Vespasianus - sestertius quadriga of elephants (JUL2610)

Divus Vespasian, died 79. Sestertius (Orichalcum, 33 mm, 24.26 g,), Rome, struck under Titus, 80-81. DIVO / AVG / VESP / S P Q R Divus Vespasian, radiate and togate, seated right in quadriga of elephants with riders, holding Victory in his right hand and scepter in his left. Rev. IMP T CAES DIVI VESP F AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII around large S C. BMC 221. CBN 229. Cohen 205. RIC 257. Rare.

The obverse depicts the deified Vespasian seated to the right, holding a small winged Victory and a scepter, atop an ornate chariot drawn by four elephants, each with its own mahout. The accompanying legend, DIVO AVG VESP and SPQR, indicates that the coin was issued to commemorate the deceased emperor and his apotheosis, and that it was struck by the authority of the Senate and the people of Rome. In contrast to the richly detailed obverse, the reverse is relatively simple, bearing only the legend naming Vespasian's son and successor, Titus, as the issuer, along with a large S C (Senatus Consulto), reaffirming that the coin was struck under the auspices of the Roman Senate.