Sestertius - Vespasian (VICTORIA AVGVSTI S C; Victory) (71) front Sestertius - Vespasian (VICTORIA AVGVSTI S C; Victory) (71) back
Sestertius - Vespasian (VICTORIA AVGVSTI S C; Victory) (71) photo
© Trustees of the British Museum

Sestertius - Vespasian VICTORIA AVGVSTI S C; Victory

71 year
Bronze 25.7 g 34 mm
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Emperor
Vespasian (Titus Flavius Vespasianus) (69-79)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Year
71
Value
1 Sestertius = ¼ Denarius
Currency
Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215)
Composition
Bronze
Weight
25.7 g
Diameter
34 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-06
References
Numista
N#249113
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Victory standing right, resting left foot on helmet, inscribing OB CIVES SERV on shield attached to palm-tree.

Script: Latin

Lettering: VICTORIA AVGVSTI S C

Translation:
Victoria Augusti. Senatus Consultum.
Victory of the emperor (Augustus). Decree of the senate.

Comment

Mass varies: 25.02–26.87 g;
Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of the Roman goddess Victory (Victoria) on one side, which was a common motif on Roman coins during the reign of Vespasian. The image of Victory was meant to symbolize the Roman Empire's military victories and its dominance over other nations.