Vespasian AR Denarius 71 CE (Group 5)

VESPASIAN (69-79). Denarius. Ephesus. (3.00 g. 17 mm.)

Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS III TR P P P. Laureate head right. Rev: PACI AVGVSTAE. Victory advancing right, holding wreath and palm frond; monogram to right. RIC² 1425 (R3). RSC 279 BMC p 94 note Condition: Very fine. Numismatik Naumann Auction 69 Lot 348

September 2, 2018

When I purchased this coin I was aware of the RIC plate coin and then this one. Since then I have seen one more cross the auction block. I am therefore aware of 3 of these in total.

This is an early coin for Vespasian from the Ephesus mint. I really like the Ephesus portraits. They have a style unlike any other mint for Vespasian denarii. I also really like the reverse on this coin. The figure of Victory is very clear.

I always try to add these when I can but the Ephesian coins seem quite popular with collectors, While they seem more frequent in the last 2 years or so, there is usually healthy competition for them in auctions.

I hope to add more soon.