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RIC 1539A Vespasian AR Denarius, 3.30g
Antioch mint, 70 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PONT MAX TRIB POT; Pax std. r., with sceptre and branch
RIC 1539A. BMC -. BNC -. RPC -.
Acquired from CGB.fr, April 2020.

An extremely rare unlisted Antiochene denarius which copies a type previously only recorded for Antiochene aurei (RIC 1539). This is the second known example of this Pax type in silver, the other was previously at auction in 2018 (NN 71, lot 449). The 'TRIB POT' reverse legend is unique to Antioch and only appears with this Pax type. The coin is in very early style with Vespasian unusually sporting a full head of hair. All the coins from this first Antiochene issue are quite rare and do not come up in trade very often.

This denarius type has been newly added to the upcoming RIC II.1 A&C as RIC 1539A.6 commentsDavid Atherton05/02/20 at 06:52quadrans: Great find 👍

RIC 0492 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ As, 11.26g
Rome mint, 72 AD
Obv: CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS COS DES II; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: VESTA; S C in field; Temple, round, containing statue
RIC 492 (R2). BMC 648. BNC -.
Acquired from Forvm Ancient Coins, April 2020.

This coin has the distinction of two Flavian firsts - it's from the first issue of coinage struck for Domitian Caesar at Rome in 72 AD (here he is one of the designated consuls for 73), and it's the first appearance of the rare Temple of Vesta reverse type on the coinage during the Flavian era. This is the sixth incarnation of the temple, the fifth was destroyed in the great fire of 64 AD and it originally appeared on the coinage of Nero after his restoration of the structure. Vespasian likely embellished it, which perhaps explains its reappearance on the coinage. It was a round temple mounted on a high podium and a narrow stairway approach. The columns were fitted with their own plinths and the surrounding intercolumniations laced with grillwork. The summit of the conical roof is flattened, presumably to hold a statue. The coin depicts a cult statue of Vesta between the columns, however, this figure could also be a visual representation of Vesta's eternal flame. The Flavian interest in her cult can best be explained by their desire for connection and continuity with Rome's sacred traditions after the horrors and tragedies of the recent Civil War.

The Vesta type is considered to be quite rare, as are all Domitian Caesar's first issue coins at Rome. This specimen is also a double die match with the BM's example, a good indication of the type's rarity.

The hole located at 12 o'clock on the obverse indicates the piece may have been used as Jewellery, perhaps as a pendant. IMHO, it gives the coin a neat second life - whether in an antiquity or at a somewhat later date. More recently someone felt the need to return it to its original status as a coin and filled the hole.
1 commentsDavid Atherton05/01/20 at 15:39Jay GT4: Great rarity!

RIC 1208 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 24.14g
Lyon mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r., globe at point of bust
Rev: SALVS AVGVSTA; S C in exergue; Salus std. l. with patera and sceptre
RIC 1208 (C). BMC 827. BNC 822.
Acquired from eBay, April 2020. Ex Pegasi Auction 42, 12 November 2019, lot 488. Formerly in NGC holder 5872968-004, grade 'Ch F', strike 5/5, surface 3/5.

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. The types copy those common to Rome and feature distinctive 'blocky' portraits. Sestertii from the issue are quite rare today, with this Salus type perhaps being the most common. According to Mattingly in BMCRE II the Salus type seen here perhaps represents 'the salvation conferred by the imperial system'. Salus here symbolises the health and welfare of the Roman state, not the person of the emperor himself.

Fine Lugdunese style portrait in good metal.4 commentsDavid Atherton04/25/20 at 07:35FlaviusDomitianus: Lovely coin.

RIC 0199 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 25.22g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: S C in field; Mars adv. r., with trophy and spear
RIC 199 (C2). BMC 777. BNC 539.
Acquired from Incitatus Coins, April 2020. Ex Noonans Auction 171, 17 September 2019, lot 153 (part).

Struck during the great bronze issue of 71, this reverse features the standard Mars as a 'heroic nude', similar to the same type struck on the denarius. Mars here can best be interpreted as a triumphal type, likely based on a cult image.

