RIC 1176 Vespasian

Æ 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.