A Spanish Vespasian Denarius

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by David Atherton, Jan 13, 2016.

  1. David Atherton

    David Atherton Flavian Fanatic

    This little beauty arrived by Fedex earlier in the week.


    V1339.jpg

    Vespasian

    AR Denarius
    Uncertain Spanish mint, 69-70 AD
    RIC 1339 (R2), BMC 360, RSC 259
    Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
    Rev: LIBERTAS PVBLICA; Libertas stg. l., with pileus and rod

    Late in 69 during the waning stages of the Civil War, Spain began striking coins for Vespasian. Some these Spanish issues may be earlier than those struck at Rome. The Libertas reverse was copied from the Spanish coinage of Galba and both he and Vitellius issued left facing portraits in the province. The metal analysis by K. Butcher and M. Ponting of this issue shows Spanish silver was used in its production, however, the location of the mint is a mystery. The coin's style is different than those traditionally attributed to Tarraco(?), so another mint must have been active in the province. Also of note, the style is very similar to those of RIC's Uncertain western mint group 2 denarii. The reverse type of Libertas was used by the various contenders during the Civil War to show they were rescuing the Roman people from 'tyranny'.

    A wonderful portrait in similar style to the Spanish issues of Vitellius. An exceedingly rare type that almost never shows up in trade.
     
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  3. Aidan_()

    Aidan_() Numismatic Contributor

    Sweet coin Mr. David, excellent history to back it up. :)
     
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  4. Mat

    Mat Ancient Coincoholic

    Dont see those often, nice pickup.
     
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  5. dougsmit

    dougsmit Member

    Wonderful!
     
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  6. Bing

    Bing Illegitimi non carborundum Supporter

    Doug said it well. Wonderful!
     
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  7. stevex6

    stevex6 Random Mayhem

    Super cool coin, V70 (congrats, bro)

    :rolleyes:
     
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  8. Orfew

    Orfew Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus

    Very nice coin David
     
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  9. John Anthony

    John Anthony Ultracrepidarian

    Very interesting indeed! The style certainly does NOT say Rome at all.
     
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  10. Mikey Zee

    Mikey Zee Delenda Est Carthago

    LOVE it !!!!
     
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  11. chrsmat71

    chrsmat71 I LIKE TURTLES!

    rugged and very handsome coin...just the way i like 'em!

    congrats to you V70!
     
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  12. stevex6

    stevex6 Random Mayhem

    The dude has very good hair ...

    => I have a Titus example that has similar cool-hair ...


    Titus a.jpg vesp not mine.jpg

    => V70 .... hey, we have cool coins, eh?

    cheers, coin-bro
     
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  13. David Atherton

    David Atherton Flavian Fanatic

    Funnily enough, they both were bald or balding. Die engravers at times were very kind to them. ;)

    The ancient Romans attached a stigma to baldness, much more so than we do today. Hair Club For Men would've made a killing.
     
  14. danielcoin

    danielcoin New Member

    How much does it cost such a Beauty?
     
  15. stevex6

    stevex6 Random Mayhem

    welcome, danielcoin ... are you interested in collecting ancient coins?

    Yah, asking a dude how much he paid for a coin is a bit tacky (note to self) ... oh, but it's awesome that you seem to be intrigued by his cool coin ...

    => here are a few examples that are currently for sale on a reliable site ...


    https://www.vcoins.com/en/Search.as...cords=100&SearchOnSale=False&Unassigned=False

    I hope that you decide to take the plunge and collect some sweet ancient coins!!

    :rolleyes:
     
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  16. danielcoin

    danielcoin New Member

    I'm collecting roman coins ,and i have found some while metal detecting...several denarius and some nice sesterce..the most important in my collection is a Nero Decursio classified Spl and btw thanks for you link i've alredy found a beauty there :)))
     
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