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Home > Members' Coin Collection Galleries > David Atherton > 1. The Reign of Vespasian - Imperial Coins

Last comments - 1. The Reign of Vespasian - Imperial Coins
V1373.jpg
RIC 1373 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.01g
Uncertain mint, 69-71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: MARS VLTOR; Mars adv. r., with spear and trophy
RIC 1373 (R3, this coin), BMC -. BNC -. RSC -.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 224, 14 September 2023, lot 107. Ex Curtis Clay collection. Ex CNG, MBS 43, 24 September 1997, lot 863.

In late October 69 the Second Battle of Cremona was fought between the legions of Vitellius and Vespasian. It resulted in the utter defeat of the Vitellian side and their slow retreat towards Rome. Not long afterwards the Spanish legions went openly for Vespasian, which up until that point had only been neutrally friendly toward him. Coins were quickly struck for Vespasian in the newly won province. Most of these are attributed to Tarraco and an unknown Spanish mint. Intriguingly, a small military issue was contemporaneously struck at an uncertain mint somewhere in the western empire - Mattingly thought perhaps Aquileia. The issue contains some stylistic affinities with the Spanish series, but more importantly, recent metal analysis by K. Butcher and M. Ponting show the silver content is almost identical to that of the Spanish coins. It is very likely these early military denarii were also struck in Spain in late 69 soon after the province went over to Vespasian. This unique Mars type with an unusual vertical obverse legend displays the typical portrait style of this rare military issue - small portrait with upward gaze in somewhat crude style. These denarii were likely struck in haste during the turmoil of late 69/early 70 as propaganda pieces by the pro-Flavian factions in the region. This specimen is the RIC reference coin, though not pictured in the plates.
5 commentsDavid Atherton08/03/23 at 17:45ancientdave: Great rare find!
V1373.jpg
RIC 1373 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.01g
Uncertain mint, 69-71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: MARS VLTOR; Mars adv. r., with spear and trophy
RIC 1373 (R3, this coin), BMC -. BNC -. RSC -.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 224, 14 September 2023, lot 107. Ex Curtis Clay collection. Ex CNG, MBS 43, 24 September 1997, lot 863.

In late October 69 the Second Battle of Cremona was fought between the legions of Vitellius and Vespasian. It resulted in the utter defeat of the Vitellian side and their slow retreat towards Rome. Not long afterwards the Spanish legions went openly for Vespasian, which up until that point had only been neutrally friendly toward him. Coins were quickly struck for Vespasian in the newly won province. Most of these are attributed to Tarraco and an unknown Spanish mint. Intriguingly, a small military issue was contemporaneously struck at an uncertain mint somewhere in the western empire - Mattingly thought perhaps Aquileia. The issue contains some stylistic affinities with the Spanish series, but more importantly, recent metal analysis by K. Butcher and M. Ponting show the silver content is almost identical to that of the Spanish coins. It is very likely these early military denarii were also struck in Spain in late 69 soon after the province went over to Vespasian. This unique Mars type with an unusual vertical obverse legend displays the typical portrait style of this rare military issue - small portrait with upward gaze in somewhat crude style. These denarii were likely struck in haste during the turmoil of late 69/early 70 as propaganda pieces by the pro-Flavian factions in the region. This specimen is the RIC reference coin, though not pictured in the plates.
5 commentsDavid Atherton08/02/23 at 02:38Jay GT4: An important historical type, Great coin!
V1078_var_.jpg
RIC 1078 var. Titus as Caesar [Vespasian] Rev. Legend ErrorAR Denarius, 3.15g
Rome Mint, 79 AD
Obv: T CAESAR IMP VESPASIANVS; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS; Venus stg. r., leaning on column, with helmet and spear
RIC 1078 var. (rev. legend-TR POT VIII COS VII) p. 185, note 195. BMC 255 var. (same). RSC 332 var. (same). BNC 223 var. (same).
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 224, 14 September 2023, lot 94. Ex Curtis Clay Collection, acquired from Flavian Logic, November 2001.

A most remarkable error denarius! Here we have a Domitian Caesar reverse legend PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS mistakenly given to a Titus Caesar Venus type by the engraver. The correct legend should read TR POT VIII COS VII. Perhaps the Venus reverse was confused with the Salus/column type (RIC 1084) struck for Domitian Caesar from the same issue? Furthermore, Domitian's COS VI issue with the reverse legend PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS is dated to 79 and could either have been struck under Vespasian before his death in June or by Titus afterwards. The existence of this Titus Caesar error coin proves at least some of Domitian's COS VI coinage was produced under Vespasian (see RIC II p. 31). Extremely rare, possibly the third known specimen.

2 commentsDavid Atherton07/26/23 at 22:44ancientdave: Interesting find!
V1078_var_.jpg
RIC 1078 var. Titus as Caesar [Vespasian] Rev. Legend ErrorAR Denarius, 3.15g
Rome Mint, 79 AD
Obv: T CAESAR IMP VESPASIANVS; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS; Venus stg. r., leaning on column, with helmet and spear
RIC 1078 var. (rev. legend-TR POT VIII COS VII) p. 185, note 195. BMC 255 var. (same). RSC 332 var. (same). BNC 223 var. (same).
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 224, 14 September 2023, lot 94. Ex Curtis Clay Collection, acquired from Flavian Logic, November 2001.

A most remarkable error denarius! Here we have a Domitian Caesar reverse legend PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS mistakenly given to a Titus Caesar Venus type by the engraver. The correct legend should read TR POT VIII COS VII. Perhaps the Venus reverse was confused with the Salus/column type (RIC 1084) struck for Domitian Caesar from the same issue? Furthermore, Domitian's COS VI issue with the reverse legend PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS is dated to 79 and could either have been struck under Vespasian before his death in June or by Titus afterwards. The existence of this Titus Caesar error coin proves at least some of Domitian's COS VI coinage was produced under Vespasian (see RIC II p. 31). Extremely rare, possibly the third known specimen.

2 commentsDavid Atherton07/26/23 at 12:21Jay GT4: Impressive rarity with an impressive provenance
V453.jpg
RIC 0453 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ As, 10.52g
Rome mint, 72 AD
Obv: T CAES VESPASIAN IMP P TR P COS II; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: VICTORIA AVGVSTI; S C in field; Victory adv. r. to place wreath on standard and holding palm
RIC 453 (R). BMC 645. BNC 636.
Ex Heritage, Auction #232326, 5 July 2023, lot 65138. Formerly in NGC holder #2119689-009, grade F.

A fairly rare Titus Caesar as from 72 featuring Victory with standard on the reverse. One could plausibly argue this is a 'Judaea Capta' type. I decline to categorise it as such based on the generic nature of the design and the lack of a captive. It is too ambiguous for a decisive answer. Hendin does not include the variety in his Guide to Biblical coins.
1 commentsDavid Atherton07/24/23 at 02:59Jay GT4: Wonderful patina with a great reverse
V165a.jpg
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.

4 commentsDavid Atherton07/17/23 at 17:34quadrans: Wow 👍🤗
V165a.jpg
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.

4 commentsDavid Atherton07/17/23 at 14:02Curtis JJ: Great addition! Aside from being fascinated by the...
V165a.jpg
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.

4 commentsDavid Atherton07/17/23 at 13:02Ken W2: Congrats on a beautiful coin !
V165a.jpg
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.

4 commentsDavid Atherton07/17/23 at 03:46Jay GT4: Wonderful coin, great patina
V1579.jpg
RIC 1579 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ As, 5.54g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: CAESAR DOMIT COS II; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: S C in laurel wreath
RIC 1579 (C). BMC 884. BNC -. RPC 2002 (12 Spec.).
Acquired from André Cichos, eBay, June 2023.

A some-what mysterious orichalcum as struck for Domitian Caesar under Vespasian in 74 AD. Traditionally the issue has been attributed to various Eastern mints, however, recent scholarship has shown that it was produced in Rome. Style, die axis, metal, and circulation pattern all point to a Western coinage, despite the 'Eastern' flavour of the reverse designs. T. Buttrey in the RIC II.1 Addenda wrote: 'There is nothing like this series in the whole of Roman imperial coinage. It is a deliberate act of Orientalism, imposing the flavour of the East on a Western coinage'. This example with left facing portrait is supposedly more common than the right facing variety, although it too is infrequently seen in trade. Missing from the Paris collection.
3 commentsDavid Atherton07/11/23 at 03:52ancientdave: Nice one!
V1579.jpg
RIC 1579 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ As, 5.54g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: CAESAR DOMIT COS II; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: S C in laurel wreath
RIC 1579 (C). BMC 884. BNC -. RPC 2002 (12 Spec.).
Acquired from André Cichos, eBay, June 2023.

A some-what mysterious orichalcum as struck for Domitian Caesar under Vespasian in 74 AD. Traditionally the issue has been attributed to various Eastern mints, however, recent scholarship has shown that it was produced in Rome. Style, die axis, metal, and circulation pattern all point to a Western coinage, despite the 'Eastern' flavour of the reverse designs. T. Buttrey in the RIC II.1 Addenda wrote: 'There is nothing like this series in the whole of Roman imperial coinage. It is a deliberate act of Orientalism, imposing the flavour of the East on a Western coinage'. This example with left facing portrait is supposedly more common than the right facing variety, although it too is infrequently seen in trade. Missing from the Paris collection.
3 commentsDavid Atherton07/11/23 at 01:35David Atherton: Jay, your reverse is seemingly Antiochene mint sty...
V1579.jpg
RIC 1579 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ As, 5.54g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: CAESAR DOMIT COS II; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: S C in laurel wreath
RIC 1579 (C). BMC 884. BNC -. RPC 2002 (12 Spec.).
Acquired from André Cichos, eBay, June 2023.

A some-what mysterious orichalcum as struck for Domitian Caesar under Vespasian in 74 AD. Traditionally the issue has been attributed to various Eastern mints, however, recent scholarship has shown that it was produced in Rome. Style, die axis, metal, and circulation pattern all point to a Western coinage, despite the 'Eastern' flavour of the reverse designs. T. Buttrey in the RIC II.1 Addenda wrote: 'There is nothing like this series in the whole of Roman imperial coinage. It is a deliberate act of Orientalism, imposing the flavour of the East on a Western coinage'. This example with left facing portrait is supposedly more common than the right facing variety, although it too is infrequently seen in trade. Missing from the Paris collection.
3 commentsDavid Atherton07/11/23 at 00:49Jay GT4: Different dies than mine
V1203.jpg
RIC 1203 VespasianÆ As, 9.26g
Lyon mint, 72 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVG COS IIII; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.; globe at point of bust
Rev: VICTORIA AVGVSTI; S C in field; Victory adv. l., with wreath and palm
RIC 1203 (R). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from eBay, 28 May 2023.

