Tuesday, 11 July 2017

Rare gold aureus from the reign of Roman emperor Vespasian

MA-Shops.com a Dutch coin dealer, is currently offering what may be only the second known example of a rare gold aureus from early in the reign of Roman emperor Vespasian (69-79 CE). The coin was struck around 70 CE and was part of an increase in mint activity to supply coins to Roman soldiers involved in the First Jewish War of 66-73. General and future emperor Vespasian was tasked with quelling the rebellious Judea. His son and also future emperor, Titus, served as second-in-command.

Vespasian was proclaimed emperor after the suicide of Nero and left for Rome, leaving Titus in charge, where he sacked Jerusalem in 70 CE.