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Orbis Collectibles

RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 435

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 435. Denomination: Dupondius. Authority: Vespasian. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Titus, radiate, right, with the legend T CAES VESPASIAN IMP P TR P COS II.

The reverse shows felicitas, draped, standing left, holding winged caduceus upright in right hand and cornucopiae in left, with the legend FELICITAS PVBLICA 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 was Roman emperor from 69 to 79 AD, coming to power at the end of the Year of the Four Emperors and founding the Flavian dynasty. After being declared emperor by legions in Egypt and Judaea, he consolidated the Roman Empire, reformed its financial system, and restored political stability following a period of civil war. He was later succeeded by his eldest son, Titus.

Struck at the Rome mint under Vespasian's authority, this bronze dupondius represents a denomination valued at two asses, or half of a sestertius. In the imperial coinage system, the radiate head was introduced under Nero to distinguish the dupondius from the similarly sized as. The obverse presents the radiate portrait of Vespasian's heir with the legend "T CAES VESPASIAN IMP P TR P COS II", while the reverse depicts Felicitas holding a winged caduceus and cornucopiae, accompanied by the inscription "FELICITAS PVBLICA S C".

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Dupondius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Vespasian

Design

Obverse
Head of Titus, radiate, right
Reverse
Felicitas, draped, standing left, holding winged caduceus upright in right hand and cornucopiae in left
Obverse legend
T CAES VESPASIAN IMP P TR P COS II
Reverse legend
FELICITAS PVBLICA S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 435
Denomination and metal
Dupondius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
T CAES VESPASIAN IMP P TR P COS II
Reverse legend to match
FELICITAS PVBLICA 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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