Vespasian and Victory

[David Atherton]

My latest addition is nothing too spectacular, just an average Vespasianic mid-period as. Worn coins such as these are very satisfying in hand. Newly freed from its plastic prison too!

 

 

Vespasian

Æ As, 10.91g
Rome mint, 74 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESP AVG COS V CENS; Head of Vespasian, laureate, l.
Rev: VICTORIA AVGVSTI; S C in field; Victory stg. r. on prow, with wreath and palm
RIC 734 (C). BMC 705. BNC 724.
Acquired from eBay, January 2023. Formerly in NGC holder #6556188-007, grade VG.

A generic Victory on prow type struck when Vespasian held the joint censorship with Titus, which is advertised in the obverse legend. This Victory type would be repeatedly struck throughout Vespasian's reign, the prow possibly alluding to 'Victory at sea'. Some collectors and dealers refer to this as a 'Judaea Capta' type, although there is not an explicit connection. This variant is rated 'common' by the new RIC II.1.

 

And here it is 'in hand'.

 

 

Feel free to show your worn common coins.

As always, thanks for looking!

Edited February 6, 2023 by David Atherton

[CPK]

Personally, I much prefer a smoothly worn coin to one of higher technical grade but rough/pitted surfaces. Congrats on a fine piece!

Here is a very worn, common coin which I find charming:

[Prieure de Sion]

2 minutes ago, CPK said:

Here is a very worn, common coin which I find charming:

..cool reverse!