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Orbis Collectibles

RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 221

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 221. Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Vespasian. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Vespasian, laureate, right, with the legend IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III.

The reverse shows victory standing right, resting left foot on helmet, inscribing OB CIV SERV on shield attached to palm-tree; Judaea seated right, with the legend VICTORIA AVGVSTI S C. The obverse shows head of Vespasian, laureate, right, with the legend IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III. The reverse shows victory standing right, resting left foot on helmet, inscribing OB CIV SERV on shield attached to palm-tree; Judaea seated right, with the legend VICTORIA AVGVSTI S C.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
6
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

Vespasian served as Roman emperor from 69 to 79, establishing the Flavian dynasty following the civil conflicts of the Year of the Four Emperors. He had previously risen to prominence through military commands, including leading the suppression of the Jewish rebellion between 66 and 70. Upon taking power, he instituted fiscal reforms and ambitious building projects across Rome. During the Roman Empire, the sestertius was minted as a large brass denomination, originally equivalent to two and a half asses.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Vespasian

Design

Obverse
Head of Vespasian, laureate, right
Reverse
Victory standing right, resting left foot on helmet, inscribing OB CIV SERV on shield attached to palm-tree; Judaea seated right
Obverse legend
IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III
Reverse legend
VICTORIA AVGVSTI S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 221
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III
Reverse legend to match
VICTORIA AVGVSTI 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. 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 217

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

  • RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 218

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

  • RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 223

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

  • RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 225

    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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