Vespasian, Denarius, 70
Ephesos - Silver - MS(60-62) - RIC:1421 - RPC:II-825
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Head of Vespasian, laureate, right.
Victory, draped, advancing left, holding wreath in extended right hand and palm in left hand over shoulder. Small monogram ΦΥ at her feet.
Splendid example, virtually Mint State. The details are of exceptional quality, the hair is highly detailed, and the Victory on the reverse is extremely striking because of the precision of the details. Perfectly centred on the observe side and slightly off-centre on the reverse, this denarius was struck in the Ephesus mint, and not in the Rome mint. The engraving is of great finesse and craftsmanship. It is undoubtedly one of the finest examples of this type, with its exceptional state of preservation. RIC II, Part 1² Vespasian 1421; RPC II, 825; BMCRE 446.
IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS II TR P P P
PACI AVGVSTAE
3.37 gr
Silver
Silver can fall into your pocket but also falls between copper and gold in group 11 of the periodic table. Three metals frequently used to mint coins. There are two good reasons for using silver: it is a precious metal and oxidizes little upon contact with air. Two advantages not to be taken for granted.
Here is thus a metal that won’t vanish into thin air.
It’s chemical symbol Ag is derived from the Latin word for silver (argentum), compare Ancient Greek ἄργυρος (árgyros). Silver has a white, shiny appearance and, to add a little bit of esotericism or polytheism to the mix, is traditionally dedicated to the Moon or the goddess Artemis (Diana to the Romans).
As a precious metal, just like gold, silver is used to mint coins with an intrinsic value, meaning their value is constituted by the material of which they are made. It should be noted that small quantities of other metals are frequently added to silver to make it harder, as it is naturally very malleable (you can’t have everything) and thus wears away rapidly.
The first silver coins probably date back to the end of the 7th century BC and were struck on the Greek island of Aegina. These little beauties can be recognized by the turtle featured on the reverse.
The patina of silver ranges from gray to black.
The millesimal fineness (or alloy) of a coin indicates the exact proportion (in parts per thousand) of silver included in the composition. We thus speak, for example, of 999‰ silver or 999 parts of silver per 1 part of other metals. This measure is important for investment coins such as bullion. In France, it was expressed in carats until 1995.
