Lot 2179
Vespasian. Gold Aureus (7.03 g), AD 69-79. Rome, AD 73. IMP CAES VESP AVG CEN, laureate head of Vespasian right. Reverse: VES-TA, tetrastyle temple of Vesta with a round-dome and approached by four steps; within, statue of Vesta standing facing, head left, holding long scepter, flanked to either side by two additional statues. RIC 515; BN 92; BMC 107; Calicó 690a. Well centered with complete legends. Rare reverse type. Even wear and quite pleasing. NGC grade VF; Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5. Fine style. Estimate Value $5,000 - 6,000
The storehouse for legal documents as well as the sacred fire of the goddess of the hearth, home and family in Roman religion, Vesta, the temple of Vesta on the Palatine depicted on the reverse of this aureus is that which was reconstructed under Nero after having been destroyed in the Great Fire of Rome in AD 64. Vespasian later rededicated the temple.
|
| |
| Unsold |
