Sale: CNG 64, Lot: 1019. Estimate $750.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 24 September 2003.  Sold For $1250. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

VESPASIAN. 69-79 AD. AR Denarius (3.38 gm). Judaea Capta type. Antioch mint. Struck 72-73 AD. Laureate head right / Jewess seated right beneath palm-tree; behind, Vespasian in military dress, foot on helmet, holding spear and parazonium. RIC II 363; Hendin 763; RSC 645. EF. ($750)

On the basis of its distinctive style, this silver denarius is attributed to an eastern mint, most likely the Syrian capital of Antioch. It is dated by the emperor's fourth consulship (COS IIII) and the reverse type commemorates the recent success of Roman arms in Judaea. It is, in fact, a revival of a sestertius type, with accompanying inscription IVDAEA CAPTA, issued at Rome in 71 (cf. BMCRE pl. 20, 8). Aurei of the same type as this denarius were minted in Rome (cf. BMCRE pl. 2, 10). These issues were intended to revive memories of the splendid joint triumph celebrated by Vespasian and Titus on the latter's return to the capital in 71.