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Vespasian
silver tetradrachm 69 - 70 AD
issued in Antioch, Capital of the Roman Province of Syria
Heritage Auctions Jan 2011
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This is a Roman Provincial tetradrachma or 4-drachm piece, issued in the Roman province of Syria in the city of Antioch (just north of Lebanon in present day Turkey).
Vespasian was an important Roman senator, however, he had the misfortune of falling asleep during one of the Emperor Nero’s poetry recitals. Whether as punishment or despite that fact, the next year he was sent from Rome to the East to put down the Jewish rebellion. While he was away Nero was sentenced to death by the Roman senate and committed suicide. In the ensuing fracas Vespasian somehow was proclaimed Emperor and ruled for 10 years (69 to 79 AD). Vespasian is known as one of the good Emperors, coming from a humble background and said to be very down to earth. He was also very fiscally conservative and once was pelted with turnips by the people for his extreme financial rigour.
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Vespasian
69 - 79 AD
This coin was struck in the 2nd year of his reign, 69 or 70 AD and shows a very accurate portrait of the Emperor. This is because he was actually in the region putting down the Jewish revolt soon before this coin was struck.
weight approx 15 g |