Nice style with planchet flaw on reverse.3 commentsDavid Atherton04/25/20 at 06:26SRukke: Nice

RIC 1402 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.16g
Ephesus mint, 69-70 AD
Obv: IMP•CAES VESPAS•AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: LIBERI IMP AVG VESPAS; Heads of Titus, bare, r., and Domitian, bare, l., confronting; Φ in r. field
RIC 1402 (R3). BMC-. RSC-. RPC 810 (0 Spec.). BNC-.
Acquired from Kölner, February 2020.

Ephesus struck a small series of denarii for Vespasian between 69 and 74. The issue is divided into groups based on evolving legends and mint marks. The same stock reverse types were repeated throughout the series, with the dynastic types perhaps being the scarcest. This is a second known example of the Ephesian Group 2 confronting heads dynastic type with the Φ mint mark in right field. The other specimen (Munzhandlung Basel 6, 18 March 1936, lot 1619) is from the same die pair but in much poorer condition. This is the first Ephesian issue to strike this particular dynastic type which copies a contemporaneous one from Rome. These early issues are undated but likely were produced in either late 69 or early 70 soon after Vespasian's accession. The Ephesian denarii were often engraved in very fine style and are highly desired by collectors for that reason. Unusually for Ephesus, this specimen has spacing dots on the obverse. Also, this coin is an obverse die match with my RIC 1406 from the same issue.

Aside from the extreme rarity, I was attracted to this coin because of the portraits. On the obverse Vespasian is presented as an old middle age man while the reverse features Titus and Domitian as virile young men looking almost like teenage boys. The obverse advertises experience and a steady hand while the reverse promises an energetic and bright future. A perfect dynastic message.

Struck on a tight flan in superb style.9 commentsDavid Atherton03/29/20 at 01:45SRukke: Simply beautiful.

RIC 1191 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 11.39g
Lyon mint, 72 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVG COS IIII; Head of Vespasian, radiate, r.; globe at point of bust
Rev: PAX AVG; S C in field; Pax stg. l., with patera over altar and branch and caduceus
RIC 1191 (C2). BMC 816. BNC 817.
Ex CNG E463, 11 March 2020, lot 360.

A common early Pax type struck in 72 unique to Lyon. 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 variant was produced sans altar. The propaganda value of Pax for the new Flavian dynasty after the Civil War and Jewish Rebellion cannot be underestimated.

Good Lugdunese style in good metal.3 commentsDavid Atherton03/27/20 at 18:29quadrans: wow, great coin,

RIC 1557 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.11g
Antioch mint, 72-73 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESP AVG P M COS IIII; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: VICTORIA AVGVSTI; Victory stg. r., crowning standard and holding palm
RIC 1557 (R2). BMC 509, RSC 618. RPC 1929 (1 spec.). BNC -.
Ex Pegasi 140, 2 August 2011, lot 319.

This Vespasian denarius was attributed as a fairly common Rome mint Victory crowning standard, it actually is from Antioch and can be identified so by the different style. The lettering and the bust clearly are Antioch. The Rome example of the type is rated C2 (very common), while the Antioch type is rated R2 (very few examples known). The other two examples of this type I have seen are die pair matches with mine, which illustrates how rare this coin really is.

The whole series this coin is a part of consists of contemporary Rome mint types which were copied by Antioch.
3 commentsDavid Atherton03/21/20 at 04:15Jay GT4: Good eye to catch this one

RIC 1554 VespasianAR Denarius, 3.48g
Antioch mint, 72-73 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESP AVG P M COS IIII; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: CONCORDIA AVGVSTI; Concordia, draped, seated, l., holding patera extended in r. hand and cornucopiae in l.
RIC 1554 (R2). BMC 505. RSC 74. RPC 1927 (6 spec.). BNC -.
Acquired from Civitas Galleries, November 2005.

An exceedingly rare Antiochene Concordia denarius copying a common reverse design from Rome.

I love the denarii from the Antioch mint. Normally the flans are quite small, but this one is large enough to show some of the beaded boarder.1 commentsDavid Atherton03/21/20 at 04:13Jay GT4: Nice fabric for Antioch

RIC 0245 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 24.02g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPAS AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: SALVS AVGVSTA; S C in exergue; Salus std. l. with patera and sceptre
RIC 245 (C2). BMC 574. BNC 533.
Acquired from Golden Rule Enterprises Coins, February 2020.

