Roman Empire - Silver denarius of emperor Vespasian (
Vespasian A. D. Denarius 71 A. D. Rom. 3.33 g, 18 mm.Obverse: IMP CAES VESP AVG P M laureate bust facing right. Reverse: TRI-POT, Vesta facing left, with simpulum.RIC 46; C. 561. The son of a businessman and brother of the prefect of Rome, he enlisted as a soldier in the army. He served under Caligula, Claudius and Nero. He was successful and held positions in, among others, Britain, Germania, Greece and Judea. Nero let him strike down a revolt in the latter country, with great success. Coins with the 'Judea Capta' reverse are highly sought-after. After Galba fell, and Otho after him, Vitellius rose to power. Vespasian's soldiers didn't accept that, and chose Vespasian as their emperor. Vespasian went to Rome and even before he'd reached the city gates, Vitellius was lynched and Vespasian was hailed as a hero. He was a skilled statesman and Rome prospered under his leadership. He had the Colosseum built, amongst others. In 79 he died of dysentery. Read More