Vespasian AR Denarius 69-70

Vespasian AR Denarius. Uncertain mint. 69-70 CE

(17.5mm 3.3g 7h)

Obv: Head laureate right, globe at neck truncation; IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG

Rev: Titus and Domitian on curule chair; both holding Laurel branches; TITVS ET DOMITIANVS PRIN IV

RIC: 1363A (Not in current RIC) One of 2 known examples

Purchased from CGB.fr on August 21 2020.

On first glance this looks like RIC 1363 which is a very rare coin. However, this one has a globe beneath the neck truncation. That makes this coin unpublished in RIC and all other major references. In fact, this coin is the second known. This coin will be published in the upcoming RIC addenda and will be listed as R3 (one example known) and has been designated the number 1363A. My friend David Atherton is the owner of the other example. You can find his example on Forum Ancient Coins.

I love the unusual portrait on this one but for me the star is the reverse. These dynastic type featuring all 3 Flavian emperors are quite sought after and are all interesting coins. Of course the coin is also interesting for another reason, it was struck at a provincial mint.RIC lists RIC 1363 under the label "uncertain western mint". However, I see some similarities between this con and this minted in Spain. It does not have the look of a Tarraco coin, but it does look Spanish in style.

I am very happy to have this one in my collection.