The coin and postal gods have been very kind to me recently. Over the weekend I received this little beauty in the mail. Vespasian AR Quinarius, 1.61g Rome mint, 75(?) AD RIC 801 (R2), BMC 284, RSC 616a Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r. Rev: VICTORIA AVGVSTI; Victory std. l., with wreath and palm An undated quinarius, part of a large issue of quinarii most likely struck in 75. Keeping with tradition, Vespasian employed two Victory types (advancing and seated) for the reverses. They are all quite rare. Those with AVGVSTI are rarer than those with AVGVST. The quinarius in the imperial age is quite rare. Although, Vespasian's reign saw the first uptick in their production since the Republic - which I chalk up to the Rome mint's antiquarian tendencies at the time. I had previously bookmarked another specimen of this same type in a European seller's online store - it's in worse condition and over double the price I paid for mine. Needless to say, I'm very pleased with my new acquisition!
Heh, that was in my shopping cart, but I picked up the AR Drusus & the Claudius Drachms, if you saw those So I had to make cuts! They came yesterday. But I figured you'd get it, it's pretty nice for a Quinarius, priced right too.
Yes, or rather 'advancing'. http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-128244 I knew it wouldn't be listed for long at the asking price. Compare this one I had previously bookmarked. http://www.cgbfr.com/vespasien-quinaire,brm_317960,a.html Same dies too. Andrew listed quite a few interesting coins that day! I was wondering if I would see those drachms on CT soon. lol
Oh, man, love your Quinarius! I kinda collect Quinarii and just obtained this one several months ago: RI Vespasian 69-79 CE AR Quinarius Victory seated wreath palm RIC 802 Rare My photography is atrocious, but unfortunately my equipment is in moving boxes...
