Denarius - Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian LIBERI IMP AVG VESPAS
| Silver | - | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Vespasian (Titus Flavius Vespasianus) (69-79) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 69-70 |
| Value | 1 Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#250321 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Head of Titus, bare, right, facing head of Domitian, bare, left. Legend starts low right. Φ in the left field.
Script: Latin
Lettering: LIBERI IMP AVG VESPAS
Unabridged legend: Liberi Imperatoris Augustus Vespasianus.
Translation: Children of the supreme commander, emperor Vespasian.
Comment
The difference between RIC 1401, 1402 and 1403 is the starting point of the reverse legend and the placement of Φ. RIC 1401 has the legend starting at the low left, while RIV 1402 and 1403 start at the low right. RIC 1402 then has Φ in the right field and RIC 1403 has Φ in the left field.
However, the example coin for RIC 1403 is listed as NAC 27 12/5/2004 349. But old RIC 321 (as cited in the auction) is new 1410 and 1417-8, not 1403, and the obverse legend of the example coin is IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS II TR PPP (as is RIC 1410). RIC 1403 therefore has no example coin.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features the first Roman emperor to be depicted with a beard, Vespasian. This was a departure from the traditional clean-shaven image of Roman emperors and signaled a shift in cultural attitudes towards masculinity and authority.
