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 Replies: 9 / Views: 1,272 |
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
2100 Posts |
I have just taken a photo of a recent addition. It would appear to be a relatively scarce denarius of Vespasian. This is a scarcer variety of the much more usual Mars with spear and trophy type. We see mars carrying an aquila (eagle-tipped standard) on coins of Augustus in connection with the standards recovered from the Parthians, the Civil Wars, Year of the Four Emperors, and a few early Flavian period coins. This is the scarcer of the Vespasian examples of the type with only one specimed in the Reka Devnia hoard compared with 18 specimens with preceding titles COS ITER TR POT. The reverse type does not seem to appear again on Imperial coins after this coin. Vespasian denarius Obv:- IMP CAES VESP AVGP M. Laureate head right Rev:- TRI POT II COS III P P, Mars, helmeted, naked except for cloak round waist, advancing right, holding spear in right, and aquila over left shoulder Minted in Rome January - June A.D. 71 (RIC II (New) dating) Reference:- RIC II (New) 39 (Rated R). RIC II (Old) 38 corr. (Rated C) (doesn't mention aquila)  Regards, Martin |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1045 Posts |
Nice looking coin Martin and a wonderful addition.
Congrats.
-Kurt
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
Very nice coin with excellent toning.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4253 Posts |
Nice coin. Rarely see portraits where the bust appears to be smiling. Great reverse.
Vespasian is an interesting historical figure. He came from a middle class family and played an important role in the invasion of Britain as the legate of the Legio II Augusta. I'm currently reading a book about Legio II. Later as supreme commander in the East he put down the Jewish revolt prior to claiming the throne after the death of Nero. By all accounts, he seems to have been a very competent military commander.
So this reverse does not appear again? Very interesting. I wonder why?
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10045 Posts |
A great looking coin and an interesting variety.
Very specific minting period too.
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Pillar of the Community
 United Kingdom
2100 Posts |
When Vespasian led Legio II Augusta into Britain he settled them at Caerleon (Isca), which contained a large legionary fortress. There are substantial remains there today including areas of the barracks, amphitheatre and baths. Caerleon is just 15 miles down the road from where I live and somwehere I have visited several times.
In all subsequent Mars walking types he holds a trophy rather than the Legionary standard. I doubt that we will ever know why.
Regards,
Martin
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10045 Posts |
That must be fascinating to live so close to history back to Roman times and before!
When I was in Europe recently, it was hard to take in all the history of sites and artifacts.
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
2100 Posts |
I have Roman and Medieval history all around in the town where I live with a 12th Century castle only about a mile away. I have the remains of a walled Roman City, Caerwent (Venta Silurum) only 5 miles away and Caerleon is only 15 miles away. The problem is that with all this on your doorstep you sometimes take it for granted and don't take advantage if the close proximity and visit them often enough.
Martin
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4253 Posts |
Quote:
with all this on your doorstep you sometimes take it for granted and don't take advantage if the close proximity and visit them often enough. I know this for a fact. When I was first stationed in Germany I was in awe of the history all around me. But, after only 8 years, I became less and less enthusiastic about visiting all the sites. Of course I was young and dumb. I now travel to Europe for business and take every opportunity to visit historical sites, especially Roman. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4778 Posts |
Nice coin with a stunning reverse  Hopefully someday I'll be able to go to Europe and see some Roman sites there. The oldest site I've been to is a 16th century Spanish castillo in Colombia. It was a great experience. Edited by VisigothKing
02/06/2012 3:39 pm
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Replies: 9 / Views: 1,272 |
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Posted 02/06/2012 10:09 am
