev: CONCORDIA AVGVSTI; S C in exergue; Concordia std. l., with patera and cornucopiae
RIC 266 (C). BMC 589. BNC 565.
Acquired from Romae Aeternae Numismatics, December 2019.
A very common Concordia dupondius struck for Vespasian during the great bronze issue of 71. This type comes in two variants: one with an altar and one without. Both have the same frequency rating of 'common'. Mattingly in BMCRE speculated the type 'stands for harmony in the imperial house'.
Decent standard style and well centred. David Atherton
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RIC 0276 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 13.34g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, radiate, r.
Rev: PAXS AVGVSTI; S C in field; Pax stg. l., with cornucopiae, setting fire to arms
RIC 276 (R2). BMC 590 corr. (PAXS). BNC -.
Acquired from Canadian Coin Currency, June 2020.
An extremely rare dupondius struck during Vespasian's great bronze issue of 71 featuring Pax setting fire to a pile of (Jewish) arms. It is so rare that only one die pair has been recorded for this Pax type on the dupondius. It is more frequently seen on the sestertius, and even then rarely so. The unusual reverse legend featuring the odd spelling of 'PAXS' is also only encountered here. An RIC footnote mentions that on some specimens the 'S' is obliterated (as on the BM example), however, this coin clearly shows it. This highly symbolic reverse, possibly based on a composition from the Augustan period, first appeared on the coinage of Galba and was later adopted by Vespasian.David Atherton
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RIC 0279 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 13.37g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, radiate, r.
Rev: ROMA in exergue; S C in field; Roma std. l. on cuirass, with wreath and parazonium; behind, shields
RIC 279 (C2). BMC 591. BNC 569.
Acquired from Aristos Coins, eBay, December 2019.
One of the most common dupondius types struck during Vespasian's great bronze issue of 71 was this seated Roma. Mattingly in BMCRE II says this about the type - 'The wreath which Roma holds on the dupondius is the sign of Victory, or, perhaps rather the rejoicing for it.' The traditional Greek Amazon guise of Roma is copied from the coinage of Nero.
Fetching olive green patina and nicely centred with full legends.David Atherton
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RIC 0282 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 14.36g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, radiate, r.
Rev: TVTELA AVGVSTI; S C in exergue; Tutela std. l., with a child either side
RIC 282 (R2). BMC 596. BNC 572.
Acquired from Praefectus Coins, July 2019. Ex The Morris Collection. Formerly in NGC holder 4632640-020, grade 'Ch VF', strike 5/5, surface 3/5.
Tutela, the goddess of guardianship, is a rare personification on Roman coinage. She first appears on the dupondii of Vitellius and later under Vespasian during his great bronze issue of 71, both on the dupondius and a unique sestertius. The type under Vespasian is extremely scarce with only two reverse dies known for the dupondius. The unique sestertius was acquired by Curtis Clay, for which he wrote the following concerning the TVTELA reverse type:
'Cohen suggested a dynastic interpretation of this TVTELA AVGVSTI rev. type: Vitellius seated with his two children, one boy and one girl, under Vitellius; Domitilla, Vespasian's deceased wife, seated with her sons Titus and Domitian under Vespasian.
Mattingly, in BMC, p. xliv, modified Cohen's interpretation: "Cohen can hardly be right in identifying the woman with Domitilla, but the children seem to stand for Titus and Domitian, and Tutela is the guardian care of the Emperor that watches over his sons."
However, I prefer Mattingly's alternate interpretation, which he explains in a footnote:
"Or the children might represent citizens and Tutela would then be the Emperor's ward over his subjects. Cf. Suetonius, Divus Vespasianus, 5, an omen that portended 'desertam rem p. civili aliqua perturbatione in tutelam eius ac velut in gremium deventuram' ['that the Roman state, abandoned because of some civil agitation, would fall under his protection (tutela) and as it were into his lap']....Martial (v.1.7ff.) addresses Domitian as 'o rerum felix tutela salusque / sospite quo gratum credimus esse Iovem' [O happy protector (tutela) and savior of our affairs, whose continuing good health makes us believe that Jupiter is on our side']."
These quotes, and others that Mattingly indicates in the same note, show that 'tutela' was commonly used in Vespasian's day to mean the emperor's solicitous care for his subjects. Plus, the few later appearances of a Tutela type on Roman coins, under Tetricus I and Carausius, do not include children and seem to refer to governing not childrearing.'
As can clearly be seen on this well preserved dupondius the two children standing either side of Tutela are togate, indicating that they are both boys and perhaps can be viewed as further evidence that Mattingly's alternate theory is correct and the two children do indeed represent the empire's citizens. Unfortunately, the Tutela type was struck rather fleetingly in 71 and did not become part of Vespasian's regular canon of reverse types.
