Roman Empire, Vespasian, 69-79, Aureus 73, Rome

Roman Empire. Vespasian, 69-79. Aureus 73, Rome. Gold 7.16 g.; 20.5 mm.
Obverse: Head of Vespasian, laureate, right. Obverse caption: IMP CAES VESP AVG CENS //
Reverse: Temple of Vesta in Monopteric style, i.e. round with a single row of columns surrounding it (only one section is visible here), with the ceiling pierced to allow the smoke from the sacred fire to escape. In the center, the Palladium (a wooden effigy of Minerva), and outside it, two statues, the one on the left with one hand on her hip and brandishing an object with the other; the one on the right holding a long vertical sceptre in one hand and extending the other. Reverse caption: VESTA

RIC: 549.

Two light marks on the jawbone on the observe, otherwise a good very fine example. Broad flan and full grenetis.
Extremely fine EF 40-45