A fairly rare Lugdunese Victory as Struck in 72. Victory was a common theme on Vespasian's early issues and should be viewed in a generic context with no specific link to the Jewish War. This Victory variety sans prow is scarcer than those that include it. Although RIC assigns the type a frequency rating of 'rare' for both issues struck in 71 and 72, the 72 variety seems much scarcer in trade. Missing from both the BM and Paris collections.
1 commentsDavid Atherton07/09/23 at 20:27Ken W2: Solid coin. Nice find.
V1556.jpg
RIC 1556 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.42g
Antioch 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 1556 (R3). BMC -. RSC -. RPC -. BNC -.
Ex Numismatic Naumann 70, 7 October 2018, lot 411.

Second known example of the Antioch RIC group 5 Vesta. A double die match with the other published specimen, CNG 61, 25 September 2002, lot 1689, and an obverse die match with the extremely rare AVGVR TRI POT and VICTORIA AVGVSTI types from the same issue. All of these copy common contemporaneous reverse types from Rome.

Slightly off centre in good Antiochene style.
6 commentsDavid Atherton07/08/23 at 22:26Jay GT4: Different dies than mine Very Happy
V690a_mule.jpg
RIC 0681/0690 Vespasian MuleAR Denarius, 2.46g
Rome Mint, 74 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESP AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: COS III across field; Laurel trees, two, upright
Cf. RIC 681/690 (for obv./rev.). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex Private Collection.

A unique and unpublished denarius mule combining an obverse of Vespasian with a reverse intended for Titus Caesar. Vespasian should be named COS V on the reverse, instead we have Titus's COS III title. Mules between Vespasian and Titus are not unheard of due to both of them frequently sharing the same reverse types throughout the reign. RIC II.1 author Ian Carradice has been alerted to this mule and has added a footnote to RIC 690 (... mint mule with obverse of Vespasian).

The reverse is a restoration of of a similar type struck by Augustus. The two laurel trees represent the ones planted at Augustus's door.
2 commentsDavid Atherton07/05/23 at 16:24TheEmpireNeverEnded: I've never seen this reverse before. Excellen...
V690a_mule.jpg
RIC 0681/0690 Vespasian MuleAR Denarius, 2.46g
Rome Mint, 74 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESP AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: COS III across field; Laurel trees, two, upright
Cf. RIC 681/690 (for obv./rev.). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex Private Collection.

A unique and unpublished denarius mule combining an obverse of Vespasian with a reverse intended for Titus Caesar. Vespasian should be named COS V on the reverse, instead we have Titus's COS III title. Mules between Vespasian and Titus are not unheard of due to both of them frequently sharing the same reverse types throughout the reign. RIC II.1 author Ian Carradice has been alerted to this mule and has added a footnote to RIC 690 (... mint mule with obverse of Vespasian).

The reverse is a restoration of of a similar type struck by Augustus. The two laurel trees represent the ones planted at Augustus's door.
2 commentsDavid Atherton06/29/23 at 12:39Jay GT4: Great find
V1092.jpg
RIC 1092 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 12.58g
Rome mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN COS VIIII; Head of Vespasian, radiate, l.
Rev: CERES AVGVST; S C in field; Ceres stg. l., with corn ears and poppy and sceptre
RIC 1092 (R). BMC p. 177 ||. BNC -.
Acquired from Classic World Coins, May 2023.

Vespasian's bronze issue struck in 79 (between 1 January and 24 June) was very brief, likely owing to his death in June. Consequently, all the coins from the issue are extremely rare. Only one reverse type is recorded for the dupondii - the standing Ceres, carried-over from previous bronze issues. Missing from both the BM and Paris collections.
1 commentsDavid Atherton06/26/23 at 13:17Jay GT4: Very nice David, Congrats
V305a.jpg
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.
1 commentsDavid Atherton06/12/23 at 13:27Jay GT4: Historic type with a good reverse
V1142sm.jpg
RIC 1142 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 13.16g
Lyon mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIANVS AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, radiate, r.
Rev: PAX AVG; S C in field; Pax stg. l., with patera over altar and branch and caduceus
RIC 1142 (R2). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, May 2023.

An early Pax type struck in 71 unique to the Lyon mint. H. Mattingly in BMCRE writes 'The type of Pax sacrificing, which is peculiar to Lugdunum, conveys the thought of thanksgiving for peace and prosperity (cp. the caduceus held by Pax) restored.' At Rome a similar reverse was produced sans altar. The propaganda value of Pax for the new Flavian dynasty after the Civil War and Jewish Rebellion cannot be underestimated. This is the rare 'VESPASIANVS' obverse legend variety of the type unique to this issue. Missing from both the BM and Paris collections.
1 commentsDavid Atherton05/24/23 at 03:05Jay GT4: Great rarity find
V306.jpg
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.
3 commentsDavid Atherton05/22/23 at 23:46Virgil H: Great coin
V306.jpg
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.
3 commentsDavid Atherton05/22/23 at 16:12*Alex: Congratulations on getting such a rare coin.
V306.jpg
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.
3 commentsDavid Atherton05/22/23 at 03:21Jay GT4: Great historical rarity
V767.jpg
RIC 0767 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian] MuleÆ Dupondius, 10.82g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: T•CAESAR•IMP•COS III•CENS; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR•POT•COS III•CENSOR•; Winged caduceus between crossed cornuacopiae
RIC 767 (R). BMC 892. BNC 908.
Acquired from Finest Coins and Relics, eBay, September 2021. Formerly in NGC holder #5872785-003, grade F.

A truly remarkable Titus Caesar dupondius struck in Rome under Vespasian, but lacking the traditional radiate portrait on the obverse and the de rigueur S C on the reverse. The reverse with crossed cornucopiae echoes similar types from the East. Traditionally, the issue this rather strange coin is from has been attributed to various different mints over the years. However, hoard and findspot data indicates these coins circulated in the Western empire and not in the East. Ted Buttrey in the RIC II.1 A&C wrote - 'RIC 756-767 are irregular Dupondii, which should be taken together with Asses, semisses and quadrantes (RIC 1564-1581), forming together a single extraordinary issue in four denominations, distinct in typology and metal, as well as overall character from the regular coinage of the year. Although Eastern in aspect and reverse type, the circulation area of the dupondii is almost exclusively Gaul, Germany, Italy – i.e. the West, with scarcely any penetration of the East. Finds of the smaller denominations are rarely attested anywhere, East or West. The Eastern finds appear to be simply the débris of Mediterranean circulation.'

This specimen has the additional feature of being a mint mule combining an obverse intended for Titus Caesar's previous bronze issue with a 'Syrian' reverse. In all likely hood both issues were struck contemporaneously.
1 commentsDavid Atherton05/19/23 at 00:12Jay GT4: Great mule
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RIC 0720 VespasianÆ As, 9.67g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESP AVG COS V CENS; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: AEQVITAS AVGVST; S C in field; Aequitas stg. l., with scales and rod
RIC 720 (C). BMC 700. BNC 715.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, April 2023.

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 was quite common on the asses under Vespasian for all three Flavians. This specimen struck for Vespasian in 74 is rated as 'common' in RIC.
1 commentsDavid Atherton05/17/23 at 02:40Jay GT4: Lovely portrait
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RIC 1580 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Semis, 5.32g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: CAESAR DOMIT COS II; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: ANTIOCHIA; Bust of city-goddess, r.
RIC 1580 (C). BMC -. BNC -. RPC 2004 (7 spec.).
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, April 2023.

Traditionally, the remarkable bronze issue this rather odd semis is from has been attributed to various different mints over the years. Ted Buttrey in the unpublished RIC II.1 Addenda wrote - 'RIC 756-767 are irregular Dupondii, which should be taken together with Asses, semisses and quadrantes (RIC 1564-1581), forming together a single extraordinary issue in four denominations, distinct in typology and metal, as well as overall character from the regular coinage of the year. Although Eastern in aspect and reverse type, the circulation area of the dupondii is almost exclusively Gaul, Germany, Italy – i.e. the West, with scarcely any penetration of the East. Finds of the smaller denominations are rarely attested anywhere, East or West. The citations in RPC II are drawn almost entirely from Western collections, and total: Western - 108, Eastern - 4. The Eastern finds appear to be simply the débris of Mediterranean circulation. Previously the series had been attributed to Commagene (BMCRE II, pp.217-222), then as a likelihood to Antioch (e.g. RPC II 1982-2005). The correct attribution to Rome is proved by mules of the dupondii with regular issues (Buttrey, “Vespasian’s Roman Orichalcum: An Unrecognized Celebratory Coinage” in David M. Jacobson and Nikos Kokkinos, Judaea and Rome in Coins, 65 CBE – 135 CE (2012).'

Here we have a semis struck for Domitian Caesar featuring Antiocha on the reverse. I think it quite extraordinary that the Rome mint would produce a coin blatantly featuring a provincial city-goddess intended for circulation in the West. Vespasian's fondness for the region that elevated him to the purple must have been strong indeed! The type was struck for all three Flavians.
3 commentsDavid Atherton05/15/23 at 22:01Virgil H: Love both sides of this one
V1580a.jpg
RIC 1580 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Semis, 5.32g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: CAESAR DOMIT COS II; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: ANTIOCHIA; Bust of city-goddess, r.
RIC 1580 (C). BMC -. BNC -. RPC 2004 (7 spec.).
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, April 2023.

Traditionally, the remarkable bronze issue this rather odd semis is from has been attributed to various different mints over the years. Ted Buttrey in the unpublished RIC II.1 Addenda wrote - 'RIC 756-767 are irregular Dupondii, which should be taken together with Asses, semisses and quadrantes (RIC 1564-1581), forming together a single extraordinary issue in four denominations, distinct in typology and metal, as well as overall character from the regular coinage of the year. Although Eastern in aspect and reverse type, the circulation area of the dupondii is almost exclusively Gaul, Germany, Italy – i.e. the West, with scarcely any penetration of the East. Finds of the smaller denominations are rarely attested anywhere, East or West. The citations in RPC II are drawn almost entirely from Western collections, and total: Western - 108, Eastern - 4. The Eastern finds appear to be simply the débris of Mediterranean circulation. Previously the series had been attributed to Commagene (BMCRE II, pp.217-222), then as a likelihood to Antioch (e.g. RPC II 1982-2005). The correct attribution to Rome is proved by mules of the dupondii with regular issues (Buttrey, “Vespasian’s Roman Orichalcum: An Unrecognized Celebratory Coinage” in David M. Jacobson and Nikos Kokkinos, Judaea and Rome in Coins, 65 CBE – 135 CE (2012).'

