Sale: Nomos 2, Lot: 178. Estimate CHF3000.  Closing Date: Monday, 17 May 2010.  Sold For CHF13000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Vespasian. AD 69-79. Denarius (Silver, 3.49 g 12), struck in a mint in Asia Minor, probably Ephesos, 76. IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG Laureate head of Vespasian to right; below wreath ties, small O. Rev. Domitian Caesar, in military dress, riding prancing horse to left, raising right hand in salute and holding scepter in his left. BMC -. Cohen -. RIC 1480. Extremely rare. For an obverse die by the same die cutter, see RIC 1479. Virtually as struck.

This piece is part of a very rare issue, which is certainly from Asia Minor and probably from Ephesos (see RIC II, 2nd edition, pp. 43-44). The coins of this group are characterized by rather strong portraits and unusual types (the reverse of this coin was almost certainly intended solely for issues in the name of Domitian as Caesar). The boldness of Vespasian’s portrait on this coin is remarkable.