![ROMAN. Vespasian, Denarius, 'CERES AVGVST' [ARI-355] - Image 2](https://colonialcoins.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ARI-355-1.jpg)
Description
Vespasiānus (Vespasian), Roman Emperor and founder of the Flavian dynasty 69-79 AD, Silver Denarius (3.03g, 18mm), Rome mint 77-78 AD. Obverse: Laureate head of Vespasian facing to the right, legend surrounds, “CΛESΛR VESPΛSIΛNVS ΛVG”. Reverse: Ceres stands to the left, draped in stola and holding corn ears and poppy aloft in right hand and sceptre in left, legend surrounds, “CERES ΛVGVST”. RIC-968; RSC-54; Sear-2283. A slight die cudd / filled die to 9h, not detracting visually especially in hand, lightly toned and with slight lustre, Very Fine.
The obverse Latin legend states the emperor’s name and titles, reading unabridged as “Caesar Vespasiānus Augustus”. The reverse Latin reads unabridged as “Cerēs Augusta”, naming the goddess of agriculture, grain crops, fertility and motherly relationships as well as her honorific title of Augusta. Although normally reserved for the female members of the Imperial family, the title of Augusta was bestowed on many goddesses as well, mostly those that personified the generosity of the emperor.
