I want to share a recent acquisition with you because of the great mirth Vespasian displays here. AR hemidrachm Vespasian (69-79), Caesarea in Cappadocia. Obv: Laureate head of Vespasian to right (with big grin). AYTOKP KAICAP OYЄCΠACIANOC CЄBA. Rev: Nike walking to the right, holding wreath. No text. 14.5 mm, 1.85 gr. Metcalf 17. RPC 1659. Sydenham, Caesarea 94. Here it is again in comparison with a denarius of Vespasian. It really is an extreme smile.
Those are some fantastic portraits of Vespasian. From my collection, my personal favorite Vespasian portrait is this one - despite its wear, I've always liked the frown:
I have this rather bemused Vespasian. Vespasian AR Denarius, 3.10g Rome Mint, January - June 70 AD RIC 25 (R). BMC 14. RSC 90. Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r. Rev: COS ITER TR POT; Neptune stg. l., foot on prow, with dolphin and trident Acquired from Nemesis, February 2008
Smile or smirk? IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG laureate head of Vespasian right IOVIS CVSTOS Jupiter standing half-left, sacrificing from patera in right over small lit altar at feet on left, long scepter grounded behind in left Rome, 75 - 76 A.D. 3.458g, die axis 180o RIC II, part 1, 849 (C3); BMCRE III 276; RSC II 222; BnF III 249; SRCV I 2295 Ex-Heritage CICF World and Ancient Coins Signature Auction 3032, part of lot 30530, Ex- Forum
