Watch List notes:

Vespasian. AD 69-79. Military fleet diploma consisting of two complete tablets with original hinge and binding wires (Tabella I: height 14.8 cm; width 13.4 cm; thickness 2mm. Tabella II: height 13.4 cm; width 14.8 cm; thick. The totalt weight with the hinge and binding wires is 713,28 g). This remarkable diploma was given by Vespasian to the veteral sailor Dernaius Derdipili f. Dacus (Daci from Danube region) in Rome on February 26th, AD 70. This is the first diploma recorded that was issued by Vespasian, and it is exceptionally well-preserved. It is one of very few diplomas with the original hinge and binding wires intact. The bronze tablets have a beautiful dark brown-green patina and the latin inscriptions are all clear and fully readable. The diploma comes in a specially made red cloth gilt folding case. An unique and very important piece of Roman history. This diploma is published in: M.M. Roxan and P. Holder, Roman Military Diplomas, IV, Institute of Classical Studies, London, 2003, no. 203, pp. 392-393, M. M. Roxan Journal of Roman Archaeology 9, 1996, pp. 247-256, Acquired from Quaritch, London, June 1995; On exhibition, 1: "Preservation for access: Originals and copies". On the occasion of the 1st International Memory of the World Conference, organised by the Norwegian Commission for UNESCO and the National Library of Norway, at the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, Oslo, 3 June - 14 July 1996; On exhibition, 2: 2. Kistefos-museet, Jevnaker: Romerske portretter i gull og marmor, 22 mai - 25 september 2005. Grade: 01