Vespasian Silver Denarius 74AD Winged Caduceus Reverse
Lot 345 · Consigned by OriginalSkinCoins
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Description
Emperor Vespasian (r. 69-79 A.D.) Silver AR Denarius
Obverse: IMP CAESAR VESP AVG, Head of Vespasian, laureate, right
Reverse: PONTIF MAXIM, Winged caduceus, upright
Date: 74 A.D., RIC 686
Size: 19.5mm diameter, 3.27g weight
Composition: Silver
The caduceus, a staff with two snakes and wings, was a symbol of the god Mercury (Roman equivalent of the Greek god Hermes), and was associated with trade and commerce. The caduceus may have even older symbolic origins than Hermes, potentially dating back to the ancient Mesopotamian deity Ningishzida, god of the underworld.