I was very excited to receive this Vespasian silver quinarius in less than a week from the UK. Vespasian AR Quinarius, 1.45g Rome mint, 74 AD RIC 710 (R), BMC 142, RSC 613 Obv: IMP CAES VESP AVG P M COS V CENS; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r. Rev: VICTORIA AVGVSTI; Victory adv. r., with wreath and palm The quinarius during Vespasian's reign was always struck with one of two standard 'Victory' types (seated or advancing) traditionally assigned to the denomination from Republican times. The historical nature of the reverse is in complete keeping with the programme of antiquarian types Rome was coining during the reign. This example is in fairly decent condition with hints of rainbow toning on the obverse. A superb portrait and stylish reverse for such a small coin. I'm at a loss for a reason why the quinarius was struck and its function in the monetary system during imperial times. They certainly weren't produced in large enough numbers to make much of an impact.
Another stunning buy, and in a week....I thought my 10 days on my last by from UK was good, that Royal Mail is pretty good eh.
I love grabbing coins as a comparative mini-series (metal/denomination).... and I was wondering the same thing. Can anyone offer a few 'educated guesses' ????
Northern provinces tended to use smaller silver. Consider Celtic silver coins as an example. Perhaps quinarii better fit the usage in these provinces. Are they found in larger quantities in any particular region? During the Republic, Victoriati were struck contemporaneously with denarii, but were about 2/3 the weight. They were used for payments to Magna Graecia and perhaps other trading partners who accounted in drachms. Victoriati tend to be found in hoards exclusive of denarii and in these "drachm" areas.
Supporting this idea, I'll point out that anyone seeing a special coin would be reminded of where it originated reinforcing the message that the emperor was generous. It does seem that many have a Victory type. Is this significant?
I think by imperial times the association of Victory with the quinarius was traditional and had no special meaning in and of itself.
@David Atherton mentioned an iconographic link to Republican quinarii. I think the middle-Republican quinarii depicting Victory share an iconographic link to the Victoriati, which always depicted Victory crowning a trophy.
