RIC 0002 Vespasian

AR Denarius, 3.35g
Rome Mint, 69-70 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: IVDAEA in exergue; Judaea std. r., head resting on hand, to r. of trophy
RIC 2 (C2). BMC 35. RSC 226. BNC 23. Hendin 1479.
Acquired from Glenn W. Woods, October 2003.

A reverse which commemorates the Roman victory over the Jews in the Jewish war of 66-70 AD. Here is what H. Mattingly in BMCRE II stated about the reverse: 'The veil over her head, the head sunk over her hand, her whole posture express utter dejection.' The reverse effectively captures the essence of a defeated foe and remains one of the most important historical types of the Flavian dynasty. Although listed in RIC as Vespasian's first denarius type, this reverse could not have been struck much before August 70 when Jerusalem fell to Titus Caesar and Judaea was truly 'Capta'. Although a very common type, these command premium prices in trade.

A coin that has a wonderful 'soldier-like' portrait and very detailed reverse. Very well centred for the type, most of which were struck on small flans.