Vespasian AR Denarius 77-78

Vespasian AR Denarius 77-78

Obv: Laureate head left: CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG

Rev: CERES stg l with corn ears poppy and sceptre; CERES AVGVST

Ric 970, BMC Page 425 add note to no. 300 left facing variant Colchester, RSC 54a (Colchester)

Purchased from Ebay July 2019

Though I have no idea why the Flavians chose to issue left facing portraits, I do find them interesting. Both Titus and Vespasian use left facing portraits with some frequency on their denarii. Some are common and some are quite rare. On the other hand, left facing portraits on denarii of Domitian are all very rare.

I like the portrait on this coin. Unfortunately, the figure of Ceres on the reverse is not very clear. The legends could also be much better. However, when you want a scarce coin like this, sometimes you have to settle for what the market offers.