A fairly common sestertius Salus type from the great bronze issue of 71. According to Mattingly in BMCRE II this Salus type may perhaps represents 'the salvation conferred by the imperial system', presumably after the upheavals of the Civil War. Salus here symbolises the health and welfare of the Roman state, not the person of the emperor himself.

Superb portrait in good metal.

6 commentsDavid Atherton02/18/20 at 21:10simmurray: Very nice!

RIC 0753 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ As, 8.02g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: T CAESAR IMP COS III CENS; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: VICTORIA AVGVST; S C in field; Victory stg. r. on prow, with wreath and palm
RIC 753 (R). BMC p. 163 †. BNC 734.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, January 2020.

A rare variant of the common Victory on prow struck in 74. Missing from the BM's collection. This Victory type was a fairly popular generic design with the prow possibly lending a nautical theme, perhaps alluding to a successful ongoing Flavian naval policy. It was sparingly struck for this issue.

Well centred on good metal.2 commentsDavid Atherton02/08/20 at 11:57Jay GT4: Always nice to have a Victory and Titus

RIC 0753 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ As, 8.02g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: T CAESAR IMP COS III CENS; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: VICTORIA AVGVST; S C in field; Victory stg. r. on prow, with wreath and palm
RIC 753 (R). BMC p. 163 †. BNC 734.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, January 2020.

A rare variant of the common Victory on prow struck in 74. Missing from the BM's collection. This Victory type was a fairly popular generic design with the prow possibly lending a nautical theme, perhaps alluding to a successful ongoing Flavian naval policy. It was sparingly struck for this issue.

Well centred on good metal.2 commentsDavid Atherton02/08/20 at 10:11FlaviusDomitianus: Nice one, likely same dies as mine.

RIC 1578 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ As, 4.57g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: CAESAR DOMIT COS II; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: S C in laurel wreath
RIC 1578 (R2). BMC -. BNC -. RPC 2003 (0 Spec.).
Acquired from Forvm Ancient Coins, January 2020.

An extremely rare 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 particular As featuring a right facing portrait is rarer than the much more common left facing portrait. Missing from both the BM and Paris collections.

Beautiful patina and fine style.5 commentsDavid Atherton02/01/20 at 16:50quadrans: Nice piece.. Smile

RIC 1574 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Semis, 3.31g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: T•CAES•IMP•TR•POT; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: ANTIOCHIA; Bust of city-goddess, r.
RIC 1574 (C). BMC -. BNC -. RPC 1997 (10 spec.).
Acquired from Forvm Ancient Coins, January 2020.

Traditionally, the issue this rather interesting semis is from has been attributed to various different mints over the years. Ted Buttrey writing in the RIC II.1 Addenda commented extensively on it. Because both the Addenda has yet to see the light of day and T. Buttrey's thoughts on the subject are important (and indeed likely correct), I have largely quoted it in full here with some minor editing.

'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).
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 (while admitting that they are not Eastern, see on the semis the bust of the city-goddess accompanied by the Latin legend ANTIOCHIA, in imitation of the type actually struck there with the Greek legend ΑΝΤΙΟΧΕΩΝ – SNG Cop Antioch 99-103, 112, etc. ).
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 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.'

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.

Good style and well centred.3 commentsDavid Atherton01/30/20 at 15:23quadrans: Great piece ..I like it.. Smile

RIC 1065 VespasianAR denarius, 3.51g
Rome Mint, 79 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: TR POT X COS VIIII; Radiated figure, naked except for slight drapery round thighs, standing r., r. leg bent, resting l. arm bent on column, holding helmet in extended r. hand and transverse spear in l.
RIC 1065 (R). BMC 254. RSC 559. BNC 222.
Acquired from Glenn W. Woods, December 2003.

A revival reverse design copying a similar type struck for Octavian (BMCRE I 103, 633). The column on the reverse depicts the monument erected to commemorate Octavian's victory over Pompey bearing the bronze rams of Pompey's captured ships and surmounted by a gilded statue.

