Hi my name is Shane, I'm new to the site and just looking for a little help identify this coin. Any information/history you can shed on it would be greatly appreciated
Hello Shane. If you can post the reverse as well, I'm sure some of the more knowledgeable people here can help you out. I can tell you that it is Vespasian and it looks legit. Beyond that, I defer to the experts ;-)
Hi Shane. I'm a newbie. I don't see that particular obverse listed on the sites I use for attributing my ancient coins. (But I haven't done an exhaustive search, either). Would you mind posting the reverse of the coin, please? Thanks.
Hi again Dods! Maybe my eyes are lazy or I am rushing. You may want to look here carefully and see if you find your coin. I thought I had found it but...not quite. Happy hunting! http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/ric/vespasian/i.html
Hi Dods, Leaving aside for the moment the issue of whether or not it is authentic (and I have concerns), your coin is a dupondius of Vespasian, struck in Lyon in 72 AD. Here it is cropped, joined, and made smaller for ease of viewing. Here's a similar coin from CNG's archives: 382, Lot: 371. Estimate $200. Sold for $160. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee. Vespasian. AD 69-79. Æ Dupondius (27.5mm, 12.07 g, 6h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck AD 72. Radiate head right, globe at point of neck / Pax standing left, holding branch and caduceus, holding patera over lighted altar to left. RIC II 1191; Lyon 68. VF, dark green patina, some red, traces of earthen deposits.
