Obverse: IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M TR P P P COS III, laureate head of Vespasian facing right

Reverse: IVDAEA CAPTA, S C in exergue, palm tree; to left, male captive standing right with his hands tied behind his back; to right, Judaea seated right on helmet, in attitude of mourning; two spears, a hexagonal and a round shield to left; round shield to right.

RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 159. Hendin 1500. [Rome, AD 71].

Diameter: 34 mm. Weight: 23.6 g.

A rare and iconic brass sestertius struck under Vespasian circa AD 71. The reverse legend 'JVDAEA CAPTA' refers to the success of Vespasian and Titus in quelling the first Jewish revolt and the subjugation of the province. The captive figure of Judaea, the personification of the province - sits beneath a palm and mourns the loss of her freedom. To Jewish observers, the female figure may reflect the biblical prophecy of Isaiah (Isaiah 3:8, 25-26):

"For Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen... Thy men shall fall by the sword and thy mighty in the war. And her gates shall lament and mourn, and she being desolate shall sit upon the ground"

A rare example of this historically important type, the ‘Judaea Capta’ series struck under the Flavian dynasty are some of the most collectable of all ancient coins. Worn, but still an attractive example with a dark brown patina.