RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 545
Record status
Individual type · research required
Issuing entity
Roman EmpireRIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 545. Denomination: Denarius. Authority: Vespasian. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Vespasian, laureate, right, with the legend IMP CAES VESP AVG CEN.
The reverse shows vespasian, togate, seated right on curule chair, feet on stool, holding vertical sceptre in right hand and branch in left, with the legend PONTIF MAXIM.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 2
- Photograph views
- 9
- 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 AD, coming to power as the final ruler in the Year of the Four Emperors and founding the Flavian dynasty. Proclaimed emperor by the legions in 69, he consolidated the Roman Empire, reformed its financial system, and restored political stability following a period of civil war.
Struck at the mint of Rome, this silver denarius belonged to the standard silver coinage system of the Roman Empire, which originated around 211 BC. The coin features the emperor with the obverse inscription "IMP CAES VESP AVG CEN", while the reverse depicts a togate Vespasian seated on a curule chair, holding a vertical sceptre and branch, accompanied by the legend "PONTIF MAXIM".
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Silver
- Denomination
- Denarius
Technical characteristics
- Mint
- Rome
- Authority
- Vespasian
Design
- Obverse
- Head of Vespasian, laureate, right
- Reverse
- Vespasian, togate, seated right on curule chair, feet on stool, holding vertical sceptre in right hand and branch in left
- Obverse legend
- IMP CAES VESP AVG CEN
- Reverse legend
- PONTIF MAXIM
Identification
- Type reference
- RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 545
- Denomination and metal
- Denarius, Silver
- Obverse legend to match
- IMP CAES VESP AVG CEN
- Reverse legend to match
- PONTIF MAXIM
- 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.545
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.