Description
Vespasian, Roman Emperor from 69-79 AD, Gold Aureus (7.17g, 19mm), struck at Rome 72-73 AD. Obverse: Laureate Head of Vespasian facing to right, legend around, “IMP CΛES VESP ΛVG PM COS IIII”. Reverse: Naked figure of Neptune stands to left with right foot on globe, holding acrostolium in right hand and long sceptre in left, legend around, “NEP RED”. RIC-358; Cohen-273; Calicó-654. An attractive, lustrous Aureus in a modest, collectible grade; Vespasian is portrayed in faithful Flavian style with archetypically angular facial features, a bold style repeated by both Titus and Domitian. Near Very Fine or better.
The Obverse Latin legend reads “Imperator Caesar Vespasianus Augustus, Pontifex Maximus, Consular Quartum”, with an English translation of “Imperator Caesar Vespasianus Augustus, Chief High Priest of the College of Pontiffs, Consul in his fourth term”. The Reverse Latin legend reads “Neptune Redux”, with an English interpretation of “Neptune, he who returns the Emperor from the sea safely”. Neptune was the Roman god of fresh water and the sea and was the Roman interpretation of the Ancient Greek god Poseidon.