Pax-Nemesis on a Vespasian Aureus

CNG 102, Lot: 896. Estimate $3000. Sold for $2750. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Vespasian. AD 69-79. AV Aureus (21mm, 7.27 g, 8h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck AD 72. IMP CAES VESPAS AVG P M TR P IIII P P COS IIII, laureate head right / PACI AVGVSTI, Pax-Nemesis advancing right, pulling out fold of drapery and holding winged caduceus pointed at snake gliding right, head erect. RIC II 1180; Lyon 56; Calicó 656. VF.

The figure of Pax-Nemesis is a novel type for Roman coinage, and its use here with the legend PACI AVGVSTI is a continuation of the type from the reign of Claudius. Pax equals Peace, but Nemesis is the personification of divine vengeance, and is typically represented meting out punishment for an insolent act. In this case, though, Nemesis is represented as the fear of divine vengeance that prescribes moderation. The wings and serpent are typically associated with Victory and Minerva Victrix, and suggests that the moderation is related to triumph, most likely Vespasian’s subjugation of Judaea. Regardless, the type implies that Vespasian would exercise self-restraint, and that this restraint would precipitate the peace noted by the legend.