Sale: Triton VI, Lot: 836. Estimate $500.  Closing Date: Monday, 13 January 2003.  Sold For $550. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

VESPASIAN. 69-79 AD. AR Denarius (3.51 gm). Struck 79 AD. IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head right / TR POT X COS VIIII, capricorn left, globe beneath. RIC II 118; BMCRE 251; BN 219ff; RSC 554. EF, lightly toned. ($500)

This denarius was issued in the final six months of the emperor's life. The precision in the dating is facilitated by the reference to Vespasian's ninth consulship (COS VIIII) assumed on New Year's Day, 79. The Zodiacal sign Capricorn appearing on the reverse is clearly reminiscent of the precious metal coinage of Augustus. The revival of earlier types, especially those of Rome's first emperor, is a feature of Vespasian's coinage. This program appears to draw parallels between the new dynasty, emerging from the chaos of the Civil Wars of 68-69 AD, and the Julio-Claudians who brought order following the civil strife of the imperatorial period. The globe appearing beneath the capricorn is a symbol of world dominion.