Vespasian           69 - 79 A.D.

 

Vespasian was the son of a businessman and tax collector. By befriending people in high places, he gained a foothold in the Senate and eventually was appointed as Proconsul of Africa in 63 A.D. From there he became more of a VIP under Nero and was put in charge of suppressing certain revolts in Israel. During this period civil war broke out following the Nero's death and he took the opportunity to have himself named Emperor. He then took his troops towards Rome where he defeated Vitellius, the last of the pretenders to the throne and a former colleague and friend.

He spent the rest of his reign rebuilding the wreck that was left of Rome following the troubles of 69 and rebuilding the Roman economy. He also expanded the empire's borders within Britain and granted citizenship to the inhabitants of vast sections under Roman control.

 

AE As 69--79 A.D.

26 mm.

Obv. IMP CAESAR VESP AVG COS VII: Laureate head right

Rev. AWQVITAS AVGVST S C: Aequitas standing left, holding scales and scepter

RIC 557b, Van Meter 91

AE As 69--79 A.D.

27 mm.

Obv. IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III: Laureate head right

Rev. IVDAEA CAPTA S C: Figure of Judaea seated right before a palm tree, shield and arms stacked left

RIC 489, Van Meter 92

AE Dupondius 69--79 A.D.

12.66 g., 25 mm.

Obv. IMP CAES VESP AVG PM T P COS V CENS: Radiate bust left

Rev. FELICITAS PVBLICA S C: Felicitas standing left, holding caduceus and cornucopiae

RIC 555, Van Meter 83

AR Denarius 69--79 A.D.

2.9 g,m 18.3 mm

Obv. IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS V TR P PP: Laureate head right

Rev. AVGVSTAE PACI: Victory standing right, holding palm over her choulder and wreath in her extended right hand, star in lower right field

C. 277, Van Meter 38

AR Denarius 69--79 A.D.

Rome

3.4 g., 17 mm.

Obv. IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG: Laureate head right

Rev. COS ITER TR POT: Pax seated left, holding olive branch and caduceus

C. 87, Van Meter 18/5

AR Denarius 69--79 A.D.

19 mm.

Obv. IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG: Laureate head right

Rev. COS VI: Eagle standing on cippus, looking left

C. 113, Van Meter 22

AR Denarius 69--79 A.D.

18 X 15 mm'

Obv. IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG: Laureate head right

Rev. COS VII: Eagle standing on altar, looking left

BMC 482, Van Meter 23/3

AR Denarius 69--79 A.D.

17 mm.

Obv. CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG: Laureate head right

Rev: IMP/XIX: Modius filled with grain stalks

C. 216, Van Meter 28/1

AR Denarius 69--79 A,D,

Rome

2.86 g., 17 mm.

Obv. IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG: Laureate head right

Rev. IVDAEA: Captive figure of Judaea seated to the right of a trophy

C. 226, Van Meter 32

AR Denarius 69--79 A.D.

17 mm.

Obv. IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG: Laureate bust left

Rev. IOVIS CVSTOS: Jupilter, nude, standing left and holding spear and patera, an altar at his feet, left

RSC 223, C. 222, Van Meter 31a

AR Denarius 69--79 A.D.

19 mm.

Obv. IMP CAES VESP AVG CENS: Laureate head right

Rev. PONTIF MAXIM: Vespasian seated right, holding branch and scepter

C. 385, Van Meter 45/2

AR Denarius 69--79 A.D.

18 mm.

Obv. IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG: Laureate head right

Rev. PON MAX TR P COS V: Winged caduceus

Van Meter 42/2

AR Sestertius 69--79 A.D.

33 mm.

Obv. IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG PM TR P PP COS III: Laureate bust right

Rev. ROMA S C: Roma standing left, holding Victory and spear

C. 419, RIC 443, Van Meter 73