My latest addition comes via a coin show today. I almost left with nothing until I turned back for one more look. In the very last tray the divine was revealed... A very rare Vespasian dupondius struck by his son and successor Titus. Although the issue is undated, it was likely minted in 80-81 AD after Vespasian was deified. Thus, Vespasian's words came true...he was turned into a god. The coin is rated R2 in RIC and I was only able to find one on Coinarchives Pro. None in Acsearch or Vcoins. Beautiful smooth glossy green patina in hand. http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-155017 DIVVS AVGVSTVS VESPASIANVS Radiate head right PAX AVGVST Pax standing left, leaning on column, with caduceus and branch; SC in field Rome 80-81 AD 12.18g RIC 377 (R2) Titus; very rare. Ex-ANE Let's see your Divus coins, of Vespasian or anyone else.
Very nice score, Jay. DIVUS VESPASIAN AR Denarius. 3.06g, 19mm. Rome mint, struck under Titus, AD 80-81. RIC II 357 (Titus); RSC 497. O: DIVVS AVGVSTVS VESPASIANVS, laureate head right. R: Two capricorns back to back, supporting shield inscribed S C set on globe. Ex Dr Walter Neussel Collection
My capricorn denarius of Divus Vespasian is not as nice as @zumbly's example, so instead here's one featuring a tensa (a specially decorated chariot featuring emblems of the divine emperor).
Usually the reverses when spelled out have Augusti in genitive. I would translate that as Peace of the Augustus and interpret it as a wish for peace rather than a claim that he was peaceful. After the turmoil of 68-69 and the Jewish war, the Flavians were interested in restoring peace to the Empire and issued coins with Pax.
Superb rarity Jay! Congrats! This isn't quite what you requested, but I really like this mule with an obverse of Titus and a reverse struck for Divus Vespasian. Titus Mule AR Denarius, 3.30g Rome mint, 79-80 AD RIC 368 (R3). BMC - . RSC - . Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, l. Rev: EX S C across field; Victory adv. l., placing shield on trophy; below, Judaea std. l.
Vespasian may be famous for saying "I think I am becoming a God", but he is better known for another saying ...
Nice coins everyone. I've always liked the capricorns and @lordmarcovan @zumbly those coins are gorgeous! And a cool mule David. @Andres2 that is lovely! Here's a few more from the series... DIVVS AVGVSTVS VESPASIANVS Laureate head of Divus Vespasian to right. EX S C Empty quadriga advancing left, ornamented with a miniature quadriga flanked by Victories at the top and two standing figures on the side. Rome, 80-1 AD 3.24g RIC II 361 (C),(Titus); BMCRE 119 (Titus); RSC 146 DIVVS AVGVSTVS VESPASIANVS laureate head of Vespasian right SC on circular shield supported by two capricorns back to back, globe below Rome 80 AD RIC 357 (C2);Sear 2569 19mm 3.4g
My other Divus Vespasian has the tensa going right. DIVUS VESPASIAN AR Denarius. 3.23g, 17.6mm. Rome mint, AD 79-80. RIC Titus 362 (R2); Sear 2566. O: DIVVS VESPASIANVS AVGVSTVS, laureate head right. R: Ornate tensa drawn by four horses right, surmounted by two Victories; EX S C in exergue.
Very nice Jay..Here is my Vespasian Pax sestertius... a well used coin but a hefty piece that I handle quite often. Vespasian, 69 - 79 AD AE Sestertius, Rome Mint, 32mm, 22.83 grams Obverse: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS VII, Laureate head of Vespasian left. Reverse: PAX AVGVSTI S C, Pax standing left holding branch and cornucopia. RIC881
To be a god you need followers and worshipers. These days that means you own a dog and have gained his love.
Unfortunately I do not have any divvs coins of Vespasian. "This is something up with which I shall not put". I do however, have a few other divvs coins. Augustus and Divvs Julius Caesar (27 CBE- 14 CE) Macedon. Thessalonique 19 mm 8.0 g Obv: ΘECCAΛONIKEΩN Bare head of Augustus Rev: ΘEOC. Bare head of Julius Caesar RPC 1555 Ex: Numismatik Naumann Auction 66 Lot 269 Gaius, Silver denarius, RIC I 16 (R2, Rome), RSC I 2, Lyon 167, BnF II 21, BMCRE I 17, cf. SRCV I 1807 (aureus), VF, toned, attractive portraits, bumps and marks, some pitting, lamination defects, ex jewelry, Lugdunum (Lyon, France) mint, weight 3.443g, maximum diameter 18.2mm, die axis 180o, 2nd emission, 37 - 38 A.D.; obverse C CAESAR AVG GERM P M TR POT (counterclockwise from lower right), laureate head of Caligula right; reverse DIVVS AVG PATER PATRIAE (counterclockwise from lower right), radiate head of Divus Augustus right; ex Classical Numismatic Group, e-auction 69 (23 July 2003), lot 90 Ex: Forum Ancient coins, March 2, 2018. Gaius (Caligula), with Divus Augustus. AD 37-41. AR Denarius (17.5mm, 3.26 g, 5h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. 1st emission, AD 37. Obv :Bare head of Gaius (Caligula) right C. CAESAR. AVG. GERM. P. M. TR. POT. COS Rev: Radiate head of Divus Augustus right, between two stars. RIC I 2; Lyon 157; RSC 11. Fine, toned, deposits, chipped at edges, a few scratches. CNG E-auction 428 Lot 344 September 5, 2018 Divus Julius Caesar Denarius. 40 BC. Q Voconius Vitulus, quaestor. (20.39 mm, 3.36 g) Obv:Laureate head right Rev: Q•VOCONIVS above, S-C to sides, VITVLVS•Q / DESIG below, bull-calf advancing left. Crawford 526/4, Sydenham 1133. SRCV I (2000) 1428, RSC 45 Ex: Frank Robinson.
