Kicking Off the New Year With Vespasian

The postman delivered this fine tetradrachm of Vespasian over the weekend.


Vespasian
AR Tetradrachm
Antioch mint, 69-70 AD
RPC 1959 (1 spec.)
Obv: AYTOKPA KAIΣA OYEΣΠAΣIANOY; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: ETOYC NEOY IEPOY B; Eagle with wreath in beak on club to l.; in l. field, palm branch; crescent between eagle's legs

Several different mints are thought to have struck these Syrian tetradrachms for circulation in the province. This one is from the mint at Antioch and is in much finer style than those struck in Alexandria for Syria.

The issue dates to Vespasian's second regnal year. During this time Titus Caesar conducted the siege of Jerusalem and the coins from this issue were likely paid out to the legions involved in the campaign.

Tetradrachms with this obverse legend are fairly rare.

 

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I have a few but this one looks really great, good strong facial expression strong strike,congrats !!

 

Superb! I would expect no less than from the king of Vespasians.

 

Love the big portrait on yours David. Nice addition.


Vespasian (69 - 79 A.D.)
AR Tetradrachm
ANTIOCH, SYRIA, 69 A.D.
O: AVTOKPATWP KAICAP CEBACTOC OVECPACIANOC, laureate head right
R: ETOYC NEOY IEPOY A, Eagle standing left on club, palm branch in left field.
23mm
14.4g
RPC 197

 

Your coin is a nice example of the 'Alexandrian' style. Thanks for posting it!

 

'V', TERRIFIC TET !!!!

I just lost out on a few Vespasian coins, no Tets, but a couple of nice bronzes and a cool portrait on a denarius-----Fortune is so FICKLE LOL

 

Nice!! => V70, I'm lovin' the Vespasian Tet!! (great eagle)

Yah, I still only have the mini-me version (the denarius)