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RIC 0650 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]
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Æ As, 10.02g
Rome mint, 73 AD
Obv: CAESAR AVG F DOMITIAN COS II; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: VICTORIA NAVALIS; S C in field; Victory stg. r. on prow, with wreath and palm
RIC 650 (R). BMC -. BNC 708.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, June 2020.
Vespasian's moneyers first began striking this Victoria Navalis type in 71 during his great bronze issue. The type traditionally has been