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RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 954

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 954. Denomination: Aureus. Authority: Vespasian. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Titus, laureate, right, with the legend T CAESAR IMP VESPASIANVS.

The reverse shows roma, helmeted, in military dress, seated right on two oval shields, feet set together, holding transverse spear in left hand, right hand on lap; to right and left, eagle flying; on ground right, miniature she-wolf and twins, with the legend COS VI.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
7
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 reigned as Roman emperor from 69 to 79 AD, taking power at the end of the Year of the Four Emperors and founding the Flavian dynasty. His reign brought political stability following civil war, supported by fiscal reforms and consolidation across the empire. Vespasian's eldest son Titus was his designated successor, eventually making Vespasian the first Roman emperor to be succeeded by his natural son.

This gold aureus was minted in Rome under Vespasian's imperial authority. The aureus functioned as the primary gold coin of ancient Rome from the 1st century BC until the early 4th century AD, standardised under the Empire at a value of 25 silver denarii or 100 sestertii. The coin depicts Titus with the obverse inscription "T CAESAR IMP VESPASIANVS". The reverse displays the legend "COS VI" alongside a helmeted Roma in military dress, seated on oval shields, accompanied by flying eagles and a miniature representation of the she-wolf and twins.

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Aureus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Vespasian

Design

Obverse
Head of Titus, laureate, right
Reverse
Roma, helmeted, in military dress, seated right on two oval shields, feet set together, holding transverse spear in left hand, right hand on lap; to right and left, eagle flying; on ground right, miniature she-wolf and twins
Obverse legend
T CAESAR IMP VESPASIANVS
Reverse legend
COS VI

Identification

Type reference
RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 954
Denomination and metal
Aureus, Gold
Obverse legend to match
T CAESAR IMP VESPASIANVS
Reverse legend to match
COS VI
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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