One of the finest known examples of the type. A double die match with the ANS specimen 1906.236.246.
NB: BMC 527 records the type with an obverse reading COS II, however, the obverse has been tooled from an original COS III die. Its reverse die is also known to be paired with other COS III obverses.
David Atherton
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RIC 0286 VespasianÆ As, 9.69g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: AEQVITAS AVGVSTI; S C in exergue; Aequitas stg. l., with scales and rod
RIC 286 (C2). BMC 601. BNC 575.
Acquired from CGB.fr, September 2020.
After the financial mess Nero had left the empire in and the heavy costs of the recent Civil War and Judaean revolt, restoring the state's finances were a top priority for Vespasian upon his accession. This Aequitas type struck during his great bronze issue of 71 proclaims the honest administration of public finances and that lapsed standards would be restored. Aequitas holding her scales and measuring rod was probably based on a cult image of the deity. She first shows up as an imperial virtue on the coinage under Galba, a virtue that Vespasian was eager to emulate. The type comes in two variants - one with S C in exergue as seen here, and the slightly less common S C low in field. Aequitas is easily the commonest type struck on the As for this issue.
Good portrait and nice coppery tone.David Atherton
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RIC 0287 VespasianÆ As, 9.19g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: AEQVITAS AVGVSTI; S C low in field; Aequitas stg. l., with scales and rod
RIC 287 (C). BMC 600. BNC 576.
Acquired from eBay, October 2019.
After the financial mess Nero had left the empire in and the heavy costs of the recent Civil War and Judaean revolt, restoring the state's finances were a top priority for Vespasian upon his accession. This Aequitas type struck during his great bronze issue of 71 proclaims the honest administration of public finances and that lapsed standards would be restored. Aequitas holding her scales and measuring rod was probably based on a cult image of the deity. She first shows up as an imperial virtue on the coinage under Galba, a virtue that Vespasian was eager to emulate. The type comes in two variants - one with S C in exergue and, as seen here, S C low in field.
Nice dark tan patina and well centred.David Atherton
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RIC 0295 VespasianÆ As, 9.19g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: CONCORDIA AVGVST; S C in exergue; Concordia std. l., with patera over altar and cornucopiae
RIC 295 (R2). BMC p. 130 *. BNC -.
Acquired from Musa, December 2019.
The seated Concordia type is more frequently encountered on the dupondii and rarely on the As issues. This As featuring Concordia and an altar is quite rare, with RIC citing only one specimen in Munich. Mattingly mistakenly conjectured the type was possibly struck at Tarraco (BMC p. 130). The style, however, is unabashedly Rome mint. Mattingly also speculated the type 'stands for harmony in the imperial house'.
David Atherton
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RIC 0305 VespasianÆ As, 9.64g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: IVDEA CAPTA; S C in exergue; Palm tree; to r., Judaea std. r. on cuirass, head resting on hand, surrounded by arms
RIC 305 (C). BMC 605. BNC 580. Hendin 1554a.
Acquired from Praefectus Coins, May 2023. Ex Jean Elsen & ses Fils S.A. Auction 154, 17 March 2023, lot 602.
Judaea Capta commemorative coins were struck in all metals, but are quite scarce on the middle bronzes. This as from 71 echoes a similar Judaea Capta denarius struck the previous year. Here IVDEA CAPTA is spelled out, on the denarii only IVDAEA is in exergue (note the different spelling between the two denominations). The cuirass and surrounding pile of arms are also missing from the denarius examples. This as is rated common in RIC but can be most difficult to find in trade.David Atherton
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RIC 0306 VespasianÆ As, 10.45g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: IVDEA CAPTA; S C in exergue; Palm tree; to r., Judaea std. r. on cuirass, head resting on hand, surrounded by arms
RIC 306 (R2). BMC 790. BNC 583. Hendin 1554c.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, May 2023.
Judaea Capta coins were struck in all metals, but are quite scarce on the middle bronzes. This as from 71 echoes a similar Judaea Capta denarius struck the previous year. Here IVDEA CAPTA is spelled out, on the denarii only IVDAEA is in exergue (note the different spelling between the two denominations). The cuirass and surrounding pile of arms are also missing from the denarius examples. Additionally, this is the extremely rare left facing portrait variety of the type. H. Mattingly in BMCRE II erroneously attributed some of the Judaea Capta asses from the issue to Tarraco, they are actually Rome mint products.David Atherton
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RIC 0308 VespasianÆ As, 8.65g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: IVDEA CAPTA; S C in exergue; Trophy; to r., Judaea std. r., hands bound behind back
RIC 308 (R). BMC 608/791. BNC -. Hendin 1555.
