Ave!

Vespasian, Denarius, Mars Reverse, Scarce!

AR; 17mm/3.2gm       Rome - 70 AD

Con/ Soft strike on the reverse on a tight flan, otherwise, about Very Fine.

Obv/ IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG; Laureate head of Vespasian right.

Rev/ COS ITER (Consul again for a second time) TR POT; Mars, naked save for cloak, walking right, holding spear and Aquila (eagle-topped standard).

Ref/ RIC Vol II, 23 - RSC 87

Seller's Note/ Struck in the latter half of AD 70, this denarius represents the earliest coinage of Vespasian’s reign, minted in the wake of the Year of the Four Emperors and the chaos that followed. As Rome transitioned into Flavian rule, Vespasian issued a massive volume of denarii as both currency and imperial messaging.

The image of Mars carrying a legionary standard motif on the reverse wasn’t mere symbolism—it was a bold declaration to assure the Roman citizens that they were safe from enemies in under his leadership!