Another beauty arrived in the mail today from Europe. Vespasian AR Tetradrachm Antioch mint, 70-71 AD RPC 1948 (3 spec.) Obv: AYTOKPAT KAIΣA OYEΣΠAΣIANOY; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.; in r. field, lituus Rev: ETOYΣ Γ IEPOY; Eagle standing l., on club; in l. field, palm branch Alexandria struck tetradrachms for circulation in Syria and they can be distinguished from the Antioch issues by style. This RPC Group 3 tetradrachm is in typical 'Alexandrian' style and features a lituus on the obverse. All the Tetradrachms from Groups 3 are quite scarce, but those with the additional symbol are very rare. These tetradrachms are found all throughout Israel in hoards and single finds, good evidence that they were indeed used to pay the troops during and after the Jewish war. This specimen dates to the period after the siege of Jerusalem, perhaps part of the generous donative Titus provided to the legions.
+1 You are responsible for me looking closer not only at Vespasion coins, but all Flavian coins. Thanks (sarcasm)
You Know, that's quite a compliment for someone to tell me I inspired further interest in Flavian coins. That made my evening.
While doing the cataloguing of this coin tonight, I noticed some fine graffiti to the right of the portrait. I don't know if it is ancient or modern, but it definitely looks like at one time someone scratched something there on purpose. Any ideas what it is? (Sorry for the blurry picture, but I was stretching the limits of the macro capability of my camera!)
It's a rare type acquired at a good price, ex Prieur from the West Bank hoard too. I'm very happy with it and was just curious about the graffiti.
