#5, A Rare Syrian Tetradrachm of Vespasian

Description

A Rare Syrian Tetradrachm of Vespasian .
Vespasian AR Tetradrachm Antioch mint, 70-71 AD RPC 1948 (3 spec.)
Obv: AYTOKPAT KAIΣA OYEΣΠAΣIANOY; Head of Vespasian, laureate, r.; in r. field, lituus
Rev: ETOYΣ Γ IEPOY; Eagle standing l., on club; in l. field, palm branch Alexandria struck tetradrachms for circulation in Syria and they can be distinguished from the Antioch issues by style. This RPC Group 3 tetradrachm is in typical 'Alexandrian' style and features a lituus on the obverse. All the Tetradrachms from Groups 3 are quite scarce, but those with the additional symbol are very rare. These tetradrachms are found all throughout Israel in hoards and single finds, good evidence that they were indeed used to pay the troops during and after the Jewish war. This specimen dates to the period after the siege of Jerusalem, perhaps part of the generous donative Titus provided to the legions.
13.9 g