Fine style. The irregular flan shape is only a minor detraction.2 commentsDavid Atherton01/20/20 at 21:49Jay GT4: Great coin

RIC 0810 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]AR Quinarius, 1.41g
Rome mint, 75(?) AD
Obv: T CAESAR IMP VESPASIAN; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: VICTORIA AVGVSTI; Victory std. l., with wreath and palm
RIC 810 (C). BMC 314. RSC 375. BNC 277.
Acquired from eBay, December 2019.

Vespasian revived the quinarius after a long hiatus going back to the time of Augustus. Striking this denomination was quite in keeping with the antiquarian flavour of the Rome mint during the reign. Vespasian's moneyer's struck a great issue of undated quinarii in 75, possibly in conjunction with the opening of his Temple of Peace. These tiny coins may have been distributed during special occasions. Two standard Victory types (seated or advancing) were employed along with various variant legend spellings and orientations. The variations are: obverse legend - VESPASIANVS or more commonly for Titus Caesar VESPASIAN; reverse legend - AVGVSTI or less commonly AVGVST. The reverse legend can also either be oriented from low r. or high l. Dating this undated issue is a little tricky. The quinarii struck before 75 have AVGVSTI in the reverse legend, while those struck after 75 use the shorter AVGVST. The undated issue employs both forms, therefore it fits neatly to 75. This quinarius struck for Titus Caesar is perhaps the most common variant struck for him in the issue.

Nicely centred with hints of rainbow toning.3 commentsDavid Atherton01/16/20 at 08:31FlaviusDomitianus: Nice catch.

RIC 1210 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 12.67g
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: FIDES PVBLICA; S C in field; Fides stg. l., with patera and cornucopiae
RIC 1210 (C3). BMC 828. BNC 825.
Acquired from eBay, January 2020.

FIDES PVBLICA, the good faith of the state, was a common personification on Vespasian's coinage. The figure on the reverse is likely based on a cult statue of the goddess whose annual sacrifice occurred on 1 October. Important documents of state and treaties were store in her temple for safe keeping. The Fides type came into common imperial use during the Flavian era and was an important part of Vespasian's numismatic propaganda. This very common dupondius was struck at the Lugdunum (Lyon) mint in 77-78 in a fairly large issue that presumably addressed a shortage of bronze coinage in the Western provinces. Oddly enough, dupondii in this issue are more commonly encountered with a laureate bust instead of the normally radiate one.

A respectable example in typical Lugdunese style.1 commentsDavid Atherton01/09/20 at 14:30Mat: A nice new addition, looks like chocolate candy.

RIC 0894 VespasianÆ As, 11.90g
Rome mint, 76 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESP AVG COS VII; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: S C in field; Spes stg. l., holding flower
RIC 894 (C2). BMC 725. BNC 757.
Acquired from eBay, December 2019.

This Spes As is considered by RIC (p. 51) to be the single most common bronze coin struck for Vespasian. Oddly enough, the frequency rating in the catalogue of 'very common' is a notch below the 'extremely common' rating reserved for the most common types. Spes was a popular reverse type under Vespasian, connected to future dynastic hope and harmony. Note the classic 'straining' portrait for which Vespasian is well known for.

Nice olive green patina and heavy weight.3 commentsDavid Atherton01/04/20 at 18:13quadrans: Nice one

RIC 0266 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 13.83g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, radiate, r.
Rev: CONCORDIA AVGVSTI; S C in exergue; Concordia std. l., with patera and cornucopiae
RIC 266 (C). BMC 589. BNC 565.
Acquired from Romae Aeternae Numismatics, December 2019.

A very common Concordia dupondius struck for Vespasian during the great bronze issue of 71. This type comes in two variants: one with an altar and one without. Both have the same frequency rating of 'common'. Mattingly in BMCRE speculated the type 'stands for harmony in the imperial house'.

Decent standard style and well centred. 3 commentsDavid Atherton12/27/19 at 11:31FlaviusDomitianus: Nice addition.

RIC 0295 VespasianÆ As, 9.19g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: CONCORDIA AVGVST; S C in exergue; Concordia std. l., with patera over altar and cornucopiae
RIC 295 (R2). BMC p. 130 *. BNC -.
Acquired from Musa, December 2019.

The seated Concordia type is more frequently encountered on the dupondii and rarely on the As issues. This As featuring Concordia and an altar is quite rare, with RIC citing only one specimen in Munich. Mattingly mistakenly conjectured the type was possibly struck at Tarraco (BMC p. 130). The style, however, is unabashedly Rome mint. Mattingly also speculated the type 'stands for harmony in the imperial house'.
5 commentsDavid Atherton12/24/19 at 22:55mix_val: A nice addition

RIC 0279 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 13.37g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, radiate, r.
Rev: ROMA in exergue; S C in field; Roma std. l. on cuirass, with wreath and parazonium; behind, shields
RIC 279 (C2). BMC 591. BNC 569.
Acquired from Aristos Coins, eBay, December 2019.

One of the most common dupondius types struck during Vespasian's great bronze issue of 71 was this seated Roma. Mattingly in BMCRE II says this about the type - 'The wreath which Roma holds on the dupondius is the sign of Victory, or, perhaps rather the rejoicing for it.' The traditional Greek Amazon guise of Roma is copied from the coinage of Nero.

Fetching olive green patina and nicely centred with full legends.5 commentsDavid Atherton12/21/19 at 19:04Vincent: Like it... elegant Roma

RIC 1044 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Dupondius, 14.29g
Rome mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: CAESAR AVG F DOMITIAN COS V; Bust of Domitian, laureate, draped, r.
Rev: CERES AVGVST; S C in field; Ceres stg. l., with corn ears and poppy and sceptre
RIC 1044 (R). BMC p. 176 note. BNC 790.
Acquired from ANE, November 2019.

Dupondii struck for Domitian as Caesar under Vespasian lack a radiate crown and are unusually laureate and quite rare. This Ceres type struck in 77 or 78 was part of series of coins likely advertising some sort of agricultural programme. Same dies as the Paris specimen (BNC 790).

Solid style with dark patina.6 commentsDavid Atherton12/16/19 at 13:42Vincent: Goo

Bold and beautiful...indeed...Rare and desi...

RIC 1044 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Dupondius, 14.29g
Rome mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: CAESAR AVG F DOMITIAN COS V; Bust of Domitian, laureate, draped, r.
Rev: CERES AVGVST; S C in field; Ceres stg. l., with corn ears and poppy and sceptre
RIC 1044 (R). BMC p. 176 note. BNC 790.
Acquired from ANE, November 2019.

Dupondii struck for Domitian as Caesar under Vespasian lack a radiate crown and are unusually laureate and quite rare. This Ceres type struck in 77 or 78 was part of series of coins likely advertising some sort of agricultural programme. Same dies as the Paris specimen (BNC 790).

Solid style with dark patina.6 commentsDavid Atherton12/13/19 at 09:49FlaviusDomitianus: Nice find, different dies than mine.

RIC 1176 VespasianÆ As, 9.99g
Lyon mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III; 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 1176 (R). BMC p. 201 note. BNC -.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, November 2019.

This Lugdunese As was struck in 71 when both Lugdunum (modern Lyon) and Rome produced a massive issue of bronze coinage. 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 type with Victory sans prow is scarcer than those that include it. Oddly, although the BMC cites Cohen for this variant obverse legend with 'VESPASIAN', who in turn cites a specimen in the Paris collection, no such specimen is listed in the BNC.

Struck on a large 29mm flan with choice coppery toning.2 commentsDavid Atherton12/05/19 at 12:36FlaviusDomitianus: Nice addition.

RIC 0727 Vespasian VariantÆ As, 9.73g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESP AVG COS V CENS; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: PAX AVGVST; S C in field; Pax stg. l., leaning on column, with caduceus and branch
RIC 727 var. (obv. head r.). BMC -. BNC 719 var. (same).
Acquired from eBay, November 2019. Ex Incitatus Coins.

An unpublished As struck for Vespasian in 74. The obverse legend IMP CAES VESP AVG P M T P COS V CENS is a rare variant of the much more common obv legend which reads CAESAR for this issue. It is unrecorded with a left facing portrait paired with the PAX AVGVST reverse. Unlisted in the RIC II.1 Addenda.
3 commentsDavid Atherton11/30/19 at 13:27Vincent: Always a thrill to discover something new! My Hat ...

RIC 1273 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ As, 10.61g
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: S C in field; Spes stg. l., with flower
RIC 1273 (C3). BMC 868. BNC 877.
Acquired from eBay, November 2019.

The Lyon mint struck a fairly substantial issue of bronze coinage for the Western provinces late in Vespasian's reign, presumably to rectify a shortage in the region. One of the most popular types struck during the issue was Spes, the goddess of hope. Here she represents Vespasian's hope for a happy dynastic future. The depiction of Spes raising her skirt and holding a flower likely copies a familiar cult statue of the goddess.

Fine style with hints of rainbow toning.3 commentsDavid Atherton11/30/19 at 08:10quadrans: Nice 👍

RIC 0999 VespasianÆ Dupondius, 12.31g
Rome mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN COS VIII; Head of Vespasian, radiate, l.
Rev: CERES AVGVST; S C in field; Ceres stg. l., with corn ears and poppy and sceptre
RIC 999 (C). BMC 735. BNC 772.
Acquired from Dr. Boris Kaczynski, October 2019.

During the last several years of Vespasian's reign both the precious metal and bronze coinage featured reverse types with agrarian themes. It is not known why there was a special emphasis on such types, perhaps it was an effort to advertise a new agricultural programme. This dupondius features the popular standing Ceres reverse, which was shared with Titus and Domitian and also struck on the gold and the silver. It is one of the most common types from this issue.

Beautiful patina and fine wear.4 commentsDavid Atherton11/09/19 at 16:47Nemonater: A Beauty!

RIC 0615 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Dupondius, 9.66g
Rome mint, 73 AD
Obv: T CAESAR IMP COS II CENS; Head of Titus, radiate, bearded, r.
Rev: FELICITAS PVBLICA; S C in field; Felicitas stg. l., with caduceus and cornucopiae
RIC 615 (R). BMC -. BNC 674.
Acquired from eBay, October 2019. Formerly in NGC holder 5767629-014, with grade 'VF'.

A rare variant of the common Felicitas reverse with a unique obverse legend struck for this one type in this one issue. A die pair match with the BNC plate coin. Missing from the BM's extensive collection.

Felicitas symbolising prosperity and abundance was one of the more common types struck during Vespasian's reign, often shared with Titus Caesar.

Strong early style portrait.3 commentsDavid Atherton11/01/19 at 17:09Vincent: Powerful portrait and stand out detail....RARE leg...

RIC 0615 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Dupondius, 9.66g
Rome mint, 73 AD
Obv: T CAESAR IMP COS II CENS; Head of Titus, radiate, bearded, r.
Rev: FELICITAS PVBLICA; S C in field; Felicitas stg. l., with caduceus and cornucopiae
RIC 615 (R). BMC -. BNC 674.
Acquired from eBay, October 2019. Formerly in NGC holder 5767629-014, with grade 'VF'.

A rare variant of the common Felicitas reverse with a unique obverse legend struck for this one type in this one issue. A die pair match with the BNC plate coin. Missing from the BM's extensive collection.

Felicitas symbolising prosperity and abundance was one of the more common types struck during Vespasian's reign, often shared with Titus Caesar.

Strong early style portrait.3 commentsDavid Atherton10/31/19 at 14:36curtislclay: RIC notes that this was probably the latest obv. l...

RIC 0615 Titus as Caesar [Vespasian]Æ Dupondius, 9.66g
Rome mint, 73 AD
Obv: T CAESAR IMP COS II CENS; Head of Titus, radiate, bearded, r.
Rev: FELICITAS PVBLICA; S C in field; Felicitas stg. l., with caduceus and cornucopiae
RIC 615 (R). BMC -. BNC 674.
Acquired from eBay, October 2019. Formerly in NGC holder 5767629-014, with grade 'VF'.

A rare variant of the common Felicitas reverse with a unique obverse legend struck for this one type in this one issue. A die pair match with the BNC plate coin. Missing from the BM's extensive collection.

