© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Cistophorus - Vespasian and Augustus COM ASIA; Roma
| Silver | 10.22 g | 25 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Vespasian (Titus Flavius Vespasianus) (69-79) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 72-73 |
| Value | Cistophorus = 3 Drachms = 3 Denarii |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 10.22 g |
| Diameter | 25 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#250368 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Augustus standing front, left, holding spear, being crowned by Roma, right, holding cornucopiae; all within distyle temple.
Script: Latin
Lettering: COM ASIA
Translation:
Comunitas Asiae.
Community of Asia.
Comment
Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)RPC and the British Museum both list the legend as "ASI" instead of "ASIA".
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features the portraits of both Vespasian and Augustus, which was a common practice during the Roman Empire to show the current emperor and his predecessor or successor on the same coin. This coin specifically highlights the connection between the two emperors and their shared rule, as Vespasian was the successor of Augustus. Additionally, the coin's Silver content and weight of 10.22g were standard for coins of this denomination during the Roman Empire.
