Vespasian Denarius 69-79 CE

Vespasian ruled Rome for 10 years, and he was the last emperor in the year of the four emperors. His rule brought stability to the empire. He was famous for his military response to the Jewish revolt, and for the construction of the Flavian amphitheater. The looting of Jerusalem provided the funding for this building project. The colosseum was completed by his son Titus who became emperor after the death of Vespasian. The Flavian era had three emperors, Vespasian, his son Titus and his other son Domitian.

While this coin is worn, please take note of the bare head of Vespasian. There are only 2 known coin types that feature Vespasian with a bare head, all others are laureate. For one coin type there are several examples known to exist. For the coin type displayed below, this coin was, until very recently the only one to have surfaced. A second example has now been found by an expert on Flavian coinage. The reference Roman Imperial Coinage II Part 1 refers to my coin but does not have a photo of the coin. I sent a photo to the co-author of the volume, and I hope that a photo will be added when this edition is updated.

Vespasian (69-79). AR Denarius (18.08mm, 3.50g, 6h). Rome, AD 75.

Obv: Bare head l. R IMP CEASAR VESPASIANUS AUG

Rev: Pax seated l., resting l. elbow on throne and holding branch.

PON MAX TRP COS VI

RIC II 773 (this coin); RSC –. Extremely Rare variety, near VF.

Ex Vecchi sale 13, 1998, 757.

Ex: St Paul Antiques auction 7 Lot 285 June 11, 2017

Coin depicted in the Wildwinds.com database.