VESPASIAN (69-79). Denarius. Rome. "Judaea Capta" issue
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG. Laureate head right. Rev: IVDAEA. Judaea seated right, with head resting upon hand in attitude of mourning; trophy to left. RIC² 2; Hendin 1479. Condition: Fine. Weight: 3.39 g. Diameter: 18 mm. extremely fine ex MArius Heemstra collection.
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