Vespasian Aureus
RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 40 · 71 AD · Rome
Obverse
Reverse
Münzkabinett, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
Obverse
IMP CAES VESP AVG P M
Head of Vespasian, laureate, right
Reverse
TRI POT II COS III P P
Pax, draped, seated left, holding branch in extended right hand and winged caduceus in left
About This Type
This RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 40 is an aureus of Vespasian (71 AD), struck at the Rome mint. The reverse depicts Pax, draped, seated left, holding branch in extended right hand and winged caduceus in left. Struck in gold at a standard weight of 7.29g, 18mm diameter.
About the Aureus
The aureus was the principal Roman gold denomination, struck from the late Republic through the early fourth century. It typically weighs 7–8 grams and measures 19–21mm. Because gold does not corrode, aurei often survive in exceptional condition compared to silver and bronze issues of the same period.
About the Rome Mint
The Rome mint was the principal mint of the Roman state from the Republic through the fall of the Western Empire. It produced the vast majority of gold and silver coinage and was the only mint for much of the first and second centuries AD.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 40?
- RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 40 is a Gold Aureus of Vespasian (71 AD) struck at the Rome mint cataloged under RIC no. RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 40.
- How do you identify RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 40?
- The obverse depicts Head of Vespasian, laureate, right with the inscription IMP CAES VESP AVG P M. The reverse depicts Pax, draped, seated left, holding branch in extended right hand and winged caduceus in left with the inscription TRI POT II COS III P P. Portrait type: laureate.
- What are the physical specifications of RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 40?
- RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 40 was struck in Gold, standard weight 7.29g, diameter 18mm, die axis 6 h, struck.
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