Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Vespasian

Add to album

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 VESPASIANVS AVG' identifies the emperor and abbreviates some of his titles.

The Romans needed coins for one main purpose - to pay the salaries of her huge military force. They were also used to pay the salaries of her officials and to fund public works and special payments to the poor.

Record details

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

• Online ID: 000-180-001-613-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.C10481
• Date: 69 - 71
  Minted between 69 and 71 AD
  
• Material: Silver; some black accretion; moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; laureate head right / Rev. COS ITER TR POT; Pax seated left, holding branch and caduceus
  Coin Type: RIC 10
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 17.50 x 17.00 mm D / Die Axis: 6.0
  
• What: Coin Type: RIC 10
  Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: Pax
  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:
• Related Records: