

Egypt. Alexandria. Vespasian, 69-79. Drachm (Bronze, 36.5 mm, 32.58 g). Dated RY 3 (= 70/1). [ΑΥΤΟΚ ΚΑΙΣ] ΣΕΒΑ ΟΥΕΣΠΑΣ[ΙΑΝΟΥ] Laureate head of Vespasian to right. Rev. Draped bust of Nike to right; L Γ (date) in lower right field. Dattari-Savio 389. RPC II, 2427. Emmett 208. Geissen 288. BMC 249-250. SNG France 4770. Some flan faults and roughness, otherwise, nearly Very Fine.
Ex Empire Coins 8, 7 December 1987, lot 366.
This drachm representing the maximum bronze monetary module minted by Vespasian in Alexandria, is usually struck on a rather irregular roundel and has imperfections. However, this specimen is better than the average known ones and the portrait of the sovereign is well characterised, i.e. realistic and justifies the assumption that engravers transferred from Antioch with the late Hellenistic army were present in this mint.