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Orbis Collectibles

RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 960

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 960. Denomination: Aureus. Authority: Vespasian. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Domitian, laureate, right, with the legend CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS.

The reverse shows wolf and twins; boat in exergue, with the legend COS V. The obverse shows head of Domitian, laureate, right, with the legend CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS. The reverse shows wolf and twins; boat in exergue, with the legend COS V.

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, coming to power as the final emperor in the Year of the Four Emperors and founding the Flavian dynasty. Declared emperor by his legions in July 69 and confirmed by the Senate in December 69, his ten-year reign brought political stability and reforms to the Roman Empire's financial system following civil conflict.

Struck at the Rome mint under Vespasian's imperial authority, this gold coin is an aureus, the primary gold denomination of ancient Rome standardized during the Empire and valued at 25 silver denarii. The coin portrays Vespasian's younger son Domitian, bearing the obverse legend CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS alongside his laureate portrait. The reverse features the legend COS V, referencing his fifth consulship, accompanied by the design of a wolf and twins with a boat shown in the exergue.

Physical characteristics

Material
Gold
Denomination
Aureus

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Vespasian

Design

Obverse
Head of Domitian, laureate, right
Reverse
Wolf and twins; boat in exergue
Obverse legend
CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS
Reverse legend
COS V

Identification

Type reference
RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 960
Denomination and metal
Aureus, Gold
Obverse legend to match
CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS
Reverse legend to match
COS V
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

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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