RIC 0158 Vespasian

Æ Sestertius, 26.08g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: FORTVNAE REDVCI; S C in exergue; Fortuna stg. l., with branch and rudder on globe, and cornucopiae
RIC 158 (R2). BMC 757. BNC-.
Acquired from Praefectus Coins, February 2020. Ex Stack's Bowers Galleries, NYINC Auction, 17 January 2020, lot 2217. Ex P. & P. Santamaria, 4 June 1952, Signorelli Collection Part II, lot 1256. Formerly in NGC holder #4682693-014, with grade XF.

Vespasian struck a massive bronze issue in 71 which easily dwarfs any other of the reign. The issue is dominated by the Judaea Capta series, but many other important themes are employed by the mint. This Fortuna reverse carries an important propaganda message concerning the safe return of the imperial household. Mattingly in BMCRE explains it as 'the Fortuna who brings Titus home in June 71; the branch which she holds, beside her own rudder and cornucopiae, is either the olive branch of Pax or the laurel of the home-returning conqueror.' Titus had been absent from Rome completing the successful siege of Jerusalem and was en route home in Spring 71. This example is a rare variant bust left (all Vespasian's sestertii with left busts are indeed quite scarce). Interestingly, the left facing sestertius portraits are engraved in a different style than the corresponding right facing ones.

Wonderful fine style and superb EF condition. Cayón 39 (this coin).

Special thanks to Curtis Clay for the additional provenance information.