Emperor Vespasian Coin – Silver Denarius Pax Seated AD 75

Description

Header: Emperor Vespasian Coin – silver Denarius Pax Seated AD 75

Denomination: Silver denarius

Period: Imperial Rome

Date: AD 75

Origin: Rome mint

Condition: VF, well centred but with a little loss to the edges and wear to high points

Obverse: Head of Vespasian, laureate, right, IMP CEASAR VESPASIANVS AVG

Reverse: Pax, naked to waist, seated left, holding branch extended in right hand, left hand in lap, PON MAX TR P COS VI

Size and Weight: 18mm, 3.42g

References: RIC II Pt1 (2nd ed) 772

Features and Provenance: Vespasian was the founder of the Flavian dynasty and the last emperor to rule in the year of the four emperors. After the murder of Galba he was proclaimed emperor. He was a well liked leader which allowed him to undertake fiscal reform bringing stability, which had been unknown for many years. He initiated a rebuilding program that reinvigorated the capitol; this included the construction of Colosseum and the Temple of Peace.

He is believed to have had a sense of humour and held little ill-will to even those that offended him and his executions were infrequent by the standards of the day. He died in 79 after a successful 10 years as emperor and his son Titus was his successor.

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades between

Uncirculated (U). As struck with no traces of wear

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear, all parts of legend etc present, visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief, all parts of legend etc present, but maybe worn

Fine (F). Wear on the coin and parts of legend etc may be missing or not visible