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Both sides of an irregularly shaped bronze coin with relief decoration on each side

On the side of the coin on the left is the bust of a balding man facing right, wearing a laurel wreath; surrounding the border, the Latin characters: I M P / C A E S / V E S P A S I A N / A V G / P M / T R / P / P / P / C O S / I I I. The other side of the coin depicts a man standing facing right before a palm tree, left foot on helmet, holding vertical spear in right hand and a dagger in left hand; before palm tree, a woman seated right on armor, propping her head on left hand, left arm set on her knee; surrounding the left and right border, the Latin characters: I V D A E A / C A P T A.

Identification and Creation

Object Number
2008.2.83
People
Vespasian, Roman (r. 69-79 CE)
Title
Sestertius of Vespasian, Rome
Classification
Coins
Work Type
coin
Date
71 CE
Places
Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World, Europe, Rome (Latium)
Period
Roman Imperial period, Early
Culture
Roman Imperial
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/322107

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Bronze
Metal
AE
Technique
Struck
Dimensions
26.71g
Die Axis
6
Denomination
sestertius
Date on Object
COS III
Inscriptions and Marks
  • Obverse Inscription: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG PM TR P P P COS III
  • Reverse Inscription: IVDAEA CAPTA

State, Edition, Standard Reference Number

Standard Reference Number
RIC II.1 2, 167 p. 71

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Alpheus Hyatt Purchasing Fund and purchase through the generosity of the Estate of Leo Mildenberg
Accession Year
2008
Object Number
2008.2.83
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Description
Obv.: Laureate bust of Vespasian r.; around, IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III.
Rev.: Palm tree; to r., Vespasian standing r. with spear and parazonium, foot on helmet; to r., Judaea seated r.; around, IVDAEA [CAP]TA; in exergue, S C.

Exhibition History

  • 32Q: 3620 University Study Gallery, Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge, 11/16/2014 - 02/13/2015

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu