Ancient Roman Emperor Vespasian tetradrachm- 24 mm, 13.05 g SILVER COIN, 69-79 AD Vespasian - Roman Emperor: 69-79 A.D. Silver Tetradrachm 24 mm (13.05 grams) Antioch in Seleukis and Pieria mint, year 2, 69/70 A.D. Reference: RPC II 1945; Wruck 79; McAlee 11; AYTOKPAT KAIΣA OVEΣΠAΣIANOY, Laureate head of Vespasian right. ETOYΣ B IEPOY, Eagle standing left on club; in left field, palm branch. An ancient Roman Tetradrachm silver coin. Circa 69 to 79 AD. The coin was struck under Emperor Vespasian Seleucis and Pieria, Antioch. Obverse: laureate head of Vespasian right. Reverse an eagle standing left on the club with wings spread, holding wreath in beak, palm in left field. Total weight: 13.05 g. Diameter: 1 inch = 24 mm. Condition Report: Genuine patina. Overall good vintage condition. Signs of wear and age. Refer to photos. Sold as is. Authenticity report: 100% authentic. Certificate of authenticity is available on demand. REFERENCES: Titus Flavius Vespasianus, known in English as Vespasian (November 17 9AD – June 23 79AD), was a Roman Emperor who reigned from 69 AD until his death in 79 AD. Vespasian was the founder of the short-lived Flavian dynasty, which ruled the Roman Empire between 69 AD and 96 AD He was succeeded by his sons Titus (79–81) and Domitian (81–96). Vespasian descended from a family of equestrians which rose into the senatorial rank under the emperors of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. Although he attained the standard succession of public offices, holding the consulship in 51, Vespasian became more reputed as a successful military commander, partaking in the Roman invasion of Britain in 43, and subjugating the Judaea province during the Jewish rebellion of 66. While Vespasian was preparing to besiege the city of Jerusalem during the latter campaign, emperor Nero committed suicide, plunging the Roman Empire into a year of civil war known as the Year of the Four Emperors. After Galba and Otho perished in quick succession, Vitellius became emperor in mid 69. In response, the armies in Egypt and Judaea themselves declared Vespasian emperor on July 1. In his bid for imperial power, Vespasian joined forces with Gaius Licinius Mucianus, the governor of Syria, who led the Flavian forces against Vitellius, while Vespasian himself gained control over Egypt. On December 20, Vitellius was defeated, and the following day, Vespasian was declared emperor by the Roman Senate. Little factual information survives about Vespasian's government during the ten years he was emperor. His reign is best known for financial reforms following the demise of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, the successful campaign against Judaea, and several ambitious construction projects such as the Colosseum. Upon his death on June 23, 79, he was succeeded by his eldest son Titus. After the death of Nero in 68, Rome saw a succession of short-lived emperors and a year of civil wars. Galba was murdered by Otho, who was defeated by Vitellius. Otho's supporters, looking for another candidate to support, settled on Vespasian. According to Suetonius, a prophecy ubiquitous in the Eastern provinces claimed that from Judaea would come the future rulers of the world. Vespasian eventually believed that this prophecy applied to him, and found a number of omens, oracles, and portents that reinforced this belief.
