74 AD. Rome mint. Obv: IMP [CAESAR V]ESPASIANVS AVG legend with laureate head right. Rev: PON MAX TR P COS V legend with flaming caduceus in centre. RIC 138; RSC 362; Sear 2299.2.99 grams. ("). From the private collection of a retired Suffolk gentleman. The son of a tax collector, Vespasian rose through the military ranks, playing a vital role in the Claudian invasion of Britain in 43 AD. Nero appointed him to supreme military command in the East, with orders to put down uprisings. Once the Empire was plunged into the chaos of civil war, Vespasian decided to make his own bid for the Imperial throne, which he achieved, founding Rome's second great imperial dynasty. His decade of power between 69-79 AD marked a return to strong government after Nero's misrule. Vespasian's drive and humble way of life made him popular with the people, and his death occasioned sincere public grief. He was deified the following year. [No Reserve]