Obverse:
Lareate head of Vespasian right. Text around
IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII.
Reverse:
Salus seated left on ornate stool,
holding patera in extended right hand and
long sceptre in left hand. Text around SALVS
AVGVSTA, S C in exergue.
History:
Salvs was the goddess of health and was worshipped
as one of the greatest deities by the Romans.
Her depiction on the reverse of the coin refers
to the health of the Emperor and indicates
that Vespasian was labouring at the time under
some disease. Indeed Vespasian died after
reigning for nearly 10 years on June 23 AD79
of an intestinal inflammation, which led to
excessive diarrhea.
Date:
Rome mint, Circa 78 AD
Diameter:
3.6cm
