Summary

Orichalcum As struck during the reign of the Emperor Vespasian probably in the period 69 to 70 AD, Ancient Roman Empire. Minted by Commagene. "The central element of these changes was the transformation of Cappadocia into a major military province with a garrison of two legions and many auxiliary units. During the course of these developments, in AD 72, the small Late Hellanistic kingdom of Commagene was invaded and occupied by Roman forces..." Speidel, Michael Alexander, Early Roman Rule in Commegne, p.1 (source: http://www.mavors.org/PDFs/Commagene.pdf). This coin is believed to be part of this Roman initiative, while the denomination is called an As, as a coin for circulation in the East, this may not be technically correct. However the legend is in latin and the reverse holds the formula SC, so it must have been primarily for the use of the army.

Obverse Description

Laureate head of Vespasian facing left; around, IMP CAESAR VESP A[VG]

Reverse Description

Within a laurel wreath, S C

Edge Description

Plain

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