Fides Navidad!

[David Atherton]

It's always a treat to come across an obscure rarity, especially one that is overlooked and misattributed. And the portrait isn't too shabby either!

 

Vespasian
Æ As, 10.24g
Lyon mint, 71 AD
Obv: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.; globe at point of bust
Rev: FIDES PVBLICA; S C in field; Fides stg. l., with patera and cornucopiae
RIC 1164 (R). BMC -. BNC 808.
Acquired from mortown, eBay, November 2024.

A rare Fides as struck for Vespasian at Lugdunum in 71. The type is much more commonly seen in the later issue from 77-78 on the dupondii. FIDES PVBLICA, the good faith of the state, was a common personification on Vespasian's coinage. The figure on the reverse is likely based on a cult statue of the goddess whose annual sacrifice occurred on 1 October. Important documents of state and treaties were stored in her temple for safe keeping. The Fides type came into common imperial use during the Flavian era and was an important part of Vespasian's numismatic propaganda. Missing from the BM.

In hand.

 

As always, thank you for looking!

Edited December 23, 2024 by David Atherton

[CPK]

Great coin. I like the color and that portrait is very well done!

[David Atherton]

12 hours ago, CPK said:

Great coin. I like the color and that portrait is very well done!

The seller thought these Lugdunese portraits under Vespasian are the pinnacle of Roman portraiture. I didn't argue. 

[Ancient Coin Hunter]

Nice coloration and a great coin. Enjoy!

[CPK]

Hey, I forgot I have the same type! 

VESPASIAN, AD 69-79
AE As (28.88mm, 10.81g, 7h)
Struck AD 71. Lugdunum mint
Obverse: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III, laureate head of Vespasian right with globe at point of neck
Reverse: FIDES PVBLICA, Fides standing left, holding patera and cornucopiae; S C across fields
References: RIC II 1164, RCV -
A rare type with an exceptional portrait.