RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 581
Record status
Individual type · research required
Issuing entity
Roman EmpireRIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 581. Denomination: Dupondius. Authority: Vespasian. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Vespasian, radiate, left, with the legend IMP CAES VESP AVG P M T P COS IIII CENS.
The reverse shows felicitas, draped, standing left, holding winged caduceus upwards in right hand and cornucopiae in left, with the legend FELICITAS PVBLICA S C. The obverse shows head of Vespasian, radiate, left, with the legend IMP CAES VESP AVG P M T P COS IIII CENS. The reverse shows felicitas, draped, standing left, holding winged caduceus upwards in right hand and cornucopiae in left, with the legend FELICITAS PVBLICA S C.
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 served as Roman emperor from 69 to 79, founding the Flavian dynasty after emerging victorious from the civil war of the Year of the Four Emperors. His decade-long administration brought political stability through administrative consolidation and comprehensive financial reforms. From the reign of Nero in 66 AD, the coin was commonly distinguished from the similarly sized as by the inclusion of a radiate crown on the imperial portrait.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Bronze
- Denomination
- Dupondius
Technical characteristics
- Mint
- Rome
- Authority
- Vespasian
Design
- Obverse
- Head of Vespasian, radiate, left
- Reverse
- Felicitas, draped, standing left, holding winged caduceus upwards in right hand and cornucopiae in left
- Obverse legend
- IMP CAES VESP AVG P M T P COS IIII CENS
- Reverse legend
- FELICITAS PVBLICA S C
Identification
- Type reference
- RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 581
- Denomination and metal
- Dupondius, Bronze
- Obverse legend to match
- IMP CAES VESP AVG P M T P COS IIII CENS
- 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. 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.581
Varieties
RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 715
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 716
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 818
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 887
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.