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Vespasian. AD 69-79. Æ Dupondius (30mm, 14.20 g, 6h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint. Struck AD 71. IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III, radiate head right, globe at point of neck / S C across field, ROMA in exergue, Roma, helmeted and draped, seated left on cuirass, right foot on helmet, holding Victory in outstretched right hand and resting left hand on parazonium; to right, shields set on ground. RIC II.1 1145 (R2); Lyon 30/1a (D82/R85); BMCRE –; BN –. Attractive dark green patina. Near EF. Extremely rare.
From the PLZ Collection. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 78 (26 May 2014), lot 884; Sternberg XIII (17 November 1983), lot 613; V. J. E. Ryan Collection (Part V, Glendining, 2 April 1952), lot 2741; Ars Classica XVI (3 July 1933), lot 1616; Naville II (12 June 1922), lot 466.
The reverse type of Roma seated on cuirass holding Victory reprises the extensive outpouring of this same type under Nero. While not directly a “Judaea Capta” type, this coin was minted during the extensive run of that series for both Vespasian and Titus. Both the obverse portrait and the reverse of Roma are very delicately engraved and must have been created by the hand of a master celator. This is in stark contrast to this type minted under both Nero and Vespasian, where the depiction of Roma is often almost cartoonish in nature. It would appear the creation of this reverse die type was used as a training model for die engravers just learning their craft. The present example is most impressive as we are likely looking at a coin struck from the dies of the “master” given to the engraving staff as an example of the how the type was intended to be. It can, without exaggeration, be termed a masterpiece.
The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 132 lots will be determined at the live online sale that will be held on 18-19 May 2026.
CNG Feature Auction 132 – Session One – Lot 1-318 will be held Monday morning, 18 May 2026 beginning at 9:00 AM ET.
Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.
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