Here we have a semis struck for Domitian Caesar featuring Antiocha on the reverse. I think it quite extraordinary that the Rome mint would produce a coin blatantly featuring a provincial city-goddess intended for circulation in the West. Vespasian's fondness for the region that elevated him to the purple must have been strong indeed! The type was struck for all three Flavians.
3 commentsDavid Atherton05/15/23 at 13:56quadrans: 👍
V1580a.jpg
RIC 1580 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Semis, 5.32g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: CAESAR DOMIT COS II; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: ANTIOCHIA; Bust of city-goddess, r.
RIC 1580 (C). BMC -. BNC -. RPC 2004 (7 spec.).
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, April 2023.

Traditionally, the remarkable bronze issue this rather odd semis is from has been attributed to various different mints over the years. Ted Buttrey in the unpublished RIC II.1 Addenda wrote - 'RIC 756-767 are irregular Dupondii, which should be taken together with Asses, semisses and quadrantes (RIC 1564-1581), forming together a single extraordinary issue in four denominations, distinct in typology and metal, as well as overall character from the regular coinage of the year. Although Eastern in aspect and reverse type, the circulation area of the dupondii is almost exclusively Gaul, Germany, Italy – i.e. the West, with scarcely any penetration of the East. Finds of the smaller denominations are rarely attested anywhere, East or West. The citations in RPC II are drawn almost entirely from Western collections, and total: Western - 108, Eastern - 4. The Eastern finds appear to be simply the débris of Mediterranean circulation. Previously the series had been attributed to Commagene (BMCRE II, pp.217-222), then as a likelihood to Antioch (e.g. RPC II 1982-2005). The correct attribution to Rome is proved by mules of the dupondii with regular issues (Buttrey, “Vespasian’s Roman Orichalcum: An Unrecognized Celebratory Coinage” in David M. Jacobson and Nikos Kokkinos, Judaea and Rome in Coins, 65 CBE – 135 CE (2012).'

Here we have a semis struck for Domitian Caesar featuring Antiocha on the reverse. I think it quite extraordinary that the Rome mint would produce a coin blatantly featuring a provincial city-goddess intended for circulation in the West. Vespasian's fondness for the region that elevated him to the purple must have been strong indeed! The type was struck for all three Flavians.
3 commentsDavid Atherton05/15/23 at 02:17Jay GT4: I like how the godess looks like a Flavian
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RIC 1497 VespasianÆ27, 11.16g
Ephesus (?) mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVGVSTVS; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PONT MAX TR POT P P COS VIII CENS; S C in field; Ceres, veiled, std. l., with two corn ears and cornucopiae
RIC 1497 (R2). BMC -. BNC -. RPC 1470 (1 spec.).
Ex Bucephalus Black Auction 16, 24-25 February 2023, lot 913.

Late in Vespasian's reign a rare series of orichalcum bronze coins were struck in Asia Minor at an unknown mint. Although imperial in appearance, the style, weight system, and metal used all point to a mint other than Rome. Due to their extreme rarity today, they could not have been struck for any great length of time (the date cannot be narrowed down any further than Vespasian's COS VIII, 77-78 AD). The types consist of ones variously copied from either Rome or local provincial issues. A stylistic similarity with the earlier 'o' mint denarii possibly struck at Ephesus has been noted by both RIC and RPC. This Ceres with cornucopiae is the third known specimen of the type. RPC cites one in Berlin, another is recorded in the RIC II.1 Addenda.
2 commentsDavid Atherton05/10/23 at 02:14Jay GT4: Nice eastern mint
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RIC 1022 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Sestertius, 19.42g
Rome mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: T CAES VESPASIAN IMP PON TR POT COS VI; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r., with aegis
Rev: ANNONA AVGVST; S C in field; Annona std. l., with sack of corn ears
RIC 1022 (R2). BMC -. BNC 781.
Acquired from Praefectus Coins, February 2023.

Vespasian's bronze issue of 77-78 was sparingly struck and features many scarce varieties. This Titus Caesar sestertius with aegis portrait is extremely rare with no specimens in the BM. The Annona reverse is part of an agricultural themed coinage programme, perhaps promoting a contemporary governmental policy.
1 commentsDavid Atherton05/08/23 at 22:24Jay GT4: Severe portrait on Titus
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RIC 1508A VespasianÆ19, 4.09g
Ephesus (?) mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVGVST; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: PON MAX TR P P P COS VIII CENS; S C low in field; Caduceus, winged, between crossed cornuacopiae
RIC 1508A (R3). BMC -. BNC -. RPC -.
Acquired from Numidas, April 2023.

Late in Vespasian's reign a rare series of orichalcum bronze coins were struck in Asia Minor at an unknown mint. Although imperial in appearance, the style, weight system, and metal used all point to a mint other than Rome. Due to their extreme rarity today, they could not have been struck for any great length of time (the date cannot be narrowed down any further than Vespasian's COS VIII, 77-78 AD). The types consist of ones variously copied from either Rome or local provincial issues. A stylistic similarity with the earlier 'o' mint denarii possibly struck at Ephesus has been noted by both RIC and RPC. Here we have an unpublished and unique left facing portrait variety of the crossed cornucopiae with caduceus type. RIC II.1 co-author Ian Carradice was alerted to this new discovery and has assigned it as 1508A in the Addenda & Corrigenda.
2 commentsDavid Atherton05/08/23 at 20:29Virgil H: Love this one
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RIC 1508A VespasianÆ19, 4.09g
Ephesus (?) mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVGVST; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: PON MAX TR P P P COS VIII CENS; S C low in field; Caduceus, winged, between crossed cornuacopiae
RIC 1508A (R3). BMC -. BNC -. RPC -.
Acquired from Numidas, April 2023.

Late in Vespasian's reign a rare series of orichalcum bronze coins were struck in Asia Minor at an unknown mint. Although imperial in appearance, the style, weight system, and metal used all point to a mint other than Rome. Due to their extreme rarity today, they could not have been struck for any great length of time (the date cannot be narrowed down any further than Vespasian's COS VIII, 77-78 AD). The types consist of ones variously copied from either Rome or local provincial issues. A stylistic similarity with the earlier 'o' mint denarii possibly struck at Ephesus has been noted by both RIC and RPC. Here we have an unpublished and unique left facing portrait variety of the crossed cornucopiae with caduceus type. RIC II.1 co-author Ian Carradice was alerted to this new discovery and has assigned it as 1508A in the Addenda & Corrigenda.
2 commentsDavid Atherton05/08/23 at 03:55Jay GT4: Great find! It's always an amazing feeling t...
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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.
1 commentsDavid Atherton05/02/23 at 17:13Virgil H: Nice coin, love your explanation
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RIC 1464 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.49g
Ephesus mint, 74 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS V TR P P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r., annulet at tip of bust
Rev: CONCORDIA AVG; Ceres, std. l., on ornate high-backed chair, with corn ears and poppy and cornucopiae; below throne, annulet; in exergue, star
RIC 1464 (R2). BMC p. 99, †. RSC 68 var. (annulet below throne). RPC 852 (5 spec.). BNC -.
Ex Savoca, eBay, 2 March 2018.

A rare COS V Ephesian denarius notable for three control marks (one on the obverse, two on the reverse). Certain variants may have all three marks present but with different placements, lack one or two marks, or be any combination of the former and latter possibilities. I would assume the marks had something to do with the internal organisation of the mint's workshops. Also of note, this is the last denarius issue which can inarguably be attributed to Ephesus.

A bit off-centre, but in fine style.

9 commentsDavid Atherton04/29/23 at 16:56TheEmpireNeverEnded: What a reverse!
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RIC 1555 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.30g
Antioch Mint, 72-73 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESP AVG P M COS IIII; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: NEP RED; Neptune, naked, standing l., r. foot on globe, r. knee bent, holding acrostolium in r. hand, which rests on r. knee, and vertical sceptre in l. hand
RIC 1555 (C). BMC 506. RSC, 274. RPC 1928 (9 spec.). BNC 54.
Acquired from Nemesis, ANA Pittsburgh, August 2004.

An Antiochene denarius featuring Neptune as 'home-bringer' - copying a Rome mint type from 70. It was issued to symbolise the safe return of Vespasian over the seas after the Civil War.

A wonderful coin in excellent condition. I quite like the Antioch denarii, and this one is a good example why!
1 commentsDavid Atherton04/29/23 at 16:34TheEmpireNeverEnded: Astounding coin! Would love to have one of this t...
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RIC 1521 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ18, 2.71g
Ephesus (?) mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: CAESAR DOMITIANVS AVG F; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: COS V PRINC IVVENT; S C in field; Cornucopiae
RIC 1521 (R2). BMC spec. acquired 1989. BNC -. RPC 1488 (2 spec.).
Ex Bucephalus Black auction 17, 24-25 March 2023, lot 403.

Late in Vespasian's reign a rare series of orichalcum bronze coins were struck in Asia Minor at an unknown mint. Although imperial in appearance, the style, weight system, and metal used all point to a mint other than Rome. Due to their extreme rarity today, they could not have been struck for any great length of time (the date cannot be narrowed down any further than Vespasian's COS VIII, 77-78 AD). The types consist of ones variously copied from either Rome or local provincial issues. A stylistic similarity with the earlier 'o' mint denarii possibly struck at Ephesus has been noted by both RIC and RPC. This extremely rare small bronze struck for Domitian Caesar featuring a cornucopiae on the reverse echoes similar provincial designs from the East.
1 commentsDavid Atherton04/10/23 at 03:55Jay GT4: A great piece
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RIC 0983 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.14g
Rome mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: CAESAR - VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: IMP XIX in ex.; Sow l., with three young
RIC 983 (C). BMC 214. RSC 214. BNC 189.
Acquired from Glenn W. Woods, February 2005.

A 'rustic idyll' reverse that is part of an agrarian themed issue of types struck in 77-78. Peace and prosperity was the dominant theme here. One (far-fetched?) theory puts forward the idea that the sow and piglets represents the X legion based in Judaea because the pig was their legionary symbol. I believe this is stretching a connection too much.

Artistically rendered and very pleasing to the eye with nice toning.
6 commentsDavid Atherton03/30/23 at 03:02Ken W2: Simple and beautiful ! Thanks for explaining the t...
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RIC 1581 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Quadrans, 2.23g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: CAES AVG F; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: DOMIT COS II; Winged caduceus
RIC 1581 (R2). BMC 885. BNC 902. RPC 2005 (2 spec.).
Ex Sol Numismatik Auction XI, 4 March 2023, lot 150.

