RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 981
Record status
Individual type · research required
Issuing entity
Roman EmpireRIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 981. Denomination: Denarius. Authority: Vespasian. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Vespasian, laureate, left, with the legend CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG.
The reverse shows modius standing on three legs containing five ears of corn upright and two hanging over the sides, with the legend IMP XIX. The obverse shows head of Vespasian, laureate, left, with the legend CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG. The reverse shows modius standing on three legs containing five ears of corn upright and two hanging over the sides, with the legend IMP XIX.
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
Struck at the Rome mint, this silver denarius formed part of the standard silver currency system used across the Roman Empire. The obverse depicts the laureate head of the emperor accompanied by the inscription "CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG". The reverse carries the legend "IMP XIX" alongside a design featuring a modius standing on three legs, filled with five upright ears of corn and two hanging over the sides.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Silver
- Denomination
- Denarius
Technical characteristics
- Mint
- Rome
- Authority
- Vespasian
Design
- Obverse
- Head of Vespasian, laureate, left
- Reverse
- Modius standing on three legs containing five ears of corn upright and two hanging over the sides
- Obverse legend
- CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG
- Reverse legend
- IMP XIX
Identification
- Type reference
- RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 981
- Denomination and metal
- Denarius, Silver
- Obverse legend to match
- CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG
- Reverse legend to match
- IMP XIX
- 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.981
Varieties
RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 980
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.