Vespasian AR Denarius 77-78 CE

Vespasian Denarius AR Denarius, Rome Mint, 77-78 AD RIC 939 (R). BMC 203. RSC 129. Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r. Rev: COS VIII; Mars, helmeted, naked except for cloak, fastened with belt round waist, standing l., holding spear slanting upwards l. in r. hand and trophy on l. shoulder in l. Corn-ear upright in ground r.

Ex: Jesus Vico Online auction 7 Lot 81 January 23, 2020

This is my third example of this coin. I bought this one for the portrait. I love the hooked nose of Vespasian. While this coin is rare it is not excessively so (given that I have 3 of them). The Mars with trophy denarius is not usually a rare coin at all. The difference with this one is the addition of the grain ear on the reverse.

I must admit I really like the reverse of this coin. To me there is something very attractive about it. I had to wait several months for this one because of the current world situation.