Vespasian, 69-79. Denarius (Silver, 18 mm, 3.20 g, 6 h), Ephesus, 71. IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS III TR P P P Laureate head of Vespasian to right. Rev. AVG / EPHE within wreath. BMC 451. Cohen 37. RIC 1427. RPC II 829. Somewhat cleaned and struck somewhat off center, otherwise, very fine
When Vespasian's reign began, he was supreme general in the eastern provinces leading the Roman army against the Jewish rebels in Judaea. The established eastern mints of Antioch and Ephesus were employed to strike coins in his name to pay the legions needed to challenge for the throne and complete the Judaean war. The production of denarii and aurei at Ephesus continued after he secured power until circa AD 76, including this specimen dated to 71. Ephesus having a long history of coinage, portraiture and overall quality were equal or superior to the mint of Rome, while retaining a distinctive style.
