© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Dupondius - Vespasian FIDES PVBLICA S C; Fides
| Bronze | 12.3 g | - |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Vespasian (Titus Flavius Vespasianus) (69-79) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 77-78 |
| Value | 1 Dupondius = ⅛ Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 12.3 g |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#250130 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 90% |
Reverse
Fides, draped, standing left, holding patera in right hand and cornucopiae in left.
Script: Latin
Lettering: FIDES PVBLICA S C
Translation:
Fides Publica. Senatus Consultum.
Loyalty of the public. Decree of the senate.
Comment
Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)Interesting fact
The Dupondius was a bronze coin introduced by the Roman Empire during the reign of Emperor Vespasian (77-78 AD). It was equivalent to two sestertii or one-fourth of a denarius, which was the standard silver coin of the time. The coin features an image of Vespasian on one side and the goddess Fides (Fidelity) on the other, with the inscription "FIDES PVBLICA S C" meaning "Public Faith" or "Fidelity of the People." The coin was used to pay soldiers and civil servants and was also used in trade and commerce. It's an interesting piece of history that gives us a glimpse into the economic and political systems of ancient Rome.
