Fortuna Flyspecking

[David Atherton]

As a specialist, 'flyspecking' (to examine something closely or in great detail) is a favourite pastime. My latest addition is yet another of those 'flyspecking' specials. Can you see why without reading the write-up?

 

Vespasian
Æ Dupondius, 8.40g
Lyon mint, 72 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIAN AVG COS IIII; Head of Vespasian, radiate, r.; globe at point of bust
Rev: FORTVNAE REDVCI; S C in field; Fortuna stg. l., with rudder on globe and cornucopiae
RIC 1188 (R3). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Variana Coins, July 2024.

Struck in 72, this Fortuna 'home-bringer' type commemorates Vespasian's safe return to Rome after the Jewish War. She is depicted here with her rudder competently steering the fate of the world. The cornucopiae she holds symbolises prosperity. This is an extremely rare variant of the type, possibly second known, depicting Fortuna without branch. RIC cites one example in Verona. The BM possibly has one as well (1979,0402.1), although the piece's poor quality makes it's difficult to tell if the reverse truly lacks a branch.

In hand.

 

Thanks for looking!

[Curtisimo]

Wonderful example, flyspeck or no. Great addition.

My own Fortuna Redux example is in desperate need of an updated photo. This is one of my early attempts with cellphone photography. Trajan is being wished a safe return from his conquests in Mesopotamia on this sestertius. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out that way and he died of illness on his way back to Rome.

[CPK]

Nice specialist rarity!

[Ancient Coin Hunter]

Highly interesting rarity. Congrats on having it in your collection.

[Aleph]

Does fortuna have to refer to the Jewish war?  Without the branch, might the legend just refer to the return of prosperity and stability two years after the chaos of the civil wars had ceased?

Edited August 29, 2024 by Aleph