Incredibly interesting coin David, I didn't realize this very late issue existed. With such a short time period between
his attaining tribunician power for the 16th time and
his assassination, it is probably safe to say he was already a ghost when the coin went into circulation. So it seems fitting that
Minerva appears so ghost like, as if alluding to
his death.
I have to say I've always
had some sympathy for
Domitian. The aristocratic historians that recorded
his reign
had reason to despise him, and so their account, although
still highly valuable, is naturally somewhat biased. I'm of the opinion that he really tried to do
his best in very difficult circumstances. Of course he became tyrannical toward the end, but as he was assassinated he possibly
had good reason.
Best regards,
Steve