Felicitas symbolising prosperity and abundance was one of the more common types struck during Vespasian's reign, often shared with Titus Caesar.

Strong early style portrait.3 commentsDavid Atherton10/31/19 at 02:04Jay GT4: Great eye to catch this one

RIC 0700 VespasianAR Denarius, 2.68g
Rome Mint, 74 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: OB CIVES SERVATOS around oak wreath
RIC 700 (R2). BMC p. 7 †. RSC 275. BNC -.
Ex Private Collection.

A very rare variant of the oak wreath type struck for Vespasian in 74. The much more common variants of this type have SPQR within the oak wreath. Alternately, here we have the legend OB CIVES SERVATOS around the wreath: OB CIVES above; SERVATOS below. This variant is so rare Mattingly citing Cohen in BMCRE stated in a footnote that this type needed verification. Curiously, in the RIC concordance with the first edition, this type is listed as old RIC 17 'Unverified: plated hybrid?' (again citing Cohen) without a new corresponding RIC number even though it is in the catalogue as RIC 700 with no such disclaimers. My example possibly has evidence of being plated; however, the flaking and cracking on the surface could just be due to preservation issues, the style is consistent with official denarii, and it is a double die match with the similarly worn RIC plate coin which shows no signs of plating. Additionally, Curtis Clay has an example from different dies that is solid silver.

The corona civica was originally a military honour bestowed upon a Roman who had saved a fellow citizen's life in battle. It was one of the greatest public honours. In the imperial era the honour developed from a coveted military decoration into an imperial emblem granted by the Senate to the emperor. The wreath was made of oak leaves and is sometimes called a corona quercea after the common name for the oak. The Wreath was awarded to Vespasian by the Senate for rescuing the Roman people from civil war and bringing about peace.

NB: The coin was originally posted here in 2015: https://www.forumancientcoins.com/board/index.php?topic=103696.01 commentsDavid Atherton10/24/19 at 00:58orfew: A great rarity

RIC 0159 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 26.69g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: IVDAEA CAPTA; S C in exergue; Palm tree; to l. Captive stg. r.; to r., Judaea std. r. on cuirass; both figures surrounded by arms
RIC 159 (C3). BMC 532. BNC 490, pl. XLIV (same dies). Hendin 1500.
Acquired from Witter Coins, eBay, October 2019. Ex Triton V, 16 January 2002, lot 1913 (From the Robert Schonwalter Collection). Ex Worner List 1, January 1951, no. 394. Formerly in NGC holder #4683650-005, with grade 'F', strike 5/5, surface 3/5.

Ambition sighed: she found it vain to trust
The faithless column and the crumbling bust;
Huge moles, whose shadow stretched from shore to shore,
Their ruins perished, and their place no more!
Convinced, she now contracts her vast design,
And all her triumphs shrink into a coin.
A narrow orb each crowded conquest keeps,
Beneath her palm here sad Judea weeps. -
Alexander Pope, To Mr. Addison, Occasioned by his Dialogues on Medals II. 19-26

For Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen ... Thy men shall fall by the sword and thy mighty in the war. And her gates shall lament and mourn, and she being desolate shall sit upon the ground - Isaiah III.25-26.

In 70 AD Jerusalem was besieged and sacked and the Temple razed by the Roman forces commanded by Titus Caesar. The following year a massive joint Triumph was held in Rome for Vespasian and Titus to celebrate their successful conclusion of the Jewish Rebellion. Coins were also issued to commemorate their victory. These so called 'Judaea Capta' coins first appeared in late 70 just after the fall of Jerusalem in August, both in the precious metals and at first sparingly in bronze. It wasn't until 71, the year of the triumph, that the bronze coinage came into its own with a whole host of 'Judaea Capta' types. Probably the most famous of these depicts the ubiquitous date palm with a standing bound captive to the left and a seated Judaea to the right, both surrounded by arms. The second bronze issue of 71 saw these produced in massive quantities (Colin Kraay knew of 23 reverse dies paired with this obverse). Although the overall allegorical meaning of the reverse is readily apparent, what each individual device specifically symbolises is open to debate. We are on firm ground to assume the date palm represents the land of Judaea as H. Mattingly proposed in BMCRE II (although J. M. Cody speculated the palm possibly represents the Roman victory). The motif of the standing captive is copied from earlier Republican coin issues, reminiscent of the Gaulish and Spanish captives on those Republican types. His dress indicates he is a barbarian from outside the boundaries of Roman civilisation. In the spirit of the 'Vercingetorix' denarius, H. St. J. Hart proposed the captive is actually either Simon Bar Giora or John of Gischala(!), the two defeated Jewish commanders. The seated female figure is the personification of Judaea, the daughter of Zion. This figure is frequently seen on the various designs of the series, often paired with the palm tree. Her attitude of mourning and dejection leaves little doubt she is lamenting the defeat of her people.