Acquired from Vaughn Coins, June 2020. Ex Ira Ettinger collection.
This As is patterned off the two famous Judaea Capta denarius types struck the previous year - the trophy and palm tree designs - combining elements from both. On the As Judaea sits with her hands bound behind her back in front of a trophy, on the denarius trophy version her hands are free and she is mourning - only the variant with palm tree shows Judaea bound. IVDEA CAPTA is spelled out on the As, the denarii place IVDAEA in exergue (note the different spelling between the two denominations). Also, the trophy denarii are quite common, the Asses are very rare. H. Mattingly erroneously attributed some of the asses to Tarraco in BMCRE II (BMC 791), all are actually Rome mint products. Missing from the Paris collection.
Fine style portrait and nicely centred.David Atherton
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RIC 0315 VespasianÆ As, 9.84g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PROVIDEN in exergue; S C in field; Altar
RIC 315 (R). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Dr. Claus W. Hild, May 2019.
Originally, Tiberius struck the Provident altar type for Divus Augustus. The altar depicted is dedicated to Providentia, the personification of the emperor's divine providence. Although the type is commonly described as an altar, Marvin Tameanko has convincingly argued it is actually a sacellum, or small shrine. This popular type was later revived during the Civil War by Galba and Vitellius. Vespasian began striking it early in his reign both at Rome and Lyon, confining the type to the as issues. This example is the rare Rome mint variant with the unique abbreviated 'PROVIDEN' legend struck during the great bronze issue of 71. It is missing from the BM's extensive collection. The variant spellings can range the gamut from 'PROVID' to 'PROVIDENT'.
Well centred with a nice dark coppery patina.David Atherton
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RIC 0319 VespasianÆ As, 11.84g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: SALVS AVGVSTI; S C in field; Salus resting on column r., feeding snake out of patera
RIC 319 (R2). BMC 619A. BNC -.
Ex Rex Numismatics, Auction 1, 15 July 2023, lot 348.
Salus resting on column and feeding snake is an extremely rare type for Vespasian, it is more commonly associated with the denarii struck for Domitian Caesar. This Salus type may be attributed to the health and well-being of the emperor. It is known for Vespasian only from a unique dupondius (RIC 60) and this as variety, of which only a few specimens have been recorded. Whatever the cause for the type being struck for Vespasian, it must have been fleeting based on the scarcity of the pieces. A reverse die match with the BM specimen.David Atherton
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RIC 0320 VespasianÆ As, 8.82g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: S C in field; Aquila between two standards, all on prows
RIC 320 (R). BMC 613. BNC 591.
Acquired from CGB, March 2024.
The aquila between two standards type was struck early in Vespasian's reign to honour the loyalty of the legions. The aquila, which featured an eagle clutching a thunderbolt, was the most important standard of any legion. With the recent successful completion of the Civil War and Jewish rebellion, the immense value of the legion's support is not lost on Vespasian! The type was later revived under Titus and Domitian for their cistophori.David Atherton
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RIC 0322 VespasianÆ As, 10.55g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: S C in field; Eagle stg. facing on globe, wings open, head r.
RIC 322 (R). BMC 612. BNC 589.
Ex eBay, 20 November 2018. Ex Heritage.
The eagle on globe type was sparingly struck at Rome on the As issues. Introduced during the great bronze mintage of 71, the type harkens back to a similar reverse struck for Divus Augustus under Tiberius and symbolises Vespasian as Augustus' worthy successor. The type was struck much more frequently at Lugdunum.
Strong Roman portrait with a lovely olive green patina.David Atherton
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RIC 0323 VespasianÆ As, 9.69g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: S C in field; Temple of Capitoline Jupiter with six columns
RIC 323 (R2). BMC 614. BNC 588.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 453. Ex Harlan J Berk, Summer 1986, lot 439.
In December 69 AD the Temple of Capitoline Jupiter was set ablaze and destroyed during factional warfare in the city of Rome between Vitellian and Flavian forces. Upon Vespasian's victorious arrival in October 70, one of his first acts was to lavishly rebuild the temple, supposedly carrying the first basket of rubble from the site himself. As it was the first major building project of the reign, the opening religious ceremonies were conducted with great fanfare. This extremely rare* as from 71 commemorates the rebuilding of the structure and is the earliest appearance of it on a Flavian coin. The reverse depicts an idealised rendition of the Vespasianic temple, as it was still a work in progress and would not be completed for several more years. The rebuilt temple would again succumb to fire in 80 under Titus. A double die match with the Oxford cast and the BM and Paris specimens.
