A.D. 69-79 Roman Vespasian Denarius NGC F

Money Does Not Stink!

"Pecunia non olet," a Latin phrase that translates to "money does not stink," is attributed to Vespasian, the Roman Emperor from A.D. 69-79, who reportedly imposed a tax on urine collected from public urinals. When his son Titus expressed disgust at the idea, Vespasian is said to have replied, "Pecunia non olet"! Vespasian was known for his wit and his amiable manner along with his commanding personality and military prowess. These high-purity silver Denarius coins featuring Vespasian's bust 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 A.D. 69 following the suicide of emperor Nero. The first civil war of the Roman Empire, the bitter internecine conflict marked the end of the Julio-Claudian 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. During his reign, Vespasian accomplished several major objectives. One was to restore the wreckage of Rome's finances left behind by Nero's wasteful reign. Another was to restore discipline in the army after the civil wars. A third was ensure the succession of his sons Titus and Domitian. It was also during Vespasian's reign that construction on the Colosseum began in Rome financed with spoils taken from his conquest of Jerusalem.

2,000-Year-Old Coin Still In Fine Condition

The coin's obverse shows a right-facing bust of Emperor Vespasian, whose reputation as a rugged man can clearly be seen in his distinctive aquiline or "Roman" nose. Look closely and you might even agree with some historians that Vespasian bears more than a passing resemblance to former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. The coin's reverse shows the standing figure of the goddess Roma, the female personification for the city of Rome and the Roman state. Each silver Denarius available here comes certified, graded, and authenticated by the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) in Fine (F) condition, meaning it is 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! Availability is extremely limited, so act now!