© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Aureus - Vespasian COS III FORT RED; Fortuna
71 year| Gold | 7.3 g | 18 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Vespasian (Titus Flavius Vespasianus) (69-79) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 71 |
| Value | 1 Aureus = 25 Denarii |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 7.3 g |
| Diameter | 18 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#250025 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Fortuna, draped, standing left, dropping right hand to touch prow set on ground, left, and holding cornucopiae in left hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: COS III FORT RED
Translation:
Consul Tertium, Fortuna Redux.
Consul for the third time. Fortune that brings back.
Comment
Mass varies: 7.2–7.36 g;Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Aureus - Vespasian (COS III FORT RED; Fortuna) (71) coin is that it features the image of Fortuna, the Roman goddess of fortune and prosperity, on its reverse side. This is significant because Vespasian, the emperor depicted on the obverse side, was known for his efforts to restore stability and prosperity to the Roman Empire after a period of civil war and unrest. The inclusion of Fortuna's image on the coin may have been a way to emphasize Vespasian's success in bringing prosperity back to the empire.
