Sale: CNG 72, Lot: 1423. Estimate $500.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 14 June 2006.  Sold For $875. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Vespasian. AD 69-79. AR Denarius (2.73 g, 6h). Uncertain eastern mint. Struck circa AD 69-71. CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVGVSTVS, Laureate head right / VESPASIANI AVGVSTI TITI[...], DOMIT(?) in exergue, Titus and Domitian, Caesares, standing facing, shields and spears between them. Unpublished. VF, porous. Unique.

During the years AD 69-71, Vespasian issued a variety of types from both the Rome and eastern mints, proclaiming his new dynasty. This interesting new coin type fits well within this framework, and also sees the revival of a dynastic reverse type issued under Augustus. The revival of Augustan types is another common feature of Vespasian’s reign, and was a form of propaganda he used not only to link his dynasty to that of Augustus, but also to propound the idea of a revival of the empire harking back to the golden age of Augustus. The style and fabric point to a mint other than Rome, but other considerations preclude certain placement at the known eastern mints. A fascinating coin.