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Silver Denarius (18mm, 3.26g) Struck A.D. 79 Rome
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG Laureate head right
Rev: TP POT X COS VIIII Capricorn left over globe. (One of the four final denarius and aureus types of Vespasian's reign)
RIC II 118
ex. Harry Stewart Collection, ex Harlan J. Berk
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Here is a simple breakdown of what this coin is saying on both sides.
The Front (Obverse): Meet the Emperor
- What you see: A portrait of Emperor Vespasian looking to the right, wearing a laurel wreath (the ancient equivalent of a crown, signaling victory).
- The Text (Inscription): IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG
- What it translates to: Imperator Caesar Vespasianus Augustus
- The Secret Meaning: Vespasian was a tough, practical former general who took over after a chaotic civil war. By packing his title with words like "Imperator" (victorious commander), "Caesar" (linking him to the ultimate Roman dynasty), and "Augustus" (venerable emperor), he was telling the public: "Relax, the war is over. I'm a strong, legitimate leader, and the empire is in safe hands."
The Back (Reverse): The Celestial Sea-Goat
- What you see: A Capricorn (a mythical creature that is half-goat, half-fish) facing left, perched on top of a globe.
- The Text (Inscription): TR POT X COS VIIII
- What it translates to: Tribunicia Potestas X, Consul VIIII
- The Secret Meaning: This text is a date stamp! It means he was holding the power of Tribune for the 10th time and serving as Consul (a top political office) for the 9th time. This perfectly locks the coin's production to early 79 AD.
But why a goat-fish on a globe?
This is the most fascinating part of the coin! The Capricorn was the personal astrological sign of Augustus, the very first and most beloved Emperor of Rome. Augustus had used the Capricorn on his own coins decades earlier to symbolize a Golden Age of global peace and cosmic destiny.
By reviving this exact symbol and putting it on top of a globe, Vespasian was using a clever political shortcut. He was broadcasting: "Just like the great Emperor Augustus, my rule is bringing a brand new Golden Age of peace and prosperity to the entire world."
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