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Vespasian Honours the Legions


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My latest coin features a Vespasian reverse type you don't often see in trade. An early military themed reverse that became less needed as Vespasian's secure control on the empire was firmly established later in the reign.

 

 

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Vespasian

Æ As, 8.82g
Rome mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: S C in field; Aquila between two standards, all on prows
RIC 320 (R). BMC 613. BNC 591.
Acquired from CGB, March 2024.

The aquila between two standards type was struck early in Vespasian's reign to honour the loyalty of the legions. The aquila, which featured an eagle clutching a thunderbolt, was the most important standard of any legion. With the recent successful completion of the Civil War and Jewish rebellion, the immense value of the legion's support is not lost on Vespasian! The type was later revived under Titus and Domitian for their cistophori.

In hand.

 

As always, thank you for looking!

Edited by David Atherton
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