The Divine Vespasian

233, Lot: 292. Estimate $400. Sold for $240. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

JUDAEA, Roman Administration. Agrippa II, with Vespasian. Circa 50-100 CE. Æ (28mm, 15.55 g, 11h). Dated RY 27 (CE 86/7). Laureate head of Vespasian right / Tyche standing left, holding grain ears and cornucopia; to left, star; date across field. RPC II 2283; Meshorer 166; Hendin 619. Near VF, red-brown and green patina.

Ex Classical Numismatic Group 75 (23 May 2007), lot 863.

While there is much debate regarding the calculation of Agrippa’s regnal dates, both place this issue well within the reign of Domitian. The portrait of Vespasian, who had died seven years earlier, must then represent him as Divus Vespasian. As the obverse legend makes no reference to his divine status, it is quite probable that Agrippa II was balancing his avid support for the Flavian dynasty, with whom he had allied upon Vespasian’s elevation, along with his respect for Judaic relgious restriction regarding perceived idolatry by referring to the late emperor as a god.