It's not often that one stumbles across a previously unlisted Vespasian denarius. I was lucky enough to do so! Vespasian AR Denarius, 3.07g Ephesus mint, 70 AD RIC 1412A (R3), BMC - , RSC - , RPC - Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS II TR P P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r. Rev: PACI AVGVSTAE; Victory adv. r., with wreath and palm; at lower r., horizontal Φ Acquired from Munthandel G Henzen, February 2017. A previously unknown type for Vespasian's Ephesian denarii dated COS II (group 3). Before this specimen surfaced the Victory advancing right type was only known for COS III (group 5) and later issues at Ephesus. Normally for COS II Victory is advancing left, so, this is the earliest example of the Victory advancing right. The mint mark is a bit obscured, but under examination with a loupe I believe it to be Φ. I alerted Ted Buttrey about the coin and he has assigned it as RIC 1412A in the upcoming RIC II Addenda. Needless to say this is quite an exciting find!
Very cool! Previously unlisted provincials crop up with astonishing frequency, but Roman Imperials? Not so often. How exciting!
Congratulations David. After nearly 2000 years, there are examples of coins surfacing that were previously unknown. Almost mind boggling. One might think every example would be known. This IS an exciting find.
Yet another nice coin from Ephesus, good pick up. I am after a good coin from that region myself. Also love the full legend both sides.
To be honest, I was quite surprised to come across the piece. I never thought to look for a Victory adv. right for his COS II issues! It just goes to show how little we know about these fascinating coins!
