So...I have had some time to do some coin shopping and picked these 2. I was alerted to the second one by @Jay GT4 . Thanks Jay. The right facing version (RIC 1058) is not rare. This left facing variety is. I know it is quite worn, but it is the first I have seen available in the market since I started focussing on Flavians. The second one (RIC 942) is called common by RIC but I might call it scarce instead.I think the right facing version is more common. The coin below is another left facing variant. Now RIC 950 is a rare version of this coin for Titus but with a right facing portrait. Vespasian AR Denarius 79 CE to June 24 (19mm, 3.03g.) Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head Laureate left Rev: TR POT X COS VIIII; Capricorn left below globe RIC 1060 (R) Ex: Savoca Auctions 30th blue auction Lot 1505, March 22, 2020. Vespasian AR Denarius 77-78 CE 3.42 g Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, Head laureate Left Rev: COS VIII, Prow right; above 8 pointed star RIC 942 Purchased from Kolner Numimatics on Vcoins March 22, 2020
Nice! Those of us with specialty collections know not to overlook a scare or rare variety because of grade. If you need it, you'd better get it, because you won't have another opportunity for a long time!
I agree with RC, don't be too picky with rarities. As you can see, mine are not FDC either. Vespasian AR Denarius, 2.75g Rome mint, 79 AD Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l. Rev: TR POT X COS VIIII; Capricorn l.; below, globe RIC 1060 (R). BMC 252. RSC 556. BNC 218. Ex eBay, November 2012. Vespasian AR Denarius, 3.28g Rome Mint, 77-78 AD Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l. Rev: COS VIII; Prow r: above, eight pointed star RIC 942 (C). BMC 211. RSC 137. BNC 187. Acquired from Ancient Treasure, December 2008.
