Here's another of my recent Frank Robinson auction wins: Roman Empire. AR denarius. Vespasian, posthumous issue, struck by Titus (80-81 AD). Obverse: Laureate head of Vespasian right, [DIV]VS AVGVST VESPASIANVS. Reverse: Richly decorated quadriga of the deified Vespasian, EX SC in exergue. RIC (Titus) 60. The Roman emperor Vespasian (69-79 AD) was reportedly a witty man with a good sense of humor, and several of his witticisms have survived. One of the more poignant came near the end of his life. When he fell seriously ill, and realized that he was likely to die soon, he said "Oh dear, I think I'm turning into a god!" This was in reference to the fact that the Senate was likely to declare him a god upon his death, which indeed happened. This coin type, and several others commemorating the deified Vespasian, was struck by his son and immediate successor Titus. Also of interest, note the "SC" on the reverse. Normally, this abbreviation for Senatus Consulta (With the Consent of the Senate) is found on Roman Imperial bronze coins, and indicates that the bronze coins were struck under control of the Senate, while silver and gold were the prerogative of the Emperor. However, SC is also found on silver and gold types of the deified Vespasian. In this case, it is thought to refer not to the authority to strike the coins, but rather to the Senate's authority to declare the deification.
Interesting comment you make about the use of EX SC on silver and gold coinage for Vespasian. I have never seen it on silver before. Also, I do not believe I have ever seen such a powerful (an expressive) portrait of Vespasian as on you new denarius. Very appealing and interesting coin!
Nice!! => wow Parthicus, that is a deadly OP-example I love the "richly decorated" Horse-quad reverse (very cool coin ... congrats)
A very nice example of this type. And you're correct to point out the important 'EX SC' legend of the Senate honouring Vespasian!
you've scored some cool flavians pathicus, the family portrait is killer and this one is very nice as well!
Great catch Parthicus, nicely centered and a great portrait. I think your coin reads DIVVS AVGVSTVS not AVGVST though. Here's my example:
Tensa left, tensa right... DIVUS VESPASIAN AR Denarius. 3.23g, 17.6mm. Rome mint, AD 80-81. RIC II (Titus) 362 (R2). O: DIVVS VESPASIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate head right. R: Quadriga left, with temple as car (tensa, bearing emperor's divine emblems, surmounted by two Victories); EX SC in exergue. Great coin, @Parthicus. I'm waiting on the arrival of a few FSR wins too.
You are correct, I somehow left off the final VS of AVGVSTVS when transcribing the legend. I guess my brain saw -VSVES- and somehow shortened that to just VES-. Darn Romans, with their abbreviations, use of V for U, and lack of spaces between words! Glad that you (and others here) enjoyed this coin. I like getting feedback on my new acquisitions, that's my main motivation for sharing them here.
