Skip to content
Orbis Collectibles

RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 936

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 936. Denomination: Aureus. Authority: Vespasian. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Vespasian, laureate, left, with the legend IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG.

The reverse shows vespasian, in military dress, on left, standing left, holding vertical spear in right hand and parazonium slanted upwards in left; on right stands Victory, left, crowning him with a wreath in her right hand and holding palm upright in left, with the legend COS VIII.

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

This gold coin was issued under Vespasian, who served as Roman emperor from 69 to 79 and established the Flavian dynasty following the civil conflicts of the Year of the Four Emperors. Having achieved military renown in Britain and Judaea, Vespasian was proclaimed emperor by the legions in 69. His decade-long reign brought financial reform and political stability to the empire.

The reverse design depicts Vespasian in military attire, holding a vertical spear and a parazonium, while being crowned with a wreath by Victory, who also carries a palm. This imagery accompanies the reverse legend "COS VIII", referencing his eighth consulship, while the obverse presents the emperor's laureate portrait with the inscription "IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG".

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Aureus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Vespasian

Design

Obverse
Head of Vespasian, laureate, left
Reverse
Vespasian, in military dress, on left, standing left, holding vertical spear in right hand and parazonium slanted upwards in left; on right stands Victory, left, crowning him with a wreath in her right hand and holding palm upright in left
Obverse legend
IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG
Reverse legend
COS VIII

Identification

Type reference
RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 936
Denomination and metal
Aureus, Gold
Obverse legend to match
IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
COS VIII
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 935

    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.
Can you source one of these? Submit a reference