Record

Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Vespasian

< 230 of 664 > Back

minted in Rome

Postcard of Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Vespasian.
000-180-001-524-C
© National Museums Scotland

Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Vespasian

This silver coin was minted in Rome by the emperor Vespasian in 77 or 78 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 CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG' around him identifies the emperor and abbreviates some of his titles. The edge has a small nick.

Silver coins of the early empire were struck to good weight and metal purity. Over time, however, the issues became lighter and the purity was debased. Perhaps there was not enough metal available to mint the vast numbers of coins needed to pay the army and to fund other special payments.


Record details

To search on related items, click any linked text below.

Online ID: 000-180-001-524-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0504: National Museums Scotland Part 2
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C10486
Date: 77 - 78
Minted in 77 or 78 AD
Material: Silver; edge nick at 4.5 (obverse); both sides slightly off-centre; fairly worn . Inscription: Obv. IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; laureate head right / Rev. COS VIII; bar above VIII; prow of ship to right; star above
Dimensions: 19.00 mm D / Die Axis: 6.5
What: Coin Type: RIC 108
Coin, denarius
Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
Who: Vespasian
Where: Italy, Rome
Roman Empire
Event:
Description: Silver denarius of Vespasian, Rome, AD 77 - 78
References:
  • Mattingly, Harold and Sydenham, Edward A. The Roman Imperial Coinage. Vol. II. Vespasian to Hadrian. London: Spink & Son, Ltd, 1926. 
Translations:
Related Records:
< 230 of 664 > Back
 
Powered by Scran