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Aureus - Vespasian COS ITER FORT RED, Fortuna
| Issuer | Roman Imperial Mint |
|---|---|
| Year | 69-70 |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Technique | Hammered |
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| Reverse description | Fortuna, the goddess of fortune, stands facing left in a graceful contrapposto pose, draped in a long chiton and himation. In her right hand she holds a rudder resting on a globe, symbolizing the guidance of destiny, while her left arm supports an overflowing cornucopiae, representing abundance and prosperity. The legend is divided around the figure, with letters positioned in the left and right fields. The composition is well-centered on the flan, with the goddess rendered in fine relief consistent with Flavian die-cutting artistry. The reverse type alludes to Fortuna Redux, the fortune that safely returns, referencing Vespasian's arrival and stabilization of Roman rule following the Year of the Four Emperors. |
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| Reverse lettering | COS ITER FORT RED (Translation: Consul for the second time. Fortune that brings back.) |
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| Additional information |
Issued within months of Vespasian's victory in the civil wars of 69 AD — the Year of the Four Emperors — this aureus belongs to a group struck when his hold on power was still being consolidated. The COS ITER legend places it in his second consulship, and the Fortuna type was deliberately chosen: Fortuna Redux, the goddess of safe return, signaling to the Roman public that the chaos of Galba, Otho, and Vitellius was finished and a stable ruler had come home.
RIC II.1 1525 is among the eastern issues attributed to a mint traveling with Vespasian's forces, likely in the Balkans or near Rome itself during the transition period.