Vespasian Roma Sestertius, 71 AD

Vespasian Æ Sestertius, Rome mint, 71 AD Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG P M T P P P COS III; Bust of Vespasian, laureate, r. Rev: RO-MA across field; S C in field; Roma stg. r., with Victory and spear RIC 102 (R2). BMC -. BNC -. Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 225, 30 November 2023, lot 6. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex Heidelberger Münzhandlung Herbert Grün e.K Auction 32, 5 May 2001, lot 552. An early Vespasian sestertius from 71 featuring a fine style idealised portrait paired with a reverse die recycled from Galba’s reign. All of the coins from this first sestertius issue of 71 are rare with most being monumental in design. Missing from both the BM and Paris collections. RIC cites one specimen from Oxford.