AD 69–79 Roman Silver Antoninianus Vespasian VG

These Silver Coins Avoided Being Melted For Nearly 2,000 Years

These ancient Roman Antoninianus coins, depicting Emperor Vespasian from the early part of the Roman empire, are one of the last examples of high-purity Roman silver coins. You see, Roman coins were diluted—from 100% silver to 50% silver—as the fall of Rome began. Because Vespasian’s reign lasted just 10 years, the date of these coins can be narrowed down to between AD 69 and 79—meaning these high-purity silver coins somehow avoided meltings for nearly 2,000 years.

Born From The Year Of The Four Emperors

Vespasian was the fourth and final emperor to reign during Rome’s infamous “Year of the Four Emperors” that included Emperors Galba, Otho, and Vitellius, who all briefly reigned at some point during AD 69. The first civil war of the Roman Empire, it marked the end of the Julio-Claudians dynasty and the beginning of the Flavian Dynasty under Vespasian. During his reign, Vespasian enacted fiscal reforms, consolidated the empire, and generated political stability through a vast building program.

2,000-Year-Old Coin Still In Very Good Condition

The coin’s obverse shows a right-facing bust of Emperor Vespasian, while the reverse shows the standing figure of the goddess Roma, the female personification for the city of Rome and the Roman state. The silver Antoninianus was equivalent to a Double-Denarius and each one available here comes in Very Good (VG) condition, meaning they are identifiable, with noticeable indications of circulation wear. An attractive coin from the glory days of Rome, this coin will be a magnificent addition to your collection!