Vespasian RIC II 0004

Vespasian. 69-79 A.D. Rome Mint Dec. 69 A.D. to early 70 A.D. (3.28g, 16.7m, 6h). Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head r. Rev: IVDAEA in ex., Judaea seated r, hands bound behind back to r. of palm tree. RIC II 4, R, BMC 43, RSC 229. Ex David Atherton.

Among the first issues for the new emperor, this coin shows Vespasian’s greatest victory, that of the Jewish War. This coin is less common that the type with Judea next to a trophy, and the palm also a symbol of Judaea. This specimen has a tight flan, but good detail on the reverse. This was issued before Vespasian’s arrival in Rome from Egypt when the die engravers were still at a loss for his true appearance.