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Orbis Collectibles

RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 241

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

The reverse shows pax standing right, setting fire to arms; Column surmounted by Minerva, left, lance and shield resting against it; lighted altar, right, with the legend PAX 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 ruled as Roman emperor from 69 to 79, founding the Flavian dynasty after emerging victorious from the civil war known as the Year of the Four Emperors. His reign brought political stability, fiscal consolidation, and an extensive building programme to Rome.

Struck at the Rome mint, this bronze sestertius features the obverse inscription "IMP CAES VESPAS AVG P M TR P P P COS III" alongside the emperor's laureate portrait. The reverse carries the legend "PAX AVGVSTI S C" and depicts Pax setting fire to weapons beside a lighted altar and a column surmounted by Minerva with a lance and shield, personifying imperial peace.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Vespasian

Design

Obverse
Head of Vespasian, laureate, right
Reverse
Pax standing right, setting fire to arms; Column surmounted by Minerva, left, lance and shield resting against it; lighted altar, right
Obverse legend
IMP CAES VESPAS AVG P M TR P P P COS III
Reverse legend
PAX AVGVSTI S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 241
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IMP CAES VESPAS AVG P M TR P P P COS III
Reverse legend to match
PAX 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.

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

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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