*Rare enough that M. Tameanko in his book Monumental Coins erroneously refers to it as a sestertius and R. Darwell-Smith in Emperors and Architecture calls it a dupondius! N. T. Elkins gets it some-what right in his Monuments in Miniature, but unfortunately links this as variety of 71 to a photo of a heavily tooled sestertius from the BM with a fabricated reverse! No COS III sestertii with the temple of Jupiter exist. David Atherton
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RIC 0324 VespasianÆ As, 10.68g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: S C in field; Victory adv. l., with trophy
RIC 324 (R2). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Praefectus Coins, September 2020.
A rare As struck during Vespasian's great deluge of bronze in 71. The reverse, sans legend, features Victory advancing left carrying a trophy over her shoulder. This unique type would not be repeated again and judging by the rarity it was sparingly struck. Missing from both the the BM and Paris collections.
Worn but pleasant in hand.David Atherton
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RIC 0328 VespasianÆ As, 10.91g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: VICTOR AVGVSTI; S C in field; Victory adv. l. to place shield on trophy; below, Judaea std. l.
RIC 332 (R2). BMC 615. BNC -. Hendin 1556b
Acquired from Witter Coins, eBay, May 2020. Formerly in NGC holder 4683650-004, grade 'F', strike 4/5, surface 3/5.
This is a not so common 'Judaea Capta' As. The type of Victory and trophy with Judaea seated below has several variant reverse legends on the As, many of which are quite rare. This example has the unique reverse legend 'VICTOR AVGVSTI', which only appears on this one variant. Although lacking a 'Capta' legend, this reverse certainly refers to the recently concluded Jewish War - the defeated captive personifying Judaea sitting at the base of the trophy strongly declares the type's meaning under no uncertain terms. Missing from the extensive Paris collection.
Worn but nicely centred.
David Atherton
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RIC 0333 VespasianÆ As, 10.35g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: VICTORIA AVGVSTI; S C in exergue; Victory adv. r. to place wreath on standard and holding palm
RIC 333 (R2). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from eBay, August 2020.
This rare As struck in 71 is the earliest Vespasianic appearance of Victory placing a wreath on a standard. The type would be more commonly struck for the denarius during Vespasian and Titus's joint consulship a year or so later. Often this Victory type is erroneously attributed as part of the 'Judaea Capta' series. I think it can be correctly viewed as simply a generic Victory with no specific war in mind.
The type was unpublished until the its appearance in the new RIC II.1. A previous specimen in a 2007 CNG auction was mistakenly attributed as a mule before the publication of the new RIC II.1. https://www.cngcoins.com/Coin.aspx?CoinID=109101#
Lovely coppery tone accented with dark green patina.David Atherton
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RIC 0336 VespasianÆ As, 11.55g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: VICTORIA NAVALIS; S C in field; Victory stg. r. on prow, with wreath and palm
RIC 336 (C). BMC 616. BNC 595.
Acquired from J. Diller Münzenhandlung, July 2019.
A common VICTORIA NAVALAIS As struck during Vespasian's great bronze issue of 71. Traditionally, this type has been attributed to the naval victory Vespasian and Titus won on Lake Gennesaret (the Sea of Galilee) during the Jewish War. By any definition it is a most bizarre 'naval' battle indeed. Near the close of the Galilean campaign, Vespasian and Titus marched to Lake Gennesaret in order to secure the cities along its coastline. Tiberias fell without much resistance, but the neighbouring city of Taricheae was a tougher nut to crack. Home to many of the Jewish rebels who had fled Tiberias, they put up a small fight on the plain outside the city and were quickly defeated by Titus' troops who then stormed the city and began slaughtering the inhabitants. Many of the rebels took flight to waiting boats they had previously commandeered on the lake. These were likely local fishing or ferry vessels not intended for use in war. Vespasian ordered the legionaries to construct large rafts in order to pursue the rebel's makeshift flotilla. With the coastline guarded by Roman horsemen the legionaries launched their rafts and sailed out in a large line toward the enemy. The Jewish boats were no match for the heavily armoured Roman rafts. The legionaries easily picked off the Jewish rebels who had no means of escape. The slaughter was intense, so much so that Josephus claims 6,500 Jews were killed. Several years later during Vespasian and Titus' Jewish War Triumph in Rome, ships were displayed to commemorate the battle. Were the Victoria Navalis coins struck with the same event in mind? As unlikely as it seems, the impromptu 'naval' battle at Lake Gennesaret is the best candidate for Vespasian striking this Actium-lite reverse type. The connection to Augustus would not have been lost on his contemporaries. Flavian propaganda at its most exaggerated.
Well centred with dark olive green patina.David Atherton
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RIC 0351 VespasianÆ Quadrans, 2.54g
Rome Mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP VESPASIAN AVG; Palm tree
Rev: P M TR P P P COS III; S C in field; Vexillum
RIC 351 (R). BMC 618. BNC -. Hendin 1569.
