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Orbis Collectibles

RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 1215

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 1215. Denomination: Dupondius. Authority: Vespasian. Mint: Lugdunum. The obverse shows head of Vespasian, laureate, right; globe at point of neck, with the legend IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS VIII P P.

The reverse shows fortuna, draped, standing left, holding rudder set on globe in right hand and cornucopiae in left, with the legend FORTVNAE REDVCI S C.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
7
Catalogue references
1

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

This bronze dupondius was produced at the mint of Lugdunum under Vespasian's authority. The dupondius functioned as an everyday denomination within the Roman monetary system, valued at two asses, half of a sestertius, or one-eighth of a denarius from the time of Augustus, with roughly one dupondius purchasing a loaf of bread or a sextarius of wine at the height of the empire. The obverse features Vespasian's laureate head with the legend "IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS VIII P P", while the reverse depicts Fortuna holding a rudder and cornucopiae, accompanied by the inscription "FORTVNAE REDVCI S C".

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Dupondius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Lugdunum
Authority
Vespasian

Design

Obverse
Head of Vespasian, laureate, right; globe at point of neck
Reverse
Fortuna, draped, standing left, holding rudder set on globe in right hand and cornucopiae in left
Obverse legend
IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS VIII P P
Reverse legend
FORTVNAE REDVCI S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 1215
Denomination and metal
Dupondius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS VIII P P
Reverse legend to match
FORTVNAE REDVCI S C
Source note
Type description from the American Numismatic Society's Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE); individual specimens differ in die, flan size, weight and wear, and legend breaks may vary.

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Recorded
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Recorded
Weight
Research required
Mint or printer
Recorded
Mint or printer mark
Research required
Catalogue reference
Recorded
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

Varieties

  • RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 1217

    Near-identical catalogue variant (same obverse and reverse legends, type and denomination, differing only in minor marks or bust detail); consolidated into this entry.

Research required

  • Editorial verification required.
  • Weight, diameter and mint marks require specimen-level evidence.
  • Museum specimen photographs are linked by the source; local photographs and reuse rights remain unverified.
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