Vespasian AR denarius (69-70 CE)

Vespasian AR denarius, Rome mint, c. 21 Dec 69 - early 70 A.D.;

(18.1mm 3.20g die axis 180o),

Obv: Laureate head right; IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG,;

Rev: Judaea or Jewess seated right on ground at foot of palm tree behind her, her hands bound behind and tied to the tree, IVDAEA in exergue;

NGC VG, strike 4/5, surface 4/5 (5768937-002),

RIC II-1 4 (R), Hendin 1480, BMCRE II 43, Hunter I 20, RSC II 229, SRCV I 2297, BnF III -,

I have been looking for one of these for a few years. They do not appear on the market very often and when they do they are snatched up right away by eager collectors. This also means that if you want one you have to be prepared to pay. The demand for this type drives up the prices.

On first glance this look like an ordinary Judea Capta denarius of Vespasian. However on the reverse there is a palm tree instead of the trophy one sees regularly on the RIC 2 coins. The RIC 2 coins are very common but are still very much sought after.

What makes this type so popular? There are many collectors who want this coin because it is not the usual type. There are others who are not coin collectors who eagerly seek out any Judea Capta coins because of the biblical connection. There are many Judea Capta coins for Vespasian. He was not shy about trumpeting his victory many years after the conflict had ended.

I know my example is worn but I am okay with that. When you do not see a coin for a few years and you happen upon one, you do not worry about the condition you just buy the coin.