Sale: Nomos 1, Lot: 143. Estimate CHF1500.  Closing Date: Tuesday, 5 May 2009.  Sold For CHF1900. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Vespasian. 69-79. Denarius (Silver, 3.01 g 6), Rome, circa 21 December 69 - early 70. IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG Laureate head of Vespasian to right Rev. IVDAEA Judaea seated in attitude of mourning to right, her head resting on her hand; behind her, trophy. BMC 35. Hendin 759. RIC 2. An attractive and lightly toned piece, struck on a broad flan. Nearly extremely fine.

The Roman victories in the Jewish War, which went on until 73, were commemorated with a great outpouring of coinage minted in Rome and elsewhere. The Flavians could not issue coins referring to their victory over Vitellius since these were victories in a civil war, in which Romans killed Romans. Thus, the conquest of a rebellious province, which in some ways could be equated with an external enemy, could be portrayed as a glorious event that would unite all Roman citizens.