RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 361
Record status
Individual type · research required
Issuing entity
Roman EmpireRIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 361. Denomination: Aureus. Authority: Vespasian. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Vespasian, laureate, right, with the legend IMP CAES VESP AVG P M COS IIII.
The reverse shows victory, draped, wings pointed upwards, standing right on globe, holding wreath in extended right hand and palm over left shoulder in left, with the legend VIC AVG.
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 was Roman emperor from 69 to 79 and founded the Flavian dynasty after the Year of the Four Emperors. Previously an equestrian commander who achieved prominence in Britain and Judaea, he was declared emperor by his legions in July 69 and confirmed by the Senate in December 69. His ten-year reign brought political stability, financial reforms, and ambitious building projects across Rome.
This gold aureus was struck at the mint of Rome under Vespasian's imperial authority. The aureus served as the primary gold denomination of the Roman Empire, standardised at a value of twenty-five silver denarii. The coin features the obverse legend "IMP CAES VESP AVG P M COS IIII" alongside his laureate portrait. The reverse depicts Victory standing upon a globe, holding a wreath and a palm branch, accompanied by the inscription "VIC AVG".
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Gold
- Denomination
- Aureus
Technical characteristics
- Mint
- Rome
- Authority
- Vespasian
Design
- Obverse
- Head of Vespasian, laureate, right
- Reverse
- Victory, draped, wings pointed upwards, standing right on globe, holding wreath in extended right hand and palm over left shoulder in left
- Obverse legend
- IMP CAES VESP AVG P M COS IIII
- Reverse legend
- VIC AVG
Identification
- Type reference
- RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 361
- Denomination and metal
- Aureus, Gold
- Obverse legend to match
- IMP CAES VESP AVG P M COS IIII
- Reverse legend to match
- VIC AVG
- 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
- RIC / OCREric.2_1(2).ves.361
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.