Modern viewers see this as a forlorn scene of defeat, however, to the Roman coin designers the images are meant to convey victory over a worthy foe. The Jewish War was an important event for the fledgling Flavian dynasty - in essence it gave them the legitimacy to rule. The ensuing propaganda onslaught after the 'Gotterdammerung' fall of Jerusalem is awe inspiring. The slight of hand the Flavian regime pulled off which transformed defeated rebel provincials into a foreign menace is truly amazing. The coins were a major part of the regime's propaganda commemorating Vespasian's defeat of the Jews and saving the empire. Their efforts paid off, for even today this 'Judaea Capta' type is one of the most iconic and recognised reverses in the whole of Roman coinage.

Fantastic surfaces in good metal. A beauty in hand.8 commentsDavid Atherton10/18/19 at 20:22Paul R3: Yep thats a super coin!

RIC 0287 VespasianÆ As, 9.19g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: AEQVITAS AVGVSTI; S C low in field; Aequitas stg. l., with scales and rod
RIC 287 (C). BMC 600. BNC 576.
Acquired from eBay, October 2019.

After the financial mess Nero had left the empire in and the heavy costs of the recent Civil War and Judaean revolt, restoring the state's finances were a top priority for Vespasian upon his accession. This Aequitas type struck during his great bronze issue of 71 proclaims the honest administration of public finances and that lapsed standards would be restored. Aequitas holding her scales and measuring rod was probably based on a cult image of the deity. She first shows up as an imperial virtue on the coinage under Galba, a virtue that Vespasian was eager to emulate. The type comes in two variants - one with S C in exergue and, as seen here, S C low in field.

Nice dark tan patina and well centred.2 commentsDavid Atherton10/18/19 at 10:24Jay GT4: Yes very nice

RIC 0221 VespasianÆ Sestertius, 19.38g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: VICTORIA AVGVSTI; S C in exergue; Victory stg. r., l. foot on helmet, inscribing OB / CIV / SERV on shield on palm tree; to r., Judaea std. r.
RIC 221 (C3). BMC 582. BNC 561. Hendin 1508.
Ex CNG eAuction 453, 2 October 2019, lot 522.

The commonness of most Judaea Capta types underscores how important the Jewish War and subsequent defeat of the Jews was to the fledgling Flavian dynasty. This iconic sestertius from the second bronze issue of 71 was struck in fairly plentiful numbers and copies a similar Victory type coined under Vitellius. It very likely was the first 'Judaea Capta' type struck for Vespasian. Colin Kraay records 21 different reverse dies used for this one type alone. The iconography on the reverse is quite explicit. Victory, nude from the waist up, is inscribing a shield attached to the trunk of a palm tree, the palm being a topographical symbol for the land of Judaea. The personification of Judaea herself sits in dejected mode to the right of the palm. The inscription on the shield, OB CIV SERV - 'for saving the citizens', credits the emperor for keeping the empire safe. The clear allegorical message of the reverse giving the credit to Vespasian for defeating the Jews and saving the empire would have been quite apparent to most people handling this coin. The amount of propaganda squeezed from the rebellion of such a small region is indeed remarkable. Josephus' declaration of the Jewish War as the 'greatest' of all time would have been quite welcomed by the Flavian regime.

Beautiful dark olive green patina good style.

NB: Special thanks to Curtis Clay for the Kraay citation.2 commentsDavid Atherton10/07/19 at 18:44Jay GT4: Amazing!

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