Acquired from numis-kimel, eBay, May 2019.
During Vespasian's great bronze issue of 71 the Rome mint produced a series of quadrantes. Their rarity today is likely a result of them being of low value and typically not hoarded. Mimicking the larger bronze, the Jewish War victory was celebrated on them as well. Because of the small flan size brevity is called for: a palm representing Judaea on the obverse, and a Vexillum symbolising military victory on the reverse - straight and to the point! Ironically, despite their rarity today, more of the plebeian population would have seen these quadrantes than their more famous 'Judaea Capta' silver cousins.
Struck with full legends and sporting a fetching 'Tiber' patina.David Atherton
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RIC 0356 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.50g
Rome mint, 72-73 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESP AVG P M COS IIII; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: AVGVR (above) TRI POT (below); Priestly implements
RIC 356 (C3). BMC 64. RSC 45. BNC 49.
Acquired from Nilus Coins, June 2004.
This reverse type commemorates Vespasian's religious role as Pontifix Maximus, symbolised by the simpulum, sprinkler, and jug. The lituus is the symbol of the augurate.
Good example of an extremely common type. David Atherton
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RIC 0357 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.10g
Rome Mint, 72-73 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESP A-VG P M COS IIII; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: CONCORDIA AVGVSTI; Concordia, draped, seated l., holding patera extended in r. hand and cornucopiae in l.
RIC 357 (C2). BMC 65. RSC 74. BNC 51.
Acquired from Neptune Numismatics, January 2006.
A fairly common coin for Vespasian issued early in his reign. The BMC states that this coin celebrates Vespasian sharing power with Titus.
This revese was also issued from the Antioch mint.David Atherton
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RIC 0359 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.62g
Rome Mint, 72-73 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESP A-VG P M COS IIII; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: TRI POT across field; Vesta, draped, veiled, seated l., holding simpulum in r. hand, l. hand at side
RIC 359 (C). BMC 70. RSC 563. BNC -.
Acquired from sphinx Numismatics, April 2007.
Vesta the goddess of hearth and home here may refer to Vespasian's role as Pontifex Maximus.
A common coin on a small flan. The portrait redeems it.David Atherton
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RIC 0360 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.32g
Rome mint, 72-73 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESP AVG P M COS IIII; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: VESTA; Vesta stg. l., with simpulum and sceptre
RIC 360 (C2). BMC 71. RSC 574. BNC 55.
Acquired from Beast Coins, October 2004.
A common Vesta type struck just prior to Vespasian acquiring the censorship. Vesta holding a simpulum here personifies Vespasian's duties as chief priest.
David Atherton
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RIC 0362 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.42g
Rome Mint, 72-73 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESP A-VG P M COS IIII; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: VICTORIA AVGVSTI; Victory, draped, advancing r., holding palm over l. shoulder in l. hand and with r. about to place wreath on a standard set in ground on r.
RIC 362 (C2). BMC 74. RSC 618. BNC 60.
Acquired from Incitatus Coins, July 2004.
A coin which is considered by some as part of Vespasian's IVDAEA CAPTA series. Here Victory is placing a wreath on a military standard, 'Victory crowning the successful arms of Rome'. The type can be better interpreted as a general 'Victory' type.
One of my favorite coins.David Atherton
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RIC 0366 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 3.40g
Rome Mint, 72-73 AD
Obv: T CAES IMP VESP PON TR POT; Titus, bearded, laureate, r.
Rev: NEP RED; Neptune stg l., r. foot on globe, with acrostolium and sceptre
RIC 366 (C). BMC 80. RSC 121. BNC 68.
Acquired from Tom Cederlind, February 2008.
A reverse type that commemorates Titus's return to Rome after his completion of the Jewish War. Neptune, the god of the sea, would be an appropriate deity to offer thanks to after a safe sea voyage.
This coin is rated as common in RIC, but it's not often seen in trade. David Atherton
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![titus_as_caesar_RIC_0160[vesp].jpg](albums/userpics/11162/thumb_titus_as_caesar_RIC_0160%5Bvesp%5D.jpg "Filename=titus_as_caesar_RIC_0160[vesp].jpg
Filesize=56KiB
Dimensions=600x286
Date added=Jul 25, 2008")
RIC 0369 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 3.13g
Rome Mint, 72-73 AD
Obv: T CAES IMP VESP PON TR POT; Head of Titus, bearded, laureate, r.
Rev: Palm tree; to l., Titus stg. r. with spear and parazonium, foot on helmet; to r., Judaea std. r.
