Vespasian AR Denarius 76 CE

Vespasian AR Denarius 76 CE

Rome

Obv: Head laureate left; IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG

Rev:Jupiter standing facing with patera over altar, IOVIS CUSTOS

RIC 850 (R2)

Rudnik Numismatics, May 10, 2019

The Iovis Custos reverse is not a rare coin. However, there are exceptions, including the above coin. The left facing bust of Vespasian makes this a rare coin. However, as a friend has pointed out the R2 rating (very few known) assigned by RIC is not accurate. There are a few of these around and they can be found with enough persistence and patience. On the other hand, this reverse for Titus does indeed seem to be quite a rare coin. (You can see my example of this coin elsewhere on this blog.)

What attracted me to this coin was the portrait. I love the 'strained' look on his face. Next I will try to find a right facing portrait of Vespasian with this reverse. They are available but I would like one with a similar "straining" portrait.

Collecting the denarii of Vespasian is never dull. There are plenty of variations and rarities to keep one collecting for a lifetime.