RIC 0351 Vespasian

Æ Quadrans, 2.54g
Rome Mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP VESPASIAN AVG; Palm tree
Rev: P M TR P P P COS III; S C in field; Vexillum
RIC 351 (R). BMC 618. BNC -. Hendin 1569.
Acquired from numis-kimel, eBay, May 2019.

During Vespasian's great bronze issue of 71 the Rome mint produced a series of quadrantes. Their rarity today is likely a result of them being of low value and typically not hoarded. Mimicking the larger bronze, the Jewish War victory was celebrated on them as well. Because of the small flan size brevity is called for: a palm representing Judaea on the obverse, and a Vexillum symbolising military victory on the reverse - straight and to the point! Ironically, despite their rarity today, more of the plebeian population would have seen these quadrantes than their more famous 'Judaea Capta' silver cousins.

Struck with full legends and sporting a fetching 'Tiber' patina.