RIC 369 (R2). BMC 85. RSC -. BNC -. Hendin 1482.
EX CNG E42, 12 November 2001, lot 64980.
This Judaea Capta type commemorates the end of the Jewish War and was struck in both Antioch and Rome. Here we have the much scarcer Rome mint example issued for Titus Caesar.
A pleasing portrait with a well worn reverse. The scarcity of the piece makes up for the state of preservation.David Atherton
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RIC 0371 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 3.20g
Rome Mint, 72-73AD
Obv: T CAES IMP VESP PON TR POT; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: No Legend; Titus stg. r. with branch and sceptre, in quadriga r.
RIC 371 (R2). BMC p.15. RSC 394. BNC -. Hendin 1483.
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection.
Part of an issue that celebrates the Jewish War victory showing Titus in a Triumphal quadriga, much as he would've appeared during the joint Triumph he held with his father Vespasian in 71 AD. The type was issued both in Rome and more commonly in Antioch.
I have searched for a Rome mint issue of the type for many years and had no luck. Recently Harry Sneh offered this example to me, naturally, I couldn't resist. The coin is worn but most of the major devices are intact and the portrait is a wonderful example of the young Prince.
David Atherton
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RIC 0384 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 22.77g
Rome mint, 72-73 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPAS AVG P M TR P P P COS IIII; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: S C in field; Mars adv. r., with trophy and spear
RIC 384 (R). BMC 621. BNC 609.
Acquired from Petra Klein, July 2023.
Vespasian's bronze coinage output in 72-73 was quite meagre compared to the vast issues of 71. This rare Mars variety is a carry-over from those massive issues. Struck just prior to Vespasian holding the censorship.David Atherton
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RIC 0386 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 24.67g
Rome mint, 72-73 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPAS AVG P M TR P P P COS IIII; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: S C in exergue; Vespasian riding r., spearing fallen foe
RIC 386 (R). BMC 622. BNC 610. Hendin 1518.
Acquired from Aegean, September 2022.
This extremely rare reverse type featuring a rider spearing a fallen enemy combatant most likely alludes to the Jewish War (per Hendin), although H. Mattingly in BMCRE II conjectures it refers to the contemporary campaigns in Dacia or Germany. It was sparingly struck for Vespasian in just one issue and slightly more frequently for Titus Caesar through several issues. Only one die pair is known for the Vespasian variant - a testament to its great rarity! I could locate only one heavily tooled example in trade on asearch. OCRE and RIC cites two examples, one in the BM and the other in Paris. IMHO, the RIC frequency rating of 'rare' seems a bit understated. Did the RIC authors know of any other specimens?
NB: Because of its extreme rarity, this type for Vespasian could possibly be a mule with a reverse intended exclusively for Titus Caesar.David Atherton
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RIC 0392 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 12.05g
Rome mint, 72-73 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS IIII; Head of Vespasian, radiate, r.
Rev: FELICITAS PVBLICA; S C in field; Felicitas stg. l., with caduceus and cornucopiae
RIC 392 (R2). BMC -. BNC Spec. acquired 2004 (178).
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, November 2021.
After the massive bronze issues of 71, the Rome mint scaled back production considerably in 72. This extremely rare Felcitias dupondius was struck in 72-73 just prior to Vespasian's joint censorship with Titus. Despite its fleeting nature early on, Felicitas later became one of the commonest bronze reverse types of the reign. Here she symbolises the prosperity and abundance Vespasian has brought to the empire.
David Atherton
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RIC 0397 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 13.08g
Rome mint, 72-73 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS IIII; Head of Vespasian, radiate, r.
Rev: ROMA VICTRIX; S C in exergue; Roma std. l. on cuirass, with Victory and spear
RIC 397 (R2). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Moneta Romana, December 2022.
A rare dupondius depicting Roma on the reverse, seated on a cuirass and holding a spear in one hand and Victory in the other. She is dressed in the guise of an Amazon warrior, a typical attribute for her on the coinage during the Flavian era. This scarce variety is missing from both the BM and Paris collections. Only two specimens are cited by RIC: one in Budapest and the other from a 1972 Rauch auction (this coin?).
David Atherton
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RIC 0398 VespasianÆ As, 9.94g
Rome mint, 72-73 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS IIII; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: AEQVITAS AVGVSTI; S C in field; Aequitas stg. l., with scales and rod
RIC 398 (R2). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from eBay, November 2020.