An extremely rare orichalcum quadrans struck for Domitian Caesar under Vespasian in 74 AD. Traditionally the issue has been attributed to various Eastern mints, however, recent scholarship has shown that it was produced in Rome. Style, die axis, metal, and circulation pattern all point to a Western coinage. The Rome mint caduceus design supports this as well. T. Buttrey in the RIC II.1 Addenda wrote: 'There is nothing like this series in the whole of Roman imperial coinage. It is a deliberate act of Orientalism, imposing the flavour of the East on a Western coinage'. Earlier scholarship catalogued this variety as a semis, however, the new RIC classifies it as a quadrans. Interesting to note Domitian's name only appears on the reverse.
1 commentsDavid Atherton03/23/23 at 10:28Prieure de Sion: Nice Quadrans!
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RIC 0983 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.14g
Rome mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: CAESAR - VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: IMP XIX in ex.; Sow l., with three young
RIC 983 (C). BMC 214. RSC 214. BNC 189.
Acquired from Glenn W. Woods, February 2005.

A 'rustic idyll' reverse that is part of an agrarian themed issue of types struck in 77-78. Peace and prosperity was the dominant theme here. One (far-fetched?) theory puts forward the idea that the sow and piglets represents the X legion based in Judaea because the pig was their legionary symbol. I believe this is stretching a connection too much.

Artistically rendered and very pleasing to the eye with nice toning.
6 commentsDavid Atherton03/16/23 at 15:50Russell K2: Amazing example
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RIC 1577 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian] MuleÆ Quadrans, 3.02g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: T CAESAR IMP; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: P M TR POT P P; Winged caduceus
RIC 1577 (R2). BMC -. BNC -. RPC 2000 (0 spec.).
Ex Savoca Blue 157, 26 February 2023, lot 932.

A mule from the Rome mint's 'Eastern series' combining a Titus Caesar obverse with a reverse intended for Vespasian. Although extremely rare, a sufficient number of these mules survived antiquity to warrant their own RIC catalogue number. Traditionally the issue has been attributed to various Eastern mints, however, recent scholarship has shown that it was produced in Rome. Style, die axis, metal, and circulation pattern all point to a Western coinage. The Rome mint caduceus design supports this as well. T. Buttrey in the RIC II.1 Addenda wrote: 'There is nothing like this series in the whole of Roman imperial coinage. It is a deliberate act of Orientalism, imposing the flavour of the East on a Western coinage'.
1 commentsDavid Atherton03/08/23 at 09:30Prieure de Sion: Thats very interesting!
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RIC 1511 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ25, 6.67g
Ephesus (?) mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: T CAESAR IMPER PONT; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR POT COS VI CENSOR; S C in exergue; Eagle stg. l. on thunderbolt, head r.
RIC 1511 (R). BMC p. 221 ‡. BNC 893. RPC 1480 (3 spec.).
Ex Bucephalus 15, 11 February 2023, lot 662.

Late in Vespasian's reign a rare series of orichalcum bronze coins were struck in Asia Minor at an unknown mint. Although imperial in appearance, the style, weight system, and metal used all point to a mint other than Rome. Due to their extreme rarity today, they could not have been struck for any great length of time (the date cannot be narrowed down any further than Vespasian's COS VIII, 77-78 AD). The types consist of ones variously copied from either Rome or local provincial issues (such as this Syrian inspired eagle on thunderbolt). A stylistic similarity with the earlier 'o' mint denarii possibly struck at Ephesus has been noted by both RIC and RPC. Admittedly, the link to the infamous 'o' mint is tenuous at best, but it is the most sound theory proposed so far (M. Grant, 'Asses of Orichalcum', Centennial Publication of the American Numismatic Study, pp. 285-302). Further, metal analyses by Carradice and Cowell ('The minting of Roman Imperial Bronze Coins for Circulation in the East: Vespasian to Trajan', NC 147, pp. 26-50) strongly supports an Asia Minor origin for the issue.
1 commentsDavid Atherton03/01/23 at 13:20Jay GT4: A fantastic addition. Such an intriguing series
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RIC 1571 Vespasian MuleÆ Quadrans, 2.71g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: IMP VESP AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: VESP•PON•TR•P; Winged caduceus
RIC 1571 (R2). BMC -. BNC -. RPC 1990 (0 spec.).
Acquired from Variana Coins, February 2023.

A mule from the Rome mint's 'Eastern series' combining a Vespasian obverse with a reverse intended for Titus Caesar (Note 'VESP' occurs in both the obverse and reverse legends!). Although very rare, a Sufficient number of these mules survived antiquity to warrant its own RIC catalogue number. Traditionally the issue has been attributed to various Eastern mints, however, recent scholarship has shown that it was produced in Rome. Style, die axis, metal, and circulation pattern all point to a Western coinage. The Rome mint caduceus design supports this as well. T. Buttrey in the RIC II.1 Addenda wrote: 'There is nothing like this series in the whole of Roman imperial coinage. It is a deliberate act of Orientalism, imposing the flavour of the East on a Western coinage'.
1 commentsDavid Atherton02/22/23 at 11:59Jay GT4: The photo doesn't do it justice. Fabulous co...
V483.jpg
RIC 0483 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Dupondius, 12.37g
Rome mint, 72 AD
Obv: T CAESAR VESPASIAN IMP III PON TR POT II COS II: Head of Titus, radiate, r.
Rev: ROMA VICTRIX; S C in exergue; Roma std. l. on cuirass, with Victory and spear
RIC 483 (R2). BMC p. 146 ‡. BNC -.
Acquired from eBay, February 2023.

An extremely rare dupondius struck for Titus Caesar under Vespasian 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. H. Mattingly in BMCRE II says this Roma victorious type, along with a few other Roma reverses, 'announces the triumph and revival of the sovereign city.' Both Vespasian and Titus shared the type. This scarce Titus variety is missing from both the BM and Paris collections. Two specimens are cited by RIC, one in Stockholm and the other in Aretusa Auction 4, 22 March 1996.
1 commentsDavid Atherton02/19/23 at 18:01Jay GT4: Supurb rarity
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RIC 0734 VespasianÆ As, 10.91g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESP AVG COS V CENS; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: VICTORIA AVGVSTI; S C in field; Victory stg. r. on prow, with wreath and palm
RIC 734 (C). BMC 705. BNC 724.
Acquired from eBay, January 2023. Formerly in NGC holder #6556188-007, grade VG.

A generic Victory on prow type struck when Vespasian held the joint censorship with Titus, which is advertised in the obverse legend. This Victory type would be repeatedly struck throughout Vespasian's reign, the prow possibly alluding to 'Victory at sea'. Some collectors and dealers refer to this as a 'Judaea Capta' type, although there is not an explicit connection. This variant is rated 'common' by the new RIC II.1.
1 commentsDavid Atherton02/06/23 at 04:16Jay GT4: Lovely patina
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RIC 0911 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ As, 11.12g
Rome mint, 76 AD
Obv: T CAESAR IMP COS V; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: AEQVITAS AVGVST; S C in field; Aequitas stg. l., with scales and rod
RIC 911 (R). BMC p. 171 *. BNC 763.
Acquired from Jongeling Numismatics, January 2023.

Vespasian inherited a financial mess upon his accession in 69. His top priority was putting the state on a sound financial footing. Symbolic of that righting of the empire was the common reverse type of Aequitas. 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. This rare Aequitas was struck for both Vespasian and Titus Caesar in 76. Vespasian and Titus often shared the same reverse types, a move that no doubt marked Titus as Vespasian's heir to the throne. Missing from the BM.
1 commentsDavid Atherton02/01/23 at 03:20Jay GT4: I know this one is even better in hand! Amazing c...
V1569.jpg
RIC 1569 VespasianÆ Quadrans, 2.86g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: IMP VESP AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: P M TR POT P P; Winged caduceus
RIC 1569 (R). BMC 880. BNC 894. RPC 1989 (4 spec.).
Acquired from Aegean Numismatics, January 2023.

An extremely rare orichalcum quadrans struck for Vespasian in 74. Traditionally the issue has been attributed to various Eastern mints, however, recent scholarship has shown that it was produced in Rome. Style, die axis, metal, and circulation pattern all point to a Western coinage. The Rome mint caduceus design supports this as well. T. Buttrey in the RIC II.1 Addenda wrote: 'There is nothing like this series in the whole of Roman imperial coinage. It is a deliberate act of Orientalism, imposing the flavour of the East on a Western coinage'.
2 commentsDavid Atherton01/26/23 at 15:29Curtis JJ: Very cool type! I always enjoy left-facing Flavian...
V1569.jpg
RIC 1569 VespasianÆ Quadrans, 2.86g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: IMP VESP AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: P M TR POT P P; Winged caduceus
RIC 1569 (R). BMC 880. BNC 894. RPC 1989 (4 spec.).
Acquired from Aegean Numismatics, January 2023.

An extremely rare orichalcum quadrans struck for Vespasian in 74. Traditionally the issue has been attributed to various Eastern mints, however, recent scholarship has shown that it was produced in Rome. Style, die axis, metal, and circulation pattern all point to a Western coinage. The Rome mint caduceus design supports this as well. T. Buttrey in the RIC II.1 Addenda wrote: 'There is nothing like this series in the whole of Roman imperial coinage. It is a deliberate act of Orientalism, imposing the flavour of the East on a Western coinage'.
2 commentsDavid Atherton01/25/23 at 18:49Jay GT4: Great little coin
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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.
1 commentsDavid Atherton01/11/23 at 04:05Jay GT4: Lovely
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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?).

1 commentsDavid Atherton12/28/22 at 13:12Jay GT4: Superb rarity
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RIC 0985A Titus as Caesar [Vespasian] UniqueAR Denarius, 3.22g
Rome Mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: T CAESAR VESPASIANVS; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IMP XIII across field; Modius, standing on three legs, containing five ears of corn upright and two hanging over the sides
RIC 985A. BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex CNG eAuction 487, 10 March 2021, lot 515.

