David Atherton Posted December 17, 2023 · Member Share Posted December 17, 2023 (edited) I've only seen one of these in trade in nearly 20 years. Needless to say I had to have it! The provenance isn't too shabby either. Vespasian Æ As, 8.68g Tarraco(?) mint, 70 AD Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r. Rev: CAESAR AVG F COS CAESAR AVG F PR; Heads of Titus, bare, r., and Domitian, bare, l., confronting; below, S C RIC 1321 (R2). BMC 748B. BNC 797. Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 84. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex Baldwin's, June 1970. Ex Glendining & Co. The V.J.E. Ryan Collection part V, 2 April 1952, lot 2745 (part). Spain declared for Vespasian late in 69 after the second battle of Cremona in October. Spanish mints immediately began striking coinage in all metals for Vespasian, with perhaps Tarraco being the primary mint of the province. The early aes coinage copied many of the reverse designs seen on the precious metals at Rome, as is the case with this dynastic type featuring the confronting busts of Titus and Domitian (copying RIC 16). All the coins from the issue are quite rare indicating they were not struck for any great length of time, perhaps only to address a shortage of bronze coinage in the region. In hand. Dynastic coin types were as important to the new Flavian dynasty as Judaea Capta or Pax. Even in a farflung Spanish province the message was clear - 'we are here to stay'. As always, thank you for looking! Edited December 17, 2023 by David Atherton 10 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CPK Posted December 17, 2023 · Supporter Share Posted December 17, 2023 Great coin! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor Ancient Coin Hunter Posted December 17, 2023 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted December 17, 2023 Pretty nifty pick up! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ocatarinetabellatchitchix Posted December 17, 2023 · Member Share Posted December 17, 2023 (edited) Nice one again. The only coin I had from Tarraco (sold it two years ago) was this one from 68 or 69. Edited December 17, 2023 by Ocatarinetabellatchitchix 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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