Vespasian. A.D. 69-79. Æ dupondius. 11.76 gm. 28 mm. Rome mint. A.D. 74. His radiate head right; IMP CAES VESP AVG P M T P COS V CENS / Felicitas standing left, holding caduceus and cornucopiae; FELICITAS PVBLICA S C. RIC II.1 554. Near Fine; brown patina.

This collection of early Roman Imperial bronze was formed by an American collector in the Midwest, buying coins in the 1950's from major London coin houses. He affixed collector 'H' numbers written in ink on lacquer on many of the coins. We have correspondence dated in 1950 and 1951 with Leonard Forrer at Spink & Son, Ltd. and William French at Glendining & Co. Ltd. in London, as well as Earle K. Stanton in Los Angeles, Paul S. Seitz in Pennsylvania, and Edward Gans, Numismatic Fine Arts in New York City.

A gifted military leader, Vespasian commanded part of the forces invading Britain under Claudius, and commanded troops suppressing the Jewish rebellion under Nero. Proclaimed emperor by the legions, he proved a just and capable ruler, repaired the damage caused by the civil wars, and was deified by the Senate after his death.