Second Known Vespasian Denarius!

[David Atherton]

Yet another silver rarity to share. This time it's an Ephesian denarius, possibly the second known example. I'm truly excited to share it here!

 

Vespasian
AR Denarius, 3.09g
Ephesus mint, 73 AD (late)
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS IIII TR P P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: AVG and star in oak wreath
RIC 1452 (R3). BMC -. RSC -, RPC -. BNC -.
Ex Harlan J Berk, MBS 224, lot 115. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex Lanz, eBay, 13 September 2012.

An exceedingly rare Ephesian COS IIII denarius. RIC cites just one specimen (from different dies) of this AVG in oak wreath variety from a private collection. This is undoubtedly the scarcest issue struck for Vespasian at Ephesus, likely due to production spanning just a few weeks or days at the end of 73 just prior to Vespasian becoming COS V on 1 January 74.

In hand.

 

 

Thanks for looking!

Edited September 4, 2023 by David Atherton

[David Atherton]

And just to demonstrate how quickly the COS IIII issue changed over to COS V, here is a denarius clearly showing the new COS V date re-engraved over the older COS IIII date.

 

Vespasian Overdate
AR Denarius, 3.33g
Ephesus mint, 74 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS V TR P P P; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: PACI AVGVSTAE; Victory adv. r., with wreath and palm; at lower r., star
RIC 1457 (C). BMC 475. RSC 277. RPC 853 (10 spec.). BNC 368.
Acquired from Beast Coins, March 2011.

Edited September 6, 2023 by David Atherton

[Limes]

Fantastic catch! I have to ask though, how many coins did you get from the Curtis Clay collection? 

Edited September 4, 2023 by Limes

[David Atherton]

7 hours ago, Limes said:

Fantastic catch! I have to ask though, how many coins did you get from the Curtis Clay collection? 

Only @ 10 pieces so far. A once in a lifetime opportunity!

[Orfew]

A fantastic coin David! Just wonderful!