© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Denarius - Vespasian PONTIF MAXIM
74 year| Silver | 3.1 g | 19 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Vespasian (Titus Flavius Vespasianus) (69-79) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 74 |
| Value | 1 Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3.1 g |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#249592 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Winged caduceus, upright.
Script: Latin
Lettering: PONTIF MAXIM
Translation:
Pontifex Maximus.
High priest.
Comment
Mass varies: 2.44–3.32 g;Diameter varies: 17–20 mm;
Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Denarius coin was used during the Roman Empire and was made of silver. However, during the reign of Vespasian, the silver content of the coin was reduced to 3.1 grams, which is significantly less than the standard 4 grams of silver that were used in previous Denarius coins. This reduction in silver content was done to increase the number of coins that could be minted, but it also led to a decrease in the overall value of the coin. Despite this, the Denarius remained a widely used and important coin during the Roman Empire.
