Vespasian Denarius Ancient Roman Empire Silver Coin 72AD RIC 356

Obverse: IMP CAES VESP AVG P M COS IIII, Head of Vespasian, laureate, right
Reverse: AVGVR TRI POT, Simpulum, sprinkler, jug, and lituus
Date: c. 72-73 A.D
ID: RIC II, Part 1 Vespasian 356
Size: 17.5mm diameter, 3.18g weight
Composition: Silver

The reverse of this coin depicts tools of the Roman priesthood used in religious sacrifices and ceremonies. 

In 68 AD, the Julio-Claudian imperial dynasty founded by the first Roman Emperor, Augustus, collapsed after the suicide of Emperor Nero. Nero had been forced to flee the capital after the Praetorian Guard threw their support to the usurper Galba (governor of Spain). His suicide shortly thereafter was followed by another period of civil war, with four different men vying for the Empire.

The usurper Galba was murdered by the supporters of Otho (a rich noble who paid off the Praetorian Guard), who was defeated by Vitellius (governor of Germany), who was defeated by Vespasian (commander in Judaea). Vespasian’s decade-long reign was recounted positively by most ancient writers, though it’s possible his generous patronage of writers and academics helped gild his reputation. He is most well-known for suppressing the Jewish revolt, for expanding the Empire’s northern frontier to Scotland, and for hating philosophers. He died a peaceful death aged 69 and was succeeded by his son Titus.