Vespasian Denarius 69-79 CE

I like collecting interesting coins of Vespasian. While not as rare as my examples already posted, this one is certainly not all that easy to find either. What attracted me to this coin was the dark toning. I really like the way the highlights on the portrait and the figure on the reverse seem to come to life against the darker background.

This coin is an example where the emperor is featured on both sides of the coin. His portrait is on the obverse, but he is pictured seated on the reverse. This coin has plenty of detail left on both sides. I also really like that the full legend on both the obverse and reverse are preserved. The legend "Maxim Pontiff" refers to Vespasian's role as chief priest of the empire.

Vespasian. AD 69-79. AR Denarius Rome mint. Struck AD 74.

(18.47 mm, 3.39 g, 6h).

Obv: IMP CAESAR VESP AUG Laureate head right

Rev: PONTIF MAXIM Vespasian seated right, holding scepter and branch.

RIC II 685; BMCRE pg. 27 ; RSC 386. SRCV 1 (2000) 2305.

Ex: J. Eric Engstrom Collection

Ex: CNG E-auction 373, Lot 366 April 20, 2016