A unique and unpublished new type for Titus Caesar. In RIC II.1, page 129, note 186 reads as follows: 'A plated example of this coin with rev IMP XIII (Budapest) suggests the possibility that the parallel issue for Titus might have used this modius reverse type (if such a coin was the prototype for the ancient imitation), though no examples have yet been attested.' Dr. Lucia Carbone, Assistant Curator for Roman Coins, at the American Numismatic Society has confirmed this coin as 'the prototype for the silver-plated fourrée in the Budapest museum.... The T preceding CAESAR on the obverse is absolutely clear and there is no doubt about the identification of the obverse.' The small denarius issue from which this coin was struck consists of three reverse types: goatherd, modius, and sow with piglets. Previously, all three were known for Vespasian, but only the goatherd and sow types had been attested for Titus Caesar. In hand there is the faintest trace of the reading IMP XIII on the reverse. We can now confidently add the modius for Titus to complete our picture of the series - a tremendous discovery!
6 commentsDavid Atherton12/17/22 at 00:55Russell K2: absolutely incredible
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RIC 1225 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 11.25g
Lyon mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS VIII P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.; globe at point of bust
Rev: S C in field; Victory flying l., with shield inscribed SPQR
RIC 1225 (C2). BMC 839. BNC 836.
Acquired from eBay, November 2022.

A somewhat common Victory type unique to Lyon for Vespasian that was struck during his massive Lugdunese bronze issues of 71-72 and again in 77-78. It copies an earlier type produced for Nero at the mint. This example from 77-78 is characterised by the mint's distinctive style, globe at the point of the bust, and the majestic, sweeping Victory on the reverse. A majority of the Flavian bronzes found in France and the UK dating to Vespasian's reign are from the Lyon mint. Apparently there was a real need for another western mint to help supplement Rome's coinage production!
1 commentsDavid Atherton12/14/22 at 23:00Jay GT4: You've been busy!
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RIC 1400 VespasianAR Denarius, 2.81g
Ephesus mint, 69-70 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPAS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: CONCORDIA AVG; Ceres std. l., on ornate high-backed chair, with corn ears and poppy and cornucopiae; in exergue, horizontal Φ
RIC 1400 (R). BMC 434A. RSC 65c. RPC 809 (5 spec.). BNC -.
Ex G&N, eBay, 04 June 2012. Ex Hirsch 280, 9 February 2012, lot 4664.

Part of an early series from Ephesus, the coin is quite rare, as are most of the coins from the same issue. The BM has two specimens.

Minted on a fairly tight flan, the coin has a pleasing style and is in good metal.

Thanks to Curtis Clay for additional attribution help.
5 commentsDavid Atherton12/14/22 at 18:53TheEmpireNeverEnded: Very appealing portrait
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RIC 1056 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ As, 10.22g
Rome mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: CAESAR AVG F DOMITIAN COS V; Head of Domitian, laureate, r.
Rev: VICTORIA AVGVST; S C in field; Victory stg. r. on prow, with wreath and palm
RIC 1056 (C). BMC -. BNC 793.
Acquired from Roman Coin Shop, November 2022.

The perennial favourite reverse of Victory on prow, commonly found on the issues throughout much of Vespasian's reign for all three Flavians. Unlike the VICTORIA NAVALIS variant which in all likelihood celebrated a minor naval victory from the Jewish War, this Victory can be viewed in more generic terms. It was normally struck without an overt connection to any conflict and was probably based on a familiar cult image. A similar type was also struck in silver on the denarii the previous year. This Domitian Caesar variety is considered 'common' in RIC, but is missing from the BM.
1 commentsDavid Atherton12/05/22 at 18:36Jay GT4: Nice wings on Victory
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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.
1 commentsDavid Atherton11/28/22 at 22:26Jay GT4: Lovely portait
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RIC 0482 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Dupondius, 12.09g
Rome mint, 72 AD
Obv: T CAESAR VESPASIAN IMP III PON TR POT II COS II: Head of Titus, radiate, r.
Rev: FELICITAS PVBLICA; S C in field; Felicitas standing l., holding caduceus and cornucopiae
RIC 582 (R2). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Forvm Ancient Coins, October 2022.

All the bronze coinage of Titus Caesar's fourth issue dated IMP III PON TR POT II COS II of 72 are quite rare. This Felicitas variety is cited by RIC in only the Rome and Belgrade collections. 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.
1 commentsDavid Atherton11/22/22 at 22:03Jay GT4: I didn't even see this one listed! You snatc...
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RIC 1505 VespasianÆ20, 4.07g
Ephesus (?) mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVGVST; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PON MAX TR P P P COS VIII CENS; S C; Victory adv. l., holding wreath and palm
RIC 1505 (R2). BMC -. BNC -. RPC 1476 (2 spec.).
Ex Aphrodite Auction 6, 22-24 October 2022, lot 591.

Late in Vespasian's reign a rare series of orichalcum bronze coins were struck in Asia Minor at an unknown mint. Although imperial in appearance, the style, weight system, and metal used all point to a mint other than Rome. Due to their extreme rarity today, they could not have been struck for any great length of time (the date cannot be narrowed down any further than Vespasian's COS VIII, 77-78 AD). The types consist of ones variously copied from either Rome (such as this Victory type) or local provincial issues. A stylistic similarity with the earlier 'o' mint denarii possibly struck at Ephesus has been noted by both RIC and RPC.

My assumption is that a piece like this did not have wide circulation beyond the region of mintage. Orichalcum was not used for such small bronze denominations at Rome and would have been a baffling coin to your average Roman pleb.
2 commentsDavid Atherton11/14/22 at 23:58Jay GT4: Great scoop
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RIC 1447 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 2.91g
Ephesus mint, 71 AD
Obv: DOMITIANVS CAESAR AVG F; Bust of Domitian, cuirassed, seen from front, Medusa head on breast of cuirass, fold of cloak on left shoulder, head bare, r.
Rev: PACI AVGVSTAE; Victory, draped, advancing r., holding wreath extended in r. hand and palm over l. shoulder. EPHE lower r.
RIC 1447 (R). BMC 472. BNC 365. RSC 336. RPC 848 (4 spec.).
Ex Solidus 105, 13 September 2022, lot 406.

For Domitian's first imperial coinage issue at Ephesus special treatment was given regarding the bust type. The engravers depicted him cuirassed with a cloak draped over his left shoulder. Vespasian and Titus were not engraved so elaborately (although at Antioch Titus's bust is draped). Why this is so is a mystery. Unusually Domitian shares the same reverse types as Vespasian and Titus in this series, unlike at Rome where he largely had his own unique types. This PACI AVGVSTAE type is one of the scarcer ones stuck for the young Caesar.
1 commentsDavid Atherton11/08/22 at 22:59Jay GT4: I missed this one. Nice!
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RIC 1137 Vespasian (2)Æ Sestertius, 24.61g
Lyon mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.; globe at point of bust
Rev: S P Q R / •P•P• / OB CIVES / SERVATOS within oak wreath
RIC 1137 (R). BMC p. 198 note ‡. BNC 800.
Acquired from Savoca Coins, October 2022.

The Corona Civica Wreath was awarded to Vespasian by the Senate for rescuing the Roman people from civil war and bringing about peace. The legend within the wreath S P Q R / P P / OB CIVES / SERVATOS translates as: 'The Senate and the Roman People / Father of the Nation / For Having Saved the Citizens'. This rare Lugdunese specimen commemorating the award was struck during the first bronze issue at that mint.
1 commentsDavid Atherton11/08/22 at 22:58Jay GT4: Nice big coin with an honest portrait
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RIC 1218 Vespasian Æ Dupondius, 12.53g
Lyon mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS VIII P P; Head of Vespasian, radiate, r.; globe at point of bust
Rev: FORTVNAE REDVCI; S C in field; Fortuna stg. l., with rudder on globe and cornucopiae
RIC 1218 (R2). BMC 836. BNC -.
Acquired from eBay, October 2022.

A possible shortage of bronze coinage in the Western provinces late in Vespasian's reign likely prompted the Lugdunum mint to temporarily reopen in 77-78 and strike a fairly substantial issue of coinage. The reverses are standard types copied from Rome. This common Fortuna REDVCI reverse featuring her with a steady hand steering the rudder of the world was a familiar propaganda type both at Rome and Lugdunum that continued to commemorated the safe return of Vespasian and Titus from the East at the beginning of the reign. Most of the dupondii from this issue are seen with a laureate portrait. This specimen is an example of the exceedingly rare radiate right portrait variant. Missing from the Paris collection.
1 commentsDavid Atherton11/08/22 at 22:57Jay GT4: Good eye to spot it
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RIC 0631 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ As, 8.13g
Rome mint, 73 AD
Obv: T CAES IMP PON TR P COS II CENS; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: PROVIDENT in exergue; S C in field; Altar
RIC 631 (R). BMC -. BNC -.
Ex Savoca Blue 145, 16 October 2022, lot 1306.

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. Vespasian began striking it early in his reign both at Rome and Lyon, confining the type to the as issues. Nathan T. Elkins in his Monuments in Miniature wrote the following concerning the type - 'Asses with an altar enclosure labeled PROVIDENT, combine with obverses of Vespasian or his sons, are the emperor's most common architectural type and were produced from c. 71 to 78. The Ara Providentiae, which had appeared before on coins of Tiberius, Galba, and Vitellius, celebrated the emperor's foresight in the designation of his successors. The combination of the reverse type with obverses of one of the two Caesars further underscored the dynastic message.' This PROVIDENT from 73 features the less common left facing portrait of Titus Caesar. Missing from both the BM and Paris collections.
1 commentsDavid Atherton11/02/22 at 15:06Jay GT4: Nice find David
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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.
4 commentsDavid Atherton10/28/22 at 09:42*Alex: Great Portrait.
V247best.jpg
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.
4 commentsDavid Atherton10/25/22 at 13:31LordBest: Beautiful portrait
V247best.jpg
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.
4 commentsDavid Atherton10/19/22 at 20:20Jay GT4: An outstanding portrait!
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RIC 1572 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ As, 4.84g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: T•CAES•IMP•TR•POT; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: S • C in laurel wreath
RIC 1572 (C). BMC -. BNC 897. RPC 1996 (6 spec.).
Acquired from Sebastian Sänn, September 2022

In 74 AD the Rome mint produced an extraordinary issue of bronze coinage of dupondii, asses, semisses, and quadrantes with a somewhat Eastern theme. Previously, these coins had been attributed to either Commagene (BMCRE) or Syria (RPC, and doubtfully so in RIC), but more recent scholarship has shown they actually were struck in Rome. The circulation pattern confirms this - out of a total of 112 of the smaller denominations cited by RPC, all but 4 were found in Western Europe. Ted Buttrey confirms 'The Eastern finds appear to be simply the débris of Mediterranean circulation.' But why was this series produced in such a fashion? Buttrey proffers a plausible theory - 'Previously the series had been attributed to Commagene (BMCRE II, pp.217-222), then as a likelihood to Antioch (e.g. RPC II 1982-2005). The correct attribution to Rome is proved by mules of the dupondii with regular issues (Buttrey, “Vespasian’s Roman Orichalcum: An Unrecognized Celebratory Coinage” in David M. Jacobson and Nikos Kokkinos, Judaea and Rome in Coins, 65 CBE – 135 CE (2012). The series had nothing to do with Syria or with the East at all, yet it was purposefully designed to appear non-Roman: the suppression of the traditional reverse sub-inscription S C throughout; the suppression of the radiate crown of the Dupondius; the shifting of the consular dating from the obv. to the rev.; the striking of all four denominations in orichalcum; and most obviously the selection of rev. dies which reek of the East. There is nothing like this series in the whole of Roman imperial coinage. It is a deliberate act of Orientalism, imposing the flavour of the East on a Western coinage. The key to its understanding is the reverse type of the dupondius, two crossed cornuacopiae with a winged caduceus between. It replicates the type of an obscure issue of the Galilean city of Sepphoris, an issue which had been, astonishingly, signed by Vespasian himself (ΕΠΙ ΟΥΕCΠΑCΙΑΝΟΥ, “on the authority of…”) when on duty there in the last days of Nero. The dupondius-sized bronze was accompanied by a half-unit with the type of a large, central S C – again signed by Vespasian, and now imitated on the As of the orichalcum series with the wreath of the As of Antioch (RPC I 4849-50). The whole of this series memorializes not Vespasian the conquering general (IVDAEA CAPTA, VICTORIA AVGVSTI), but the man. His re-use of earlier coin types is well-known; here he re-uses his own, harking back to his career just prior to his final success in seizing the empire. And the series was struck in 74 A.D., co-terminous with the celebration of Vespasian’s first quinquennium.' So, in essence, a very personally important issue for Vespasian.

