Vespasian AD 69-79. Ephesus
Denarius AR

17 mm, 3,25 g

IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS III TR P P P, laureate head right / CONCORDIA AVG, Ceres seated left on throne, holding grain ears, poppy and cornucopia; EPHE in exergue.

Very Fine

RIC² 1416; RPC II 824.

Vespasian was a Roman emperor who ruled from AD 69 to 79. He was born in AD 9 into a family of equestrian rank in the town of Falacrinae, near Rome. Vespasian had a successful military and political career before eventually becoming emperor. In AD 69, a year known as the "Year of the Four Emperors" due to civil wars and political instability, Vespasian emerged victorious as a contender for the imperial throne. He founded the Flavian dynasty, which ruled Rome for the next 27 years. Vespasian is best remembered for his efforts in restoring stability to the Roman Empire after a period of chaos. His reign saw the completion of important public works projects, such as the construction of the Flavian Amphitheatre, popularly known as the Colosseum, which became an iconic symbol of Roman engineering and entertainment. He was also known for his financial reforms and rebuilding Rome after a devastating fire in AD 70. Vespasian's practical approach to governing and emphasis on public welfare earned him popularity among the Roman people. Vespasian died in AD 79 and was succeeded by his son, Titus. He was regarded as a competent and pragmatic ruler who restored order and prosperity to Rome after a turbulent period in its history.