Rare Vespasian Denarius

Now this is an unusual denarius for Vespasian. The portrait is similar to the spanish mint denarii of his predecessor Vitellius. This coin is interesting for another reason. Take a look at the reverse legend. This legend only occurs on 2 denarii for Vespasian RIC 1340 and RIC 1341. In many cases, the left facing portraits for Vespasian are far more rare than the right facing versions. That is not so with this coin. The right facing version is noted as R2 while my coin RIC 1340 is noted as R.

While there are a number of these on ACSearch, when they do appear they generate quite a bit of interest and competition. There were a few of us who wanted this coin.

While the attribution has this coin as uncertain Spanish mint. There is a fair chance it was struck at Tarraco. Since denarii for Vitellius were also struck there and there are connections between the denarii of Vitellius and Vespasian, I think this makes sense.

I absolutely love the portrait style from this rare issue.



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