Vespasian AR Denarius 69-70 CE RIC 1340

Vespasian 69-70 CE AR Denarius Uncertain Spanish mint.

(18 mm 3.10 g,)

Obv: Head laureate left; IMP CAESAR VESPASIANUS AVG

Rev: Victory stg left on globe holding palm; VICTORIA IMP VESPASIANI

RIC 1340 (R); BMC 362; RSC 630

Ex: Zeus Numismatics Budget Auction 9 June 20 2020, Lot 655

While left facing busts on Flavian denarii are generally rarer than right facing busts, this coin is an exception to that. Not to say that this coin itself is not rare because it is. This coin is an example of a left facing bust being more common that the right facing variety.

The portrait on this coin is one of the most unusual portraits I have ever seen for Vespasian. RIC gives the location for the mint that struck coin as "Uncertain Spanish mint". It is certainly not Rome and it does not look anything like the denarii struck in Ephesus. It also seems stylistically different from the coins minted at Tarraco.

Wherever it was struck this coin is an exceptional piece. First who would not want to have a coin with this reverse. The victory standing on glove type is quite beautiful in my opinion. Note also the reverse legend. The legend VICTORIA IMP VESPASIANI. This legend was only used for 2 denarii of Vespasian, RIC 1340 (like the coin above) and 1341 the right facing version.

I am also a big fan of the dark toning. If you want one like this, be prepared for some competition from those who collect Flavian coins. Familiarize your self with the different styles from the mints used by Vespasian. Check

https://forumancientcoins.com for examples of different styles in the member galleries. The galleries are easily searched.