David Atherton Posted July 8 · Member Share Posted July 8 Left facing portraits under Vespasian are generally very rare on the bronze issues. So, it's quite a treat when you come across a rare type that comes with a stylish left portrait! Needless to say I'm very pleased with it. Vespasian Æ As, 10.84g Rome mint, 71 AD Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l. Rev: LIBERTAS PVBLICA; S C in field; Libertas stg. l., with pileus and rod RIC 310 (R2). BMC -. BNC -. Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 30. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex Paganecoins, Yahoo!, 20 December 2001. Vespasian struck a massive bronze issue in 71 which easily dwarfs any other produced during his reign. The reverse themes are largely given over to ones an incoming dynasty would find useful, such as this Libertas type, copied from the coinage of Galba. Libertas here symbolises Vespasian's rescue of the Roman people from tyranny - a most fitting type in the wake of civil war. This rare as variety of the type features a left facing portrait, unusual for the middle bronzes. Missing from the BM and Paris collections. RIC cites just one specimen from Vienna, a double die match with this coin. In hand. As always, thank you for looking! 15 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roman Collector Posted July 8 · Patron Share Posted July 8 @curtislclay had an eye for rare varieties, didn't he! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CPK Posted July 8 · Supporter Share Posted July 8 Nice coin! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor Ancient Coin Hunter Posted July 8 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted July 8 A fine addition to the collection! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alegandron Posted July 8 · Supporter Share Posted July 8 great find @David Atherton ! It looks in great condition. Here is my Vespasianus in sinister position: RI Vespasian 69-79 CE AE Dupondius Felicitas stdg caduceus cornucopia sinister left 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dafydd Posted July 8 · Supporter Share Posted July 8 Nice coin, Here is my left facing Vespasian. Vespasian, 69-79 Dupondius circa 74, Æ 26mm., 9.41g. Radiate head r. Rev. Felicitas standing l., holding caduceus and cornucopiae. C 153. RIC 716. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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