Vespasian AD 69-79 Silver Denarius Ephesus

Vespasian Silver Denarius AD 69-79

Laureate bust right/Ceres enthroned left holding corn ears and cornucopiae

The Twelve Caesars

Ephesus mint

RCV2269, 17mm, 3.25g

Vespasian AD 69-79

Son of a middle-class tax collector Vespasian entered the military where he had a successful career. As commander of Legion II he played an important part in the invasion of Britain in AD 43. He is created with capturing forts at Hod Hill and Maiden Castle as well as the Isle of Wight. Retired by the time of the Jewish uprising Nero instructed him to quell the revolt and appointed him as supreme commander in the East. With help from his eldest son Titus he was successful. Meanwhile Nero had committed suicide and the empire had plunged into civil war. After three emperors had been proclaimed in quick succession Vespasian decided to make his own bid and was proclaimed emperor by his own troops in AD 69.
Returning to Rome his authority was established following the demise of Vitellius and the advance of armies who were loyal to his cause. Establishing the Flavian dynasty Vespasian marked the return of strong government with discipline being restored to the armies. Upon the return of Titus in AD 70 Vespasian enjoyed a magnificent triumph with his son who he created a full partner in the government of the empire.
Vespasian’s simple lifestyle and industry soon made him popular after the excess of previous years. When Vespasian died in AD 79 he was deified and there was genuine sorrow. His final words are alleged to have been I think I am becoming a god.
Vespasian’s reign saw the opening of many provincial mints especially in the east.