Today the postman was very generous and delivered not only an expected coin but also a book I've very much been looking forward to reading! First, the coin. Vespasian Æ Dupondius, 12.67g Lyon mint, 77-78 AD Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS VIII P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.; globe at point of bust Rev: FIDES PVBLICA; S C in field; Fides stg. l., with patera and cornucopiae RIC 1210 (C3). BMC 828. BNC 825. Acquired from, eBay, January 2020. FIDES PVBLICA, the good faith of the state, was a common personification on Vespasian's coinage. The figure on the reverse is likely based on a cult statue of the goddess whose annual sacrifice occurred on 1 October. Important documents of state and treaties were store in her temple for safe keeping. The Fides type came into common imperial use during the Flavian era and was an important part of Vespasian's numismatic propaganda. This dupondius was struck at the Lugdunum (Lyon) mint in 77-78 in a fairly large issue that presumably addressed a shortage of bronze coinage in the Western provinces. Oddly enough, dupondii in this issue are more commonly encountered with a laureate bust instead of the normally radiate one. And the book. The Shadow of Vesuvius is an ingenious dual biography of both Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger. Those who enjoy Mary Beard's breezy and popular style will love Dunn's approach as well. Even though I've only received this book less than 12 hours ago I'm already several chapters in and having a blast! (no pun intended)
I love the portrait on that one. Nice catch David. Thanks also for the book recommendation. I do love Mary Beard so I will find a copy of this one for myself.
We can only wonder what led to one type being radiate and amother laureate. I bought mine as an example of yellow brass without patina back when I was doing my website.
A post right up my alley - Vespasian is my favorite emperor, I love all things Mary Beard, I've read and reread Pliny's letters many times (and will again), and anything to do with Pompeii/Vesuvius already has me won over. I think I might have a new book to purchase - thanks!
A fun read: This coin was actually minted during Hannibal's father, Hamilcar Barca, struggle with the Mercenary Troops. They revolted against Carthage because they could not be paid due to the heavy indemnities Rome imposed on Carthage after the FIRST Punic War. The Barca family developed a deep hatred towards Rome, perhaps manifasting Hannibal and his Brothers and other family to prosecute a war with Rome again. Carthage was embroiled is a nasty 2 year war (240-238 BCE) with their own Mercenaries from the First Punic War, with horrible cruelty by both sides. This was called The Mercenary or The Libyan War. The First Punic War and this horrible Merenary War probably shaped Hannibal's, his brothers', and his family's hatred toward Rome. This is a coin from that struggle, and is from the Libyan/Mercenary side of the struggle against Carthage: Carthage LIBYAN UPRISING Mercenary War 241-238 BCE 7.36g AR DiShekel Herakles Head in Lion's Head- Lion walking R SNG Cop 240f Further, I thank @TIF for her wonderful searching and discovering the understruck coin, (hence, Herakles UGLY nose!)
Three books with similar coin covers: Lucius Cassius Longinus Mint Date 63 BC in Crawford, Harlin proposes 60 BC in RR Moneyers & Their Coins Obverse - Head of Vesta Reverse - Voter dropping tablet Cr - 413/1 the first two books from the left did not hold my interest past a chapter or two, the book by Davis is from a series I enjoy.
