Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Vespasian

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This silver coin was minted in Rome by the emperor Vespasian between 69 and 71 AD. It is a type called a denarius, the most common Roman silver coin. This picture shows the obverse of the coin.

The obverse has the head of the emperor Vespasian wearing a laurel wreath and looking to the right. The legend '[IMP CAESAR V]ESPASIANVS AVG' identifies the emperor and abbreviates some of his titles.

The years 68 to 69 AD saw civil wars in the empire as several men tried to assume control of the Empire. Galba seized control from Nero in 68, but in turn was murdered the following year on Otho's orders. Otho only ruled three months before the forces of Vitellius defeated him. On his suicide, Vitellius became emperor, only to lose to Vespasian later in the year.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-504-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C10480
• Date: 69 - 71
  Minted between 69 and 71 AD
  
• Material: Silver; under-sized flan; obverse slightly off-centre; moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. [IMP CAESAR V] ESPASIANVS AVG; laureate head right / Rev. CAE [SAR AVG F] COS CAESAR AVG F P R; heads of Titus and Domitian face to face
  Coin Type: RIC 2
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 17.00 x 17.50 mm D / Die Axis: 6.0
  
• What: Coin Type: RIC 2
  Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: Domitian
  Titus
  Vespasian
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  Roman Empire
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of Vespasian, Rome, AD 69 - 71
  
• 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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