Vespasian AR Denarius – Pax Seated with Olive Branch & Caduceus | Rome Mint Jan–Jun AD 70 | RIC II 29 | Good VF Silver Denarius of Vespasian – Early Flavian Issue after the Civil War Coin Details Emperor: Vespasian (AD 69–79) Date: Struck January–June AD 70 Mint: Rome Obverse: Laureate head of Vespasian right. Inscription: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG Reverse: Pax seated left, holding olive branch and winged caduceus. Legend: COS ITER TR POT References: RIC II 29; BMCRE 26–30; BN 18; RSC 94h Diameter: 18 mm Weight: 3.26 grams Grade: Very Fine Historical Significance Struck in the first 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 seated Pax motif on the reverse wasn’t mere symbolism—it was a bold declaration: Rome had returned to stability, peace, and divine favor under the Flavian banner. Vespasian’s portrait, with its stern realism, reinforces his image as a restorer of order. Collector Appeal Desirable “first-year” issue of the Flavian dynasty Reverse features Pax, a favorite among collectors for its peaceful iconography Perfect for collections focused on: Flavian-era coinage Year of the Four Emperors aftermath Imperial propaganda themes Roman silver denominations in high grade |