A Rare Vespasian Mars Sestertius From 73 AD

[David Atherton]

The title says it all. This Mars type is much more commonly found from the issues of 71 ... this variety from 73 is incredibly scarce. I'm overjoyed to add it!

 

Vespasian
Æ Sestertius, 24.26g
Rome mint, 73 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESP AVG P M T P P P COS IIII CENS; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: MARS VICTOR; S C in field; Mars, armoured, adv. l., with Victory and trophy
RIC 574 (R). BMC 657. BNC -.
Acquired from Romae Aeternae, eBay, October 2024.

A rare sestertius struck in 73 after Vespasian was awarded the joint censorship with Titus. The reverse features Mars in full military dress instead of the heroic nude he is normally depicted as on the contemporary denarii. This MARS VICTOR type pays proper respect to the god of war for granting Flavian success in the recently concluded Jewish War (an open display of celebration for defeating Vitellius would be taboo on the coinage). It is a carry-over design from the great bronze issue of 71 and the last appearance of the type under Vespasian. Missing from the Paris collection.

In hand.

 

As always, thank you for looking!

Edited October 27, 2024 by David Atherton

[Bannerknight]

4 hours ago, David Atherton said:

The title says it all. This Mars type is much more commonly found from the issues of 71 ... this variety from 73 is incredibly scarce. I'm overjoyed to add it!

 

Vespasian
Æ Sestertius, 24.26g
Rome mint, 73 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESP AVG P M TR P P P COS IIII CENS; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.
Rev: MARS VICTOR; S C in field; Mars, armoured, adv. l., with Victory and trophy
RIC 574 (R2). BMC 657. BNC -.
Acquired from Romae Aeternae, eBay, October 2024.

A rare sestertius struck in 73 after Vespasian was awarded the joint censorship with Titus. The reverse features Mars in full military dress instead of the heroic nude he is normally depicted as on the contemporary denarii. This MARS VICTOR type pays proper respect to the god of war for granting Flavian success in the recently concluded Jewish War (an open display of celebration for defeating Vitellius would be taboo on the coinage). It is a carry-over design from the great bronze issue of 71 and the last appearance of the type under Vespasian. Missing from the Paris collection.

In hand.

 

As always, thank you for looking!

Congratulations on acquiring a rare piece! The video is great.