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Orbis Collectibles

RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 849

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 849. Denomination: Denarius. Authority: Vespasian. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Vespasian, laureate, right, with the legend IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG.

The reverse shows jupiter, bearded, naked, standing facing, sacrificing out of patera in right hand over low garlanded altar and holding long vertical sceptre in left, with the legend IOVIS CVSTOS.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
14
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 civil war known as the Year of the Four Emperors. The founder of the Flavian dynasty, he consolidated the Roman Empire, instituted financial reforms, and initiated major building projects following his accession after the defeat of Vitellius in December 69.

Produced at the mint of Rome, this silver denarius represents the standard silver denomination of the Roman Empire. The obverse bears the portrait of Vespasian with the title "IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG", while the reverse carries the inscription "IOVIS CVSTOS" alongside a depiction of Jupiter standing, sacrificing with a patera over a garlanded altar and holding a long sceptre.

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Denarius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Vespasian

Design

Obverse
Head of Vespasian, laureate, right
Reverse
Jupiter, bearded, naked, standing facing, sacrificing out of patera in right hand over low garlanded altar and holding long vertical sceptre in left
Obverse legend
IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG
Reverse legend
IOVIS CVSTOS

Identification

Type reference
RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 849
Denomination and metal
Denarius, Silver
Obverse legend to match
IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
IOVIS CVSTOS
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

Varieties

  • RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 850

    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.
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