So yesterday I posted a very rare denarius that I won at auction. Well I also won another coin in the same auction. While this coin is not as rare as the Domitian, it is not exactly common either. It is the most common coin in group 8 Ephesian denarii. The others are rare to extremely rare. There are 2 groups of Ephesian denarii which feature a star mintmark on its own group 7 and group 8. I do have RIC 1453 a group 7 denarius which features a star so this will be my second one. All group 7 denarii are rare to extremely rare. So if you see one and would like one, do not hesitate because it might be a while before you see another. Rarity aside, there is another reason that Ephesian denarii of Vespasian are collected-they feature incredible portraits of Vespasian. I also happen to think the denarii for Titus and Domitian are special too, but those for Vespasian can be stunning. Such is the case here. It is no wonder these are highly sought after just look at that incredible portrait. So expressive. I also think the reverse is impressive as well. In particular, the figure of History is well rendered. Please feel feel to post your coins with great portraits or your coins of Vespasian. I know that if my friend @TIF was present she would like this one a lot. Vespasian AR Denarius 74 CE (Group 8) Obv: Laureate head right; IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS V TR P PP Rev: Victory advancing right with wreath and palm; star at lower right; PACI AVGUVSTAE RIC 1457(C); BMC 475 NGC Cert # 4683673-004; CH VF Stacks Bowers The February 2021 World Collectors Choice Online Auction Lot 71059 February 23, 2021
Good eye Brian. I will have to wait until I get it to find out but in my experience these Ephesian denarii when in better than VF as this one is, do tend to be in high relief indeed. Here is another one of my faves for the sake of comparison. Now this one is so rare that it does not even appear in RIC. In fact it occurs in no major reference at all that I know of.
The COS V date of this type is much more common than COS IIII (10 COS V specimens vs. 0 COS IIII cited by RPC). My COS V is a re-engraved COS IIII. Vespasian AR Denarius, 3.33g Ephesus mint, 74 AD Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS V TR P P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r. Rev: PACI AVGVSTAE; Victory adv. r., with wreath and palm; at lower r., star RIC 1457 (C). BMC 475. RSC 277. RPC 853 (10 spec.). BNC 368. Acquired from Beast Coins, March 2011. Someday I would like to find an unadulterated COS IIII.
I have a COSIII: Vespasian. 69-79 AD. AR Denarius. (17mm; 2.93 gm;12h). Ephesos mint. Struck 71 AD. Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS III TR P P P, laureate head right. Rev: PACI AVGVSTAE, Victory advancing right, holding wreath in extended right hand and palm across left shoulder; EPHE (PHE ligate) in lower right field. RIC II, Part 1, 1431 (new); RPC II 833; BMCRE 457; BN 351; RSC 276. Ancient flan flaw or gouge before Vespasian's face.
Beautiful coin and great portrait Andrew. It looks like a coin with good metal, nice surfaces and a hint of toning in places as well. I’ll look forward to seeing your photos and update when you get it. I don’t have a great portrait of Vespasian unfortunately but I will take you up on your call to post a coin with a nice portrait. This is one of my recent favorites. See write up here.