SESTERTIUS OF VESPASIAN WITH THE JUDEA CAPTA
(71 AD)
Obverse:
Vespasian's head with laurel wreath facing right IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P COS III.
Reverse:
Vespasian standing right with foot on helmet holding lance and parazonium )a Roman dagger with pointed blade) a palm tree in center and mourning Judea seated right. IVDEA CAPTA
Translation of obverse "Imperator Cæsar Vespasianus Augustus Pontifex Maximus Tribunicia Potestate Pater Patriæ Consul tertium"
- hand embossed
- Gold colors
- Diameter 3.8 cm
- May show slight signs of wear
The successful general was the first Roman emperor who did not belong to the Roman senatorial rank, nor did he become emperor through a kinship connection. He was elevated to the office of emperor at the age of over sixty, distinguished only by his military successes. In particular, the victory over the rebellious province of Judea, which he had immortalized on this coin. This type of coin IVDAEA CAPTA was widespread and was continued by his son Titus in different variants of representation. A core theme here was the mourning personified province of Judea and bound prisoners. In this case, the gold-colored sestertius shows the victorious commander himself as a Roman soldier standing next to a palm tree and looking over the defeated province with his head raised.
