Catalog
| Issuer | Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Year | 77-78 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Aureus = 25 Denarii |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 7.4 g |
| Diameter | |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | RIC II.1#967, OCRE#ric.2_1(2).ves.967 |
| Obverse description | Head of Vespasian, laureate, right. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG (Translation: Caesar Vespasianus, Augustus. Caesar Vespasian, emperor (Augustus).) |
| Reverse description | Ceres standing left, holding corn ears, poppy, and sceptre. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
CE-RES AVGVST (Translation: Ceres Augusta. Ceres, the venerable.) |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (77-78) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 1012877010 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This Aureus, struck in 77-78 AD, originates from the stable and prosperous reign of Emperor Vespasian, founder of the Flavian Dynasty. Following the tumultuous Year of Four Emperors, Vespasian (69-79 AD) brought much-needed order, fiscal responsibility, and renewed confidence to the Roman Empire. The reverse deity, Ceres, goddess of agriculture, grain, and fertility, was a potent symbol for Vespasian. Her presence on imperial coinage underscored the empire's renewed prosperity, the reliability of the grain supply, and the general well-being of the Roman populace under his pragmatic and effective leadership, reflecting a period of consolidation late in his decade-long rule.
Artistry: While individual engravers of Roman imperial coinage are rarely identified, this Aureus exemplifies the distinct Flavian artistic style. The obverse typically features a laureate portrait of Vespasian, characterized by a return to a more naturalistic, yet still idealized, imperial likeness. The reverse design of Ceres AVGVST depicts the goddess Ceres, often standing, holding attributes such as corn-ears, symbolizing agricultural bounty, and a torch or scepter. The legend "CERES AVGVST" elevates her, associating her directly with the imperial family and its beneficence, a common visual rhetoric employed to convey imperial stability and divine favor.
Technical/Grading: This gold Aureus adheres to the imperial standard of approximately 7.4 grams. Key high-points for wear assessment include the highest points of Vespasian's laureate hair, his brow, and the tip of his nose on the obverse. On the reverse, critical areas are Ceres's facial features, the details of her drapery, and the distinctness of the corn-ears and torch. A well-struck example will exhibit sharp details across the portrait and reverse motif, with strong luster indicative of original surface preservation. The planchet quality and evenness of strike are crucial for a premium grade, ensuring all elements are fully rendered.