Aequitas on Vespasian's coinage proclaims that the honest administration of public finances and lapsed standards would be restored. Aequitas holding her scales and measuring rod was probably based on a cult image of the deity. She first shows up as an imperial virtue on the coinage under Galba, a virtue that Vespasian was eager to emulate. Rare COS IIII variant of the Aequitas type from 72-73 AD. Missing from both the BM and Paris collections.David Atherton
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RIC 0408 VespasianÆ Quadrans, 2.06g
Rome Mint, 72-73 AD
Obv: IMP VESPASIAN AVG; Palm tree
Rev: P M TR P P P · COS IIII; S C in field; Vexillum
RIC 408 (R). BMC 626. BNC -. Hendin 1571.
Acquired from Calgary Coin, March 2021.
During Vespasian's reign the Rome mint produced sporadic issues of quadrantes. Their rarity today is likely a result of them being of low value and typically not hoarded. Mimicking the larger bronzes, the Jewish War victory was celebrated on them as well. Because of the small flan size brevity is called for: a palm tree representing Judaea on the obverse, and a Vexillum symbolising military victory on the reverse - straight and to the point! Ironically, despite their rarity today, more of the plebeian population would have seen these quadrantes than their more famous 'Judaea Capta' silver or bronze cousins. This specimen is remarkably well preserved for the denomination, perhaps it was lost soon after striking.
Missing from the Paris collection.David Atherton
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RIC 0415 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ As, 11.57g
Rome mint, 72 AD
Obv: T CAES VESPAS IMP P TR P COS II; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: AEQVITAS AVGVSTI; S C in field; Aequitas stg. l., with scales and rod
RIC 415 (R2). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Noble Roman Coins, April 2023.
One of the earliest bronze coins struck for Titus Caesar from an extremely rare issue of 72. Aequitas on Vespasian's coinage proclaims the honest administration of public finances and lapsed standards would be restored. Aequitas holding her scales and measuring rod was probably based on a cult image of the deity. The Aequitas type would later become quite common on the asses under Vespasian for all three Flavians. This is a scarce variety with reverse legend reading 'AVGVSTI'. Missing from both the BM and Paris collections. Only one specimen cited by RIC in Ljubljana.David Atherton
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RIC 0418 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian] Æ Sestertius, 23.05g
Rome mint, 72 AD
Obv: T CAES VESPASIAN IMP PON TR POT COS II; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: CAESAR DOMITIAN COS DES II; S C in field; Domitian riding l., with sceptre
RIC 418 (R). BMC 628. BNC 615.
Acquired from Andrew Cichos, August 2022.
An early sestertius struck for Titus Caesar featuring a reverse of Domitian Caesar on horseback. The type was commonly struck for Domitian under Vespasian in silver and on the middle bronzes, rarely for the sestertii. It likely commemorates Domitian's role in Vespasian and Titus' joint Jewish War Triumph - 'while taking part in the Judaean triumph, he rode on a white horse' (Suetonius, Domitian, ii), this was the normal practice for a young prince on such occasions. One couldn't ask for better dynastic propaganda than to have Titus pay homage to his younger brother on his very own coinage! This type has always intrigued me because of the contemporary gossip surrounding the brother's negative attitude towards one another. Was this a deliberate attempt to counter those rumours? A double die match with the Paris specimen. David Atherton
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RIC 0421 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Sestertius, 26.63g
Rome mint, 72 AD
Obv: T CAES VESPASIAN IMP PON TR POT COS II; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: FORTVNAE REDVCI; S C in field; Fortuna stg. l., with branch and rudder on globe, and cornucopiae
RIC 421 (R). BMC 630. BNC 617.
Acquired from Liberty Coin, December 2020.
An early sestertius struck for Titus Caesar featuring a reverse type also coined for Vespasian. FORTVNAE REDVCI (Fortuna the home-bringer) commemorates Titus's safe return from the Judaean War the previous year. Considered somewhat scarce. RIC notes that Fortuna's branch is often invisible - although it is quite evident on this example.
Worn but honest and in good early style.David Atherton
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RIC 0422 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Sestertius, 24.15g
Rome mint, 72 AD
Obv: T CAES VESPASIAN IMP PON TR POT COS II; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IVDAEA CAPTA; S C in exergue; Palm tree; to l., Titus stg. r. with spear and parazonium, foot on helmet; to r., Judaea std. r.
RIC 422 (R). BMC 631. BNC 618. Hendin 1523.
Acquired from Marti Classical Numismatics, October 2020.
Vespasian and Titus Caesar held a joint triumph in 71 for their Jewish War victory, but it wasn't until the following year that Judaea Capta coins were struck for Titus commemorating his own military achievement during the siege of Jerusalem. The reverse of this rare sestertius first struck for Titus in 72 directly copies one famously coined for Vespasian the previous year. This iconic type features a triumphal Titus proudly standing, holding a spear and parazonium (a triangular sword) with his foot on an enemy helmet, while the personification of Judaea sits at the base of a palm tree (representing the land of Judaea) in abject despair - take note of their size discrepancy.