Curtis Clay has a few objections to Buttrey's theory. 'As far as I am aware, there is nothing "astonishing" about Vespasian's "signing" of the two coins of Sepphoris. EΠI followed by the governor's name appeared frequently on Roman provincial coins, meaning simply, "Struck while the man named was governor". So there was no evident reason for Vespasian to consider it extraordinary that he had been named as governor of Syria on coins of Sepphoris struck for Nero near the end of his reign (Year 14), and no evident reason why he should have referred to the Sepphoris coins in his orichalcum issue struck at Rome five years later. It seems quite probable that Vespasian never even noticed his name on the coins of Sepphoris, and certainly very few Romans in the West will ever have seen such a coin, though Buttrey thinks the orichalcum coins were struck for circulation in the West in 74 in order to recall precisely those Sepphoris coins with their reference to Vespasian some months before his accession. Why waste coin types on references that were inconsequential, and that nobody was likely to comprehend?

If the orichalcum issue was meant to recall those two coins of Sepphoris, shouldn't it have been struck for Vespasian only, and using only those two rev. types, caduceus between crossed cornucopias and large SC? But that was not the case. Both the caduceus between crossed cornucopias type and the large SC type were struck not only for Vespasian, but also for Titus and Domitian as Caesars. Moreover those were not the only two rev. types of the issue: other coins showed a bust of Antioch with legend ANTIOCHIA , and (on small coins only) the same winged caduceus as on the crossed cornucopias dupondii, but without the cornucopias (see images below). It seems to me highly unlikely that the three main types of this issue, all struck for Titus and Domitian as well as Vespasian, were inspired by and meant to recall the far simpler issue of Sepphoris, using just two changing types (obv. types in this case) and of course naming Vespasian only.'

If Buttrey's argument is wrong it brings us back to the original question - why was an Eastern flavoured coinage struck for circulation in the West? Perhaps the issue may be nothing more than Vespasian paying homage to the part of the world that elevated him.

This as is a fine example of the smaller denomination - nicely centred, darkly toned, and sporting a stylish portrait of the young prince.
1 commentsDavid Atherton10/04/22 at 20:17Jay GT4: A fascinating issue for sure
V386a.jpg
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.
1 commentsDavid Atherton10/02/22 at 11:25Jay GT4: Wow!
V418a.jpg
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.
2 commentsDavid Atherton09/11/22 at 21:15Jay GT4: Great find
V418a.jpg
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.
2 commentsDavid Atherton09/09/22 at 14:49Mat: Love this one, nice addition
V1221.jpg
RIC 1221 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 11.48g
Lyon mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS VIII P P; Head of Vespasian, radiate, r.; globe at point of bust
Rev: ROMA in exergue; S C in field; Roma std. l. on cuirass, with wreath and parazonium; behind, shields
RIC 1221 (C). BMC -. BNC 831.
Acquired from CGB.fr, August 2022.

Lugdunum (modern Lyon) after a brief hiatus struck a fairly large issue of aes coinage under Vespasian in 77 or 78, likely in response to a coin shortage in the Western provinces. Most of the reverse types copy those produced at Rome, such as this 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 and likely is based on a familiar cult image of the goddess. Listed as common in RIC, although missing from the BM.
1 commentsDavid Atherton08/28/22 at 16:28Jay GT4: I've always liked this reverse
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RIC 0522 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.42g
Rome mint, 73 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESP AVG P M COS IIII CEN; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: SALVS AVG; Salus std. l., with patera
RIC 522 (C). BMC 87. RSC 432. BNC 76.
Acquired from Rubicon Coins, August 2008.

Salus, the personification of health and welfare, is seen here overseeing the Emperor's health and safety.

Salus is seen twice on Vespasian's denarii. This example with the longer COS IIII obverse legend is the rarer of the two types.
3 commentsDavid Atherton08/13/22 at 20:12Jay GT4: Quite a unique portrait
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RIC 1263 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Dupondius, 12.42g
Lyon mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: T CAES IMP AVG F TR P COS VI CENSOR; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.; globe at point of bust
Rev: ROMA in exergue; S C in field; Roma std. l. on cuirass, with wreath and parazonium; behind, shields
RIC 1263 (R). BMC -. BNC 866.
Acquired from Civitas Galleries, August 2022.

Lugdunum (modern Lyon) after a brief hiatus struck a fairly large issue of aes coinage under Vespasian in 77 or 78, likely in response to a coin shortage in the Western provinces. Most of the reverse types copy those produced at Rome, such as this 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 and likely is based on a familiar cult image of the goddess. Missing from the BM.
1 commentsDavid Atherton08/13/22 at 19:19Jay GT4: A great portrait on this one
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RIC 1241 VespasianÆ As, 9.41g
Lyon mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS VIII P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.; globe at point of bust
Rev: VICTORIA AVGVSTI; S C in field; Victory adv. l., with wreath and palm
RIC 1241 (C). BMC 851. BNC 853.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, July 2022.

Late in Vespasian's reign the mint at Lyon (ancient Lugdunum) struck a fairly large issue of bronze at a time when the mint at Rome was winding down its own bronze production. Presumably this late issue was produced to address a shortage of bronze coinage in the Western provinces. Many of the types were recycled from earlier issues from both Rome and Lyon, such as this common Victory type.
1 commentsDavid Atherton08/07/22 at 03:14Jay GT4: An honest coin with a middle aged portrait. And f...
V1567.jpg
RIC 1567 VespasianÆ Semis, 4.82g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: IMP•VESP•AVG•P•M•T•P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: ANTIOCHIA; Bust of city-goddess, r.
RIC 1567 (C). BMC -. BNC -. RPC 1987 (14 spec.).
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, June 2022.

Traditionally, the remarkable bronze issue this rather odd semis is from has been attributed to various different mints over the years. Ted Buttrey in the unpublished RIC II.1 Addenda wrote - 'RIC 756-767 are irregular Dupondii, which should be taken together with Asses, semisses and quadrantes (RIC 1564-1581), forming together a single extraordinary issue in four denominations, distinct in typology and metal, as well as overall character from the regular coinage of the year. Although Eastern in aspect and reverse type, the circulation area of the dupondii is almost exclusively Gaul, Germany, Italy – i.e. the West, with scarcely any penetration of the East. Finds of the smaller denominations are rarely attested anywhere, East or West. The citations in RPC II are drawn almost entirely from Western collections, and total: Western - 108, Eastern - 4.

The Eastern finds appear to be simply the débris of Mediterranean circulation. Previously the series had been attributed to Commagene (BMCRE II, pp.217-222), then as a likelihood to Antioch (e.g. RPC II 1982-2005). The correct attribution to Rome is proved by mules of the dupondii with regular issues (Buttrey, “Vespasian’s Roman Orichalcum: An Unrecognized Celebratory Coinage” in David M. Jacobson and Nikos Kokkinos, Judaea and Rome in Coins, 65 CBE – 135 CE (2012).'

I think it quite extraordinary that the Rome mint would produce a coin blatantly featuring a provincial city-goddess that was intended for circulation in the West. Vespasian's fondness for the region that elevated him to the purple must have been strong indeed! The heavy use of dots in the obverse legend is a curiosity as well.
1 commentsDavid Atherton07/24/22 at 19:36Jay GT4: A great series and the city godess looks Flavian :...
V1167.jpg
RIC 1167 VespasianÆ As, 11.17g
Lyon mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.; globe at point of bust
Rev: PROVIDENT; S C in field; Altar
RIC 1167 (R). BMC 810. BNC -.
Acquired from Praefectus Coins, July 2022.

Tiberius was the first to strike 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 in the major references as an altar, Marvin Tameanko has convincingly argued it is actually a sacellum, or small shrine. This popular reverse was later revived during the Civil War by Galba and Vitellius. Vespasian began striking it early in his reign, especially during his great bronze issue of 71 at both Rome and Lugdunum. This Lugdunese example is much rarer than the Rome variant.

Missing from Paris.
1 commentsDavid Atherton07/17/22 at 12:06Jay GT4: Nice portrait and patina
V1331.jpg
RIC 1331 VespasianÆ As, 9.52g
Tarraco (?) mint, 70 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG P M TR P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: S C in field; IMP V P P COS II DESIG III FORT RED; Fortuna, draped, standing l.,setting r. hand on prow and holding cornucopiae in l. hand
RIC 1337 (R). BMC spec. acquired 1989. BNC -.
Acquired from eBay, June 2022.

Spain declared for Vespasian late in 69 after the second battle of Cremona in October. Spanish mints immediately began striking coinage in all metals for Vespasian, with perhaps Tarraco being the primary mint of the province. The early aes coinage copied many of the reverse designs seen on the precious metals at Rome, as is the case with this Fortuna type. All the coins from the issue are quite rare indicating they were not struck for any length of time, perhaps only to address a shortage of bronze coinage in the region. This as additionally has an unusual and extremely rare variant reverse legend. Missing from the Paris collection.
2 commentsDavid Atherton07/02/22 at 15:24kc: Cool, great find, bravo ☺
V1331.jpg
RIC 1331 VespasianÆ As, 9.52g
Tarraco (?) mint, 70 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG P M TR P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: S C in field; IMP V P P COS II DESIG III FORT RED; Fortuna, draped, standing l.,setting r. hand on prow and holding cornucopiae in l. hand
RIC 1337 (R). BMC spec. acquired 1989. BNC -.
Acquired from eBay, June 2022.

