Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Vespasian

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This silver coin was minted in Rome by the emperor Vespasian in 76 AD. It is a type called a denarius, the most common Roman silver coin. This picture shows the obverse of the coin.

The obverse depicts the head of Vespasian wearing a laurel wreath. The inscription 'IMP CAES VESPASIANVS AVG' around him identifies the emperor and abbreviates some of his titles.

The foundation of the Roman imperial coinage system was the denarius. Alongside this there was a limited gold series, based on the aureus, and a base metal series based on the sestertius. A denarius was of high value, equivalent to a soldier's daily wage.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-522-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1932.475
• Date: 76
  Minted in 76 AD
  
• Material: Silver. Inscription: Obv. IMP CAES VESPASIANVS AVG; head of Vespasian, laureate, l. / Rev. Eagle standing on garlanded base, head l.; COS VII across field
  Coin Type: RIC 99 b
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 18.00 mm D / Die Axis: 6.5
  
• What: Coin Type: RIC 99 b
  Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Ancient Coin Collection
  
• Who: Vespasian
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of Vespasian, Rome, 76
  
• References:
  • Mattingly, Harold and Sydenham, Edward A. The Roman Imperial Coinage. Vol. II. Vespasian to Hadrian. London: Spink & Son, Ltd, 1926. 
• Translations:
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