Vespasian. Silver Denarius (2,86 g, 16,5 mm), AD 69-79. Judaea Capta type. Antioch, AD 72. IMP CAES VESP A-VG P M COS IIII, laureate head of Vespasian right. Reverse: Palm tree; to left, emperor standing right, placing left foot on helmet, holding spear and parazonium; to right, Jewess seated right, in attitude of mourning. Hendin 6520; RIC 1558; BN 318; BMC 510; RPC II 1930; RSC 645. Rare, good fine, nicely toned and scrathes
This denarius type is an iconic symbol of the Roman victory in the great Jewish War (AD 66-70) and illustrates the total subjection of rebellious Judaea to Rome. The defeat of the rebels was advertised on a vast series of coins issued by Vespasian and Titus as a means of lending legitimacy to their usurpation of power following the death of Nero. Some of the bullion used for the precious metal issues is likely to have come from the plunder of the Temple and the sack of Jerusalem and other cities captured during the war. Fine