© Münzsammlung des Seminars für Alte Geschichte, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 DE)
© Münzsammlung des Seminars für Alte Geschichte, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 DE)
Dupondius - Vespasian S C; Victory
71 year| Bronze | 11.1 g | 28 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Vespasian (Titus Flavius Vespasianus) (69-79) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 71 |
| Value | 1 Dupondius = ⅛ Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 11.1 g |
| Diameter | 28 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#250068 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Victory, draped, advancing left, holding shield inscribed S P Q R in right hand.
Script: Latin
Lettering: S C
Translation:
Senatus Consultum.
Decree of the senate.
Comment
Mass varies: 9.75–12.41 g;Diameter varies: 27–28 mm;
Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Dupondius coin featuring Vespasian and the goddess Victory is an interesting artifact from ancient Rome. One fascinating fact about this coin is that it was minted during a time of significant economic reform. Vespasian, who ruled from 69 to 79 AD, introduced a new currency system to address the inflation and debasement of the Roman currency that had occurred under previous emperors. The Dupondius was one of the new coin denominations introduced by Vespasian, and it was designed to be equal to two sestertii or one-eighth of a denarius, the standard silver coin of the time. This coin's design, featuring Victory on the reverse and the emperor's image on the obverse, symbolized the Roman Empire's military prowess and the emperor's role as the leader of the Roman state.
