I've always wanted an example of this elusive Vespasianic reverse type. Needless to say, when an example appeared in trade back in May I had to have it! Both a personal 'white whale' and an iconic Flavian type. Vespasian Æ Sestertius, 23.80g Rome mint, 71 AD Obv: IMP CAES VESPAS AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r. Rev: PAX AVGVSTI; S C in exergue; Pax stg. r., setting fire to arms; to l., column surmounted by Minerva, shield and lance against it; to r., lighted altar RIC 241 (R2). BMC 553. BNC 518. Acquired from Romae Aeternae, eBay, 10 June 2025. After the tumult of the Civil Wars and Jewish rebellion, it was time for peace. The coinage helps usher in this new era with a plethora of Pax types. The reverse design on this sestertius from 71 shows Pax holding a torch and setting alight a pile of enemy arms next to an altar while Minerva watches on. H. Mattingly in BMCRE II interprets it as 'the arms taken from the defeated enemy that are now burnt, in pursuance of a vow, to Mars, Minerva, and the other gods of war; Minerva is sometimes represented watching the scene.' A rare type seldom encountered in trade. In hand. Thank you for looking!
