Numismatica Ars Classica
Auction 125 23-24 Jun 2021
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Spanish Mint, possibly Tarraco
Denarius circa late 69 to 70, AR 3.46 g. IMP CAESAR AVG VESPASIAN[VS] Laureate head r. Rev. HISPANIA Hispania, draped, standing l., holding corn-ears, spears and shield behind shoulders. C –. BMC 2002. RIC 1296. CBN –. Villaronga Benages 4270 (this coin).
Extremely rare and an issue of great historical importance and fascination. Struck on a
very broad flan and with a lovely light iridescent tone. Extremely fine
Ex NAC sale 78, 2014, 879.
This extremely rare denarius is believed to have been struck by partisans of Vespasian in Hispania, probably in the period between his acclamation as a rival emperor to Vitellius on 1 July AD 69 and his arrival in Rome in AD 70. The types are somewhat crudely rendered, which may perhaps suggest production at an unofficial mint, although Tarraco(?) is preferred by RIC. If so, the coin may belong to the period when Vitellius still held power in Rome and Flavian victory was not yet assured. The reverse type depicts the personification of Hispania, but this is not the passive figure found on later Hadrianic issues with a branch and rabbit for attributes. Here she carries spears and a shield slung over her shoulder, making clear reference to the role that the armies of Hispania had played in the outbreak of civil war following the suicide of Nero and the establishment of Galba as the first emperor of the Year of the Four Emperors. This issue, however, indicates the backing of Vespasian by the same rebellious armies in the hope of bringing back some semblance of peace and order to the Roman Empire after a year of blood and chaos.
Denarius circa late 69 to 70, AR 3.46 g. IMP CAESAR AVG VESPASIAN[VS] Laureate head r. Rev. HISPANIA Hispania, draped, standing l., holding corn-ears, spears and shield behind shoulders. C –. BMC 2002. RIC 1296. CBN –. Villaronga Benages 4270 (this coin).
Extremely rare and an issue of great historical importance and fascination. Struck on a
very broad flan and with a lovely light iridescent tone. Extremely fine
Ex NAC sale 78, 2014, 879.
This extremely rare denarius is believed to have been struck by partisans of Vespasian in Hispania, probably in the period between his acclamation as a rival emperor to Vitellius on 1 July AD 69 and his arrival in Rome in AD 70. The types are somewhat crudely rendered, which may perhaps suggest production at an unofficial mint, although Tarraco(?) is preferred by RIC. If so, the coin may belong to the period when Vitellius still held power in Rome and Flavian victory was not yet assured. The reverse type depicts the personification of Hispania, but this is not the passive figure found on later Hadrianic issues with a branch and rabbit for attributes. Here she carries spears and a shield slung over her shoulder, making clear reference to the role that the armies of Hispania had played in the outbreak of civil war following the suicide of Nero and the establishment of Galba as the first emperor of the Year of the Four Emperors. This issue, however, indicates the backing of Vespasian by the same rebellious armies in the hope of bringing back some semblance of peace and order to the Roman Empire after a year of blood and chaos.