![Vespasian, Denarius, 'ANNONA AVG' [ARI-335] - Image 2](https://colonialcoins.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ARI-335.jpg)
Description
Vespasianus, Roman Emperor and founder of the Flavian Dynasty 69-79 AD, Silver Denarius (3.43g, 18mm), Rome mint 77-78 AD. Obverse: Laureate head of Vespasian facing to the right, legend surrounds, “CΛESAR VESPΛSIΛNVS ΛVG”. Reverse: Annona enthroned to the left, draped in stola and holds bundle of corn ears which rests in her lap, legend surrounds, “ΛNNONΛ ΛVG”. RIC-964; RSC-29. An exceptional example of the progenitor of the Flavian dynasty, sharply struck and with pleasing underlying brilliance upon rotation, some nice splashes of colour to the peripheral devices, good Extremely Fine.
The obverse Latin legend reads unabridged as “Caesar Vespasiānus Augustus”, naming the emperor’s regnal name. The reverse Latin legend reads unabridged as “annōna Augustī”, with an English meaning of “annual grain supply of the Augustus (brought by)”.
