Ancient Rome - 69-79 CE Vespasian AR Denarius NGC Choice XF

Divus Vespasian AR Denarius. Rome Mint, Posthumous issue AD 80-81. DIVVS AVGVSTVS VESPASIANVS, laureate head to right / Victory standing to left, placing shield on trophy with mourning Judaea seated at base; EX-SC across fields. Original dark golden brown patina.

Vespasian founded the Flavian dynasty that ruled for 27 years. At one time he served as a senator, but his fame stems from his military success. It was when Vespasian lay siege to Jerusalem during the Jewish uprising (66 CE) that emperor Nero took his own life, plunging Rome into a year of civil war that is called the Year of the Four Emperors.

After Galba and then Otho died after short reigns, Vitellius became the third emperor in April 69. In response, the Roman legions of Egypt and Judea declared Vespasian, who was their commander, to be emperor on July 1, 69. December 20, 69, saw Vitellius defeated and the Senate confirmed Vespasian as emperor the next day.

Bust of Vespasian. Photo: Wikipedia.

He chose his accession day to be July 1, 69, the day he was acclaimed emperor by his troops, and not the day the senate recognized him. Thus he respected the senate for its traditions and dignity, but made it crystal clear that he know the real power of Rome rested in the military. When his son, Titus, returned to Rome from Palestine in 71, Vespasian formally made him assistant emperor, giving him the title of Caesar, and made him commander of the Praetorian Guard.

Vespasian had to increase taxes dramatically in order to cover the empire's costs after the civil war. He reformed the financial system and began several ambitious construction projects, including the Roman Coliseum. It was commonly known that his son Titus would succeed him on the throne. This led to hostility among senators who objected to dynasties. It was in 79 when a plot to kill Vespasian was uncovered that was led by two senators. Titus acted decisively and neither conspirator survived. Vespasian fell ill and died on June 24, 79. He displayed humor on his deathbed: 'Vae, puto deus fio' ('Woe, I think I'm turning into a god.')