A Monumental Portrait

[David Atherton]

I could not resist this one. Although a common enough variety, the main attraction here is the obverse portrait engraved in a severe, almost monumental style. It certainly caught my eye.

 

 

Vespasian

Æ Sestertius, 26.08g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPAS AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: ROMA; S C in field; Roma stg. l., with Victory and spear
RIC 244 (C2). BMC 564. BNC 529.
Acquired from CGB.fr, November 2022.

Part of the third sestertius issue of 71 AD, this fairly common reverse type features Roma holding Victory. Roma is depicted in the guise of an Amazon warrior, a typical attribute for her on the coinage during the Flavian era likely based on a cult image. The massive portrait on the obverse is rendered in fine veristic style. C. H. V. Sutherland in his work Roman Coins commented on the Vespasianic portraits of the era - 'Vespasian's aes, however, and not merely the sestertii, developed a full magnificence of portraiture. Again the heads were large, even massive, and normally in high relief, giving the strong impression of the purely profile view of sculpture in the round. And, because of the larger scale which this aes permitted, a wealth of detail could be achieved: close cut hair, finely wrinkled brow, a minutely rendered profile eye, and all the jowls and neck-folds of an old man. The beauty of this work lay in its realism, strong in authority and yet delicate in execution; and it was in the addition of technical delicacy to strength of conception that Vespasian's coinage clearly excelled over Galba.' I believe this coin to be a fine example of what Sutherland had in mind.

Thanks for looking!

 

Edited November 28, 2022 by David Atherton

[maridvnvm]

That portrait is superb. Very striking indeed. There is such realism in the depiction of the man not just an abstract symbolic depiction of the emperor. 

[Qcumbor]

Great eye appeal on that one for sure. Lovely coin overall

Q

[Prieure de Sion]

2 hours ago, David Atherton said:

Head of Vespasian

Fantastic "flesh" Portrait of Vespasian - gratulations David - its really lovely.

[LONGINUS]

Great sestertius and post, David ! It’s no doubt an impressive coin in hand.

This one is not as monumental but it‘s the largest and heaviest coin in my Judaean collection.

Edited November 28, 2022 by LONGINUS

[CPK]

Lovely coin @David Atherton. That is indeed a striking portrait!

[Phil Davis]

I certainly see why you like this, David. I think coins like this add welcome "depth" to an important,  well-rounded collection, even though they don't ostensibly advance it towards "completion."

[kevikens]

Makes me feel comfortable that this guy is in charge, Empire or corporation, things are going to get done.

[Al Kowsky]

6 hours ago, David Atherton said:

I could not resist this one. Although a common enough variety, the main attraction here is the obverse portrait engraved in a severe, almost monumental style. It certainly caught my eye.

 

 

Vespasian

Æ Sestertius, 26.08g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPAS AVG P M TR P P P COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: ROMA; S C in field; Roma stg. l., with Victory and spear
RIC 244 (C2). BMC 564. BNC 529.
Acquired from CGB.fr, November 2022.

Part of the third sestertius issue of 71 AD, this fairly common reverse type features Roma holding Victory. Roma is depicted in the guise of an Amazon warrior, a typical attribute for her on the coinage during the Flavian era likely based on a cult image. The massive portrait on the obverse is rendered in fine veristic style. C. H. V. Sutherland in his work Roman Coins commented on the Vespasianic portraits of the era - 'Vespasian's aes, however, and not merely the sestertii, developed a full magnificence of portraiture. Again the heads were large, even massive, and normally in high relief, giving the strong impression of the purely profile view of sculpture in the round. And, because of the larger scale which this aes permitted, a wealth of detail could be achieved: close cut hair, finely wrinkled brow, a minutely rendered profile eye, and all the jowls and neck-folds of an old man. The beauty of this work lay in its realism, strong in authority and yet delicate in execution; and it was in the addition of technical delicacy to strength of conception that Vespasian's coinage clearly excelled over Galba.' I believe this coin to be a fine example of what Sutherland had in mind.

Thanks for looking!

 

Wow, the earth god was kind to the fine portrait on that coin ☺️!

[mc9]

Here an AS with a nice portrait, he has a small beard around the mouth

IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III

Head laureate right

AEQVITAS AVGVSTI S/C

Aequitas standing left, holding scales and rod.

Rome A.D.71, As, 9.42 gr, 26.92 mm, RIC II 482 p.73