Some pitting and wear but struck in fine style.David Atherton
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RIC 0423 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Sestertius, 23.43g
Rome mint, 72 AD
Obv: T CAES VESPASIAN IMP PON TR POT COS II; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PAX AVGVSTI; S C in field; Pax stg. l., with branch and cornucopiae
RIC 423 (C). BMC 633. BNC 619.
Ex Holding History, eBay, 16 March 2019.
After the recent Civil War and Jewish and Batavian rebellions this common Pax reverse type from 72 had special propaganda value for the new Flavian regime: peace and prosperity. It would be one of the more popular themes of Vespasian's coinage. Unsurprisingly, this Pax type is shared with Vespasian.
Worn, but in fine style with a nice dark chocolate patina.David Atherton
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RIC 0427 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Sestertius, 28.15g
Rome mint, 72 AD
Obv: T CAES VESPASIAN IMP PON TR POT COS II; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: S C in field; Mars adv. r., with spear and trophy
RIC 427 (C). BMC -. BNC 621.
Acquired from Incitatus Coins, April 2021.
Mars advancing right is one of the more common types struck for Titus Caesar's second bronze issue at Rome. Like many of his reverses, this Mars type is shared with Vespasian. It also shows up on the contemporaneous denarii. H. Mattingly in BMCRE II states the Mars with spear and trophy "was perhaps traditionally regarded as 'Mars Pater' - the ancestor of the Roman nation." Oddly enough, this type for Titus Caesar is missing from the BM's extensive collection.David Atherton
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RIC 0431 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Sestertius, 25.13g
Rome mint, 72 AD
Obv: T CAES VESPASIAN IMP PON TR POT COS II; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: S C in exergue; Titus stg. r., with branch and sceptre, in quadriga r.
RIC 431 (R). BMC 636. BNC 625. Hendin 1525.
Acquired from Wallinmynt, February 2019.
In 71 AD Vespasian and Titus held a double triumph celebrating their victory in the recently concluded Judaean War. The spectacular triumph was held a few days after Titus' arrival from the East in June and could be viewed as his effective homecoming party. Mary Beard has shrewdly observed that the triumph served as 'the Flavian coronation, the official launch party and press night of the Flavian dynasty.' It was the first time after Vespasian's rise to the purple that the whole family could be seen together by the Roman populace. Vespasian and Titus were identically dressed riding in matching quadrigas while Domitian trotted alongside on a splendid mount. The procession included massive towering floats depicting various 'battles' (one wonders how the makeshift naval battle on the Sea of Galilee was rendered?) that were so enormous many onlookers feared they would topple over. Booty from the destroyed Temple (the famous Menorah for one) along with other Eastern flavoured treasures were on display. Much of these treasures were likely manufactured in Rome for the event - a lavish sham in other words. The war ravaged region really didn't have much to offer in the way of razzmatazz show pieces, even the Temple's coffers were likely depleted by war's end. Despite all this, it cannot be underestimated how important this manufactured spectacle was for the young dynasty. The legitimacy and prestige the triumph provided to the family was worth every propaganda penny the regime spent on it, allowing Vespasian to announce to the world that Titus was his chosen heir. By showcasing his eldest son on an equal footing in the procession, it left little doubt who would succeed after his death. Coins were struck in all metals to commemorate the event. Here is a rare sestertius struck for Titus Caesar in 72 showing him in triumphal dress riding in a triumphal quadriga, the type is more commonly seen in silver from Antioch. The same reverse was identically struck for Vespasian, clear numismatic evidence of Vespasian's intentions for his son. The piece itself serves as a superb memento of the 'Greatest Show on Earth' triumph put on by the Flavian regime in the late First century.
The fine style portrait on the obverse is quite impressive, unmarred by three punch marks from antiquity.David Atherton
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RIC 0433 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Sestertius, 23.97g
Rome mint, 72 AD
Obv: T CAES VESPASIAN IMP PON TR POT COS II; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: VICTORIA AVGVSTI; S C in field; Victory stg. r., l. foot on helmet, inscribing VIC AVG on shield on palm tree
RIC 433 (R). BMC 637. BNC 624. Hendin 1526.
Acquired from Praefectus Coins, May 2021.
This iconic sestertius struck in 72 at Rome from Titus's second bronze issue commemorates his recent Judaean War victory. The iconography on the reverse is quite explicit. Victory, nude from the waist up, is inscribing a shield attached to the trunk of a palm tree, the palm being a topographical symbol for the land of Judaea. There is no mistaking this for anything other than a Judaea Capta commemorative. The type was also appropriately struck for Vespasian. David Atherton
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