Spain declared for Vespasian late in 69 after the second battle of Cremona in October. Spanish mints immediately began striking coinage in all metals for Vespasian, with perhaps Tarraco being the primary mint of the province. The early aes coinage copied many of the reverse designs seen on the precious metals at Rome, as is the case with this Fortuna type. All the coins from the issue are quite rare indicating they were not struck for any length of time, perhaps only to address a shortage of bronze coinage in the region. This as additionally has an unusual and extremely rare variant reverse legend. Missing from the Paris collection.
2 commentsDavid Atherton07/02/22 at 12:55Jay GT4: Great Spanish mint
V581b.jpg
RIC 0581 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 12.53g
Rome mint, 73 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESP AVG P M T P COS IIII CENS; Head of Vespasian, radiate, l.
Rev: FELICITAS PVBLICA; S C in field; Felicitas stg. l., with caduceus and cornucopiae
RIC 581 (C). BMC 661. BNC 652.
Acquired from CGB.fr, June 2022.

In 73 Vespasian and Titus Caesar held a joint censorship which was duly recorded on the coinage. The Felicitas on the reverse symbolises the prosperity and abundance Vespasian has brought to the empire after a period of turmoil. It is easily one of the commonest reverse types struck for the dupondius issues during Vespasian's reign.
1 commentsDavid Atherton06/29/22 at 04:16Jay GT4: Great portrait
V10.jpg
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!
1 commentsDavid Atherton06/05/22 at 12:34Jay GT4: An interesting spelling mistake. Congrats on a ra...
V1426285A291_gm.jpg
RIC 1426(5A)1 Vespasian AR Denarius, 2.80g
Ephesus mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS III TR P P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: AVG in oak wreath, no mintmark
RIC 1426(5A)1 (R2). BMC -. RPC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Kornblum, May 2022. Ex Gorny and Mosch 216, 10 October 2013, lot 2968.


Ephesus struck a series of stylish denarii early in Vespasian's reign. Previously, it was thought all but the first issue were produced with mintmarks, that is until several specimens dated COS III recently surfaced that unquestionably lack any such control marks. The new RIC II.1 Addenda & Corrigenda records three COS III reverse types lacking mintmarks: AVG in oak wreath, confronting heads of Titus and Domitian, and Turreted female bust. All three types are known for Vespasian, just one specimen (turreted female bust) is recorded for Titus Caesar. All of these types are known from unique specimens, except for the AVG in oak wreath type with just two specimens cited by the A&C, the present coin being the second one listed. In all, only five no mintmark specimens for the entire issue are recorded in the A&C - with this latest addition four of them now reside in my collection.

Ted Buttrey wrote in the RIC II Addenda the following concerning the no mintmark issue:

'I’m not terribly happy about this. It’s a convenient way to draw together several pieces which lack the mintmark, placing them after the completion of the ΘΙ and ΘΥ Groups 3-5 and the inception of Group 6 with ΕΡΗ —. But why should they have given up on a mintmark in mid-course, when all of Groups 2-9 are marked? The choices are – (i) mintmark on coins worn away; (ii) engraver forgot to add mintmark to the dies; (iii) issue deliberately produced without mintmark. Assuming (iii) for the moment, the new Group takes the place of fnn. 46-47, pp.162-3, and fits here nicely with V’s title for Groups 5-6, and T’s for Group 6, But I have no fixed opinion, and await the appearance of others of this variety.'

I lean towards iii being the likeliest option - if accidental, why do we not see no mintmarks specimens throughout the series? Why are they only dated COS III? IMHO, the likeliest explanation is the no mintmark denarii were deliberately struck, albeit rather briefly (perhaps only for a few days), prior to or just after the COS III ΘΥ issue and before the much larger EPH issue was struck.
4 commentsDavid Atherton06/01/22 at 03:11Mat: Wodnerful coin, David. I love this one.
V1426285A291_gm.jpg
RIC 1426(5A)1 Vespasian AR Denarius, 2.80g
Ephesus mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS III TR P P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: AVG in oak wreath, no mintmark
RIC 1426(5A)1 (R2). BMC -. RPC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Kornblum, May 2022. Ex Gorny and Mosch 216, 10 October 2013, lot 2968.


Ephesus struck a series of stylish denarii early in Vespasian's reign. Previously, it was thought all but the first issue were produced with mintmarks, that is until several specimens dated COS III recently surfaced that unquestionably lack any such control marks. The new RIC II.1 Addenda & Corrigenda records three COS III reverse types lacking mintmarks: AVG in oak wreath, confronting heads of Titus and Domitian, and Turreted female bust. All three types are known for Vespasian, just one specimen (turreted female bust) is recorded for Titus Caesar. All of these types are known from unique specimens, except for the AVG in oak wreath type with just two specimens cited by the A&C, the present coin being the second one listed. In all, only five no mintmark specimens for the entire issue are recorded in the A&C - with this latest addition four of them now reside in my collection.

Ted Buttrey wrote in the RIC II Addenda the following concerning the no mintmark issue:

'I’m not terribly happy about this. It’s a convenient way to draw together several pieces which lack the mintmark, placing them after the completion of the ΘΙ and ΘΥ Groups 3-5 and the inception of Group 6 with ΕΡΗ —. But why should they have given up on a mintmark in mid-course, when all of Groups 2-9 are marked? The choices are – (i) mintmark on coins worn away; (ii) engraver forgot to add mintmark to the dies; (iii) issue deliberately produced without mintmark. Assuming (iii) for the moment, the new Group takes the place of fnn. 46-47, pp.162-3, and fits here nicely with V’s title for Groups 5-6, and T’s for Group 6, But I have no fixed opinion, and await the appearance of others of this variety.'

I lean towards iii being the likeliest option - if accidental, why do we not see no mintmarks specimens throughout the series? Why are they only dated COS III? IMHO, the likeliest explanation is the no mintmark denarii were deliberately struck, albeit rather briefly (perhaps only for a few days), prior to or just after the COS III ΘΥ issue and before the much larger EPH issue was struck.
4 commentsDavid Atherton05/31/22 at 16:10Timestheus: A great type...
V1426285A291_gm.jpg
RIC 1426(5A)1 Vespasian AR Denarius, 2.80g
Ephesus mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS III TR P P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: AVG in oak wreath, no mintmark
RIC 1426(5A)1 (R2). BMC -. RPC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Kornblum, May 2022. Ex Gorny and Mosch 216, 10 October 2013, lot 2968.


Ephesus struck a series of stylish denarii early in Vespasian's reign. Previously, it was thought all but the first issue were produced with mintmarks, that is until several specimens dated COS III recently surfaced that unquestionably lack any such control marks. The new RIC II.1 Addenda & Corrigenda records three COS III reverse types lacking mintmarks: AVG in oak wreath, confronting heads of Titus and Domitian, and Turreted female bust. All three types are known for Vespasian, just one specimen (turreted female bust) is recorded for Titus Caesar. All of these types are known from unique specimens, except for the AVG in oak wreath type with just two specimens cited by the A&C, the present coin being the second one listed. In all, only five no mintmark specimens for the entire issue are recorded in the A&C - with this latest addition four of them now reside in my collection.

Ted Buttrey wrote in the RIC II Addenda the following concerning the no mintmark issue:

'I’m not terribly happy about this. It’s a convenient way to draw together several pieces which lack the mintmark, placing them after the completion of the ΘΙ and ΘΥ Groups 3-5 and the inception of Group 6 with ΕΡΗ —. But why should they have given up on a mintmark in mid-course, when all of Groups 2-9 are marked? The choices are – (i) mintmark on coins worn away; (ii) engraver forgot to add mintmark to the dies; (iii) issue deliberately produced without mintmark. Assuming (iii) for the moment, the new Group takes the place of fnn. 46-47, pp.162-3, and fits here nicely with V’s title for Groups 5-6, and T’s for Group 6, But I have no fixed opinion, and await the appearance of others of this variety.'

I lean towards iii being the likeliest option - if accidental, why do we not see no mintmarks specimens throughout the series? Why are they only dated COS III? IMHO, the likeliest explanation is the no mintmark denarii were deliberately struck, albeit rather briefly (perhaps only for a few days), prior to or just after the COS III ΘΥ issue and before the much larger EPH issue was struck.
4 commentsDavid Atherton05/30/22 at 21:56Jay GT4: Amazing historical type
V1426285A291_gm.jpg
RIC 1426(5A)1 Vespasian AR Denarius, 2.80g
Ephesus mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS III TR P P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: AVG in oak wreath, no mintmark
RIC 1426(5A)1 (R2). BMC -. RPC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Kornblum, May 2022. Ex Gorny and Mosch 216, 10 October 2013, lot 2968.


Ephesus struck a series of stylish denarii early in Vespasian's reign. Previously, it was thought all but the first issue were produced with mintmarks, that is until several specimens dated COS III recently surfaced that unquestionably lack any such control marks. The new RIC II.1 Addenda & Corrigenda records three COS III reverse types lacking mintmarks: AVG in oak wreath, confronting heads of Titus and Domitian, and Turreted female bust. All three types are known for Vespasian, just one specimen (turreted female bust) is recorded for Titus Caesar. All of these types are known from unique specimens, except for the AVG in oak wreath type with just two specimens cited by the A&C, the present coin being the second one listed. In all, only five no mintmark specimens for the entire issue are recorded in the A&C - with this latest addition four of them now reside in my collection.

Ted Buttrey wrote in the RIC II Addenda the following concerning the no mintmark issue:

'I’m not terribly happy about this. It’s a convenient way to draw together several pieces which lack the mintmark, placing them after the completion of the ΘΙ and ΘΥ Groups 3-5 and the inception of Group 6 with ΕΡΗ —. But why should they have given up on a mintmark in mid-course, when all of Groups 2-9 are marked? The choices are – (i) mintmark on coins worn away; (ii) engraver forgot to add mintmark to the dies; (iii) issue deliberately produced without mintmark. Assuming (iii) for the moment, the new Group takes the place of fnn. 46-47, pp.162-3, and fits here nicely with V’s title for Groups 5-6, and T’s for Group 6, But I have no fixed opinion, and await the appearance of others of this variety.'

I lean towards iii being the likeliest option - if accidental, why do we not see no mintmarks specimens throughout the series? Why are they only dated COS III? IMHO, the likeliest explanation is the no mintmark denarii were deliberately struck, albeit rather briefly (perhaps only for a few days), prior to or just after the COS III ΘΥ issue and before the much larger EPH issue was struck.
4 commentsDavid Atherton05/29/22 at 18:19Virgil H: Beautiful
V1566.jpg
RIC 1566 VespasianÆ As, 4.91g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: IMP•VESP•AVG•P•M•T•P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: S • C in laurel wreath
RIC 1566 (R). BMC 879. RPC 1986 (3 spec.). BNC -.
Acquired from eBay, May 2022.

In 74 AD the Rome mint produced an extraordinary issue of bronze coinage of dupondii, asses, semisses, and quadrantes with a somewhat Eastern theme. Previously, these coins had been attributed to either Commagene (BMCRE) or Syria (RPC, and doubtfully so in RIC), but more recent scholarship has shown they actually were struck in Rome. The circulation pattern confirms this - out of a total of 112 of the smaller denominations cited by RPC, all but 4 were found in Western Europe. Ted Buttrey confirms 'The Eastern finds appear to be simply the débris of Mediterranean circulation.' But why was this series produced in such a fashion? Buttrey proffers a plausible theory - 'There is nothing like this series in the whole of Roman imperial coinage. It is a deliberate act of Orientalism, imposing the flavour of the East on a Western coinage. The key to its understanding is the reverse type of the dupondius, two crossed cornuacopiae with a winged caduceus between. It replicates the type of an obscure issue of the Galilean city of Sepphoris, an issue which had been, astonishingly, signed by Vespasian himself (ΕΠΙ ΟΥΕCΠΑCΙΑΝΟΥ, “on the authority of…”) when on duty there in the last days of Nero. The dupondius-sized bronze was accompanied by a half-unit with the type of a large, central S C – again signed by Vespasian, and now imitated on the As of the orichalcum series with the wreath of the As of Antioch (RPC I 4849-50). The whole of this series memorializes not Vespasian the conquering general (IVDAEA CAPTA, VICTORIA AVGVSTI), but the man. His re-use of earlier coin types is well-known; here he re-uses his own, harking back to his career just prior to his final success in seizing the empire. And the series was struck in 74 A.D., co-terminous with the celebration of Vespasian’s first quinquennium.' So, in essence, a very personally important issue for Vespasian.

A rare variant 'S C' as featuring a right facing portrait paired with a scarce obverse legend. Unusually, the asses of this series were struck in orichalcum not copper and are much smaller than traditional contemporary asses. Missing from the Paris collection.
1 commentsDavid Atherton05/15/22 at 14:17Jay GT4: Nice find
V1489.jpg
RIC 1489 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Denarius, 2.82g
Ephesus (?) mint, 76 AD
Obv: CAES AVG F DOMIT COS III; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., 'o' mint mark below neck
Rev: PRINCEPS IVVENTVT; Spes, draped, advancing l., holding up flower in r. hand and with l. holding up her skirt.
RIC 1489 (R2). BMC 481. BNC -. RPC 1462 (1 spec.). RSC 575a.
Acquired from eBay, April 2022.

A mysterious eastern mint struck a spate of denarii in 76 which copied many contemporary types from Rome. Both RIC and RPC speculate it possibly could be Ephesus, citing a similar style with a previous Ephesian issue from 74 and the use of an annulet as a mint mark. The issue is extremely rare. This denarius copies the much more common Spes type contemporaneously struck at Rome for Domitian. These eastern denarii are often confused with the issues from Rome, however, they can be distinguished by their superior style and the annulet (if visible) below the bust.

Missing from the Paris collection.
1 commentsDavid Atherton04/30/22 at 16:13Jay GT4: Great find
V878.jpg
RIC 0878 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 26.01g
Rome mint, 76 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS VII; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: FORTVNAE REDVCI; S C in field; Fortuna stg. l., with branch and rudder on globe, and cornucopiae
RIC 878 (R2). BMC -. BNC 744.
Acquired from Savoca Coins, April 2022.

The Rome mint produced its largest issue of bronze coinage under Vespasian in 71. Afterwards, with each passing year the issues became smaller and smaller. By 76 the bronze issues were minuscule, as this extremely rare variant of the normally common Fortuna reverse type demonstrates. It carries an important propaganda message concerning the safe return (REDVCI) of the imperial household which can be translated as 'Fortune the home-bringer'. This 76 variant is missing from the BM.
1 commentsDavid Atherton04/28/22 at 17:35Jay GT4: Lovely
V1093a.jpg
RIC 1093 VespasianÆ As, 10.66g
Rome mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN COS VIIII; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: S C in field; Spes stg. l., with flower
RIC 1093 (R). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Den of Antiquity, April 2022.

Vespasian's last bronze issue at Rome is dated COS VIIII and was struck sometime between 1 January and 24 June 79. Bronzes from this issue were sparingly struck and are extremely rare today, possibly because they were coined in the weeks just prior to Vespasian's death on 24 June. This As from that last issue is missing from both the BM and Paris collections and is a double die match with the RIC plate coin from Oxford.

Struck in fine style featuring the classic 'straining portrait'.
2 commentsDavid Atherton04/15/22 at 04:59ickster: Nice addition. First time I'm hearing the ter...
V1093a.jpg
RIC 1093 VespasianÆ As, 10.66g
Rome mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN COS VIIII; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: S C in field; Spes stg. l., with flower
RIC 1093 (R). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Den of Antiquity, April 2022.

Vespasian's last bronze issue at Rome is dated COS VIIII and was struck sometime between 1 January and 24 June 79. Bronzes from this issue were sparingly struck and are extremely rare today, possibly because they were coined in the weeks just prior to Vespasian's death on 24 June. This As from that last issue is missing from both the BM and Paris collections and is a double die match with the RIC plate coin from Oxford.

Struck in fine style featuring the classic 'straining portrait'.
2 commentsDavid Atherton04/14/22 at 13:57Jay GT4: Great pick up David
V980a.jpg
RIC 0980 Vespasian (3)AR Denarius, 2.92g
Rome mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, right.
Rev: IMP XIX across field; Modius, standing on three legs, containing one ear of corn upright, then two ears of corn bending r. and l. with poppy in between and two ears of corn hanging over the sides
RIC 980 (C). BMC 217. RSC 219. BNC 191.
Acquired from Münzen & Medaillen, July 2018. 'From an old Swiss collection'.

A rare variant of the modius type with poppies in between the corn ears. The BNC notes this variant (BNC 191). The variants with poppies tend to have longer corn ears than the common examples without them. The poppy in the Roman world was often a symbol of abundance and fertility, so it is quite fitting to see them symbolically stored in a modius alongside corn ears. NB: BMC 217 has the poppies on either side of the upright corn ear.

Well centred on a ragged flan.
3 commentsDavid Atherton04/11/22 at 09:29Carl G: I have this coin in better condition than the pic
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RIC 1134 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 25.45g
Lyon mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.; globe at point of bust
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 1134 (R). BMC 800. BNC -. Hendin 1543.
Acquired from Praefectus Coins, March 2022. Ex Roma 83, 6 May 2021, lot 622.

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. The overwhelming majority of these coins were produced in Rome, but many provincial imperial mints also contributed to the mass media onslaught of 'Judaea Capta'. This rare sestertius from 71 struck in Lugdunum (modern Lyon) copies the iconic Rome mint proto-type of Vespasian proudly standing holding a spear and parazonium (a ceremonial 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. 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 avalanche of propaganda 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.

The Lugdunese variant of this iconic type is much rarer than the contemporaneous Rome mint equivalent. Lugdunum faithfully copied both the Rome mint legend and reverse design. They can be identified by the unique portrait style (squarish heads, prominent shoulders) and blocky, heavily serifed legends. In trade they are often confused with the much more common Rome variant. Missing from the Paris collection.
1 commentsDavid Atherton04/07/22 at 19:53Jay GT4: Lovely
V1172.jpg
RIC 1172 VespasianÆ As, 8.90g
Lyon mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.; globe at point of bust
Rev: SECVRITAS AVGVSTI; S C in exergue; Securitas std. r., head resting on raised arm, with sceptre; to r., altar and torch
RIC 1172 (C). BMC -. BNC 810.
Acquired from eBay, November 2021.

Lugdunum (modern Lyon) struck a fairly large issue of aes coinage during the great bronze issue of 71. Most of the reverse types copy those produced at Rome, however, unique to the mint is this variant of the seated Securitas type showing Securitas resting her head on her hand in a relaxed pose - no doubt based on a cult image. It shows up on both the dupondii and asses. Mattingly observed in BMCRE II 'The type of Securitas was not without reason popular in Gaul after the terrors of the revolt.' (p. lxi). This second issue as from 71 is probably the most common variant of the type at Lugdunum. Curiously missing from the BM!
1 commentsDavid Atherton12/17/21 at 04:19Jay GT4: Strike a pose
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RIC 1242 VespasianÆ As, 9.42g
Lyon mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS VIII P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.; globe at point of bust
Rev: VICTORIA AVGVSTI; S C in field; Victory adv. l., with wreath and palm
RIC 1242 (R). BMC -. BNC 854.
Acquired from CGB.fr, November 2021.

In 77-78 Lugdunum (modern Lyon) after a hiatus of several years struck a decently sized issue of bronze coinage, presumably to address a shortage in the Western provinces. This rare left facing portrait variant of the fairly common Victory advancing type was struck for the issue. Victory was a common theme on Vespasian's bronze issues and should be viewed in a generic context with no specific link to the Jewish War.

Missing from the BM collection.
1 commentsDavid Atherton12/09/21 at 17:10Jay GT4: I like the slight ghosting effect of the double st...
V1237.jpg
RIC 1237 VespasianÆ As, 10.23g
Lyon mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS VIII P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.; globe at point of bust
Rev: S C in field; Eagle stg. front on globe, wings outstretched, head r.
RIC 1237 (C3). BMC 848. BNC 849.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, November 2021.

Late in Vespasian's reign the mint at Lyon (ancient Lugdunum) struck a fairly large issue of bronze at a time when the mint at Rome was winding down its own bronze production. Presumably this late issue was produced to address a shortage of bronze coinage in the Western provinces. Many of the types were recycled from earlier issues from both Rome and Lyon.

This iconic eagle on globe type copies a similar reverse struck under Tiberius for Divus Augustus. The connection to Augustus demonstrates Vespasian's worthiness as his successor. The type is fairly rare at Rome and more commonly found from the mint at Lugdunum (Lyon). It is almost exclusively reserved for the As issues at both mints.
1 commentsDavid Atherton11/25/21 at 12:09Jay GT4: A lovely honest example
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