Sestertius of Vespasian - 1967.08

Acquisition number: 1967.08

Other images

Rev.: Pax (Peace) holding a cornucopia and a branch

Obv.: Head of Vespasian r., laureate. IMP(erator) CAES(ar) VESPASIAN(us) AVG(ustus) P(ontifex) M(aximus) TR(ibunicia) P(otestate) P(ater) P(atriae) CO(n)S(ul) [III].

Rev.: Pax standing l., draped, with cornucopiae in left hand and branch in right. PAX AVGVSTI. In field, S(enatus) C(onsulto).

Title: Sestertius of Vespasian - 1967.08

Acquisition number: 1967.08

Author or editor: Beryl Rawson

Culture or period: Roman Imperial

Date: AD 71

Material: Metal - Bronze

Object type: Coins - Roman

Dimensions: 31mm (w)

Origin region or location: Italy

Origin city: Rome

Display case or on loan: 7

Keywords: Coin, sestertius, Roman, Imperial, Vespasian, Pax

Seaby, H.A., Roman Silver Coins (London, B.A. Seaby, 1967) II 181 (2nd Pax issue of AD 71); see Sear, D.R., Roman Coins and their Values 5 vols (London, Spink, 2000-2014) 2330 (3rd Pax issue of AD 71).

1967.08

Sestertius of Vespasian

22.298 g. AD 71

Obv.: Head of Vespasian r., laureate. IMP(erator) CAES(ar) VESPASIAN(us) AVG(ustus) P(ontifex) M(aximus) TR(ibunicia) P(otestate) P(ater) P(atriae) CO(n)S(ul) [III].

Rev.: Pax standing l., draped, with cornucopiae in left hand and branch in right. PAX AVGVSTI. In field, S(enatus) C(onsulto).

Vespasian was consul in every year of his reign except AD 73. His third consulship was in AD 71. Little bronze was issued by Vespasian in AD 69-70. He did not reach Rome until December of AD 69, and the mint on the Capitol seems to have been damaged by fire at that time.

Pax (Peace) was an important concept in Vespasian’s reign (cf. Augustus), and it was particularly appropriate in AD 71 when the emperor and his son Titus celebrated a triumph for bringing to an end the revolt in Judaea.

Seaby, H.A., Roman Silver Coins (London, B.A. Seaby, 1967) II 181 (2nd Pax issue of AD 71); see Sear, D.R., Roman Coins and their Values 5 vols (London, Spink, 2000-2014) 2330 (3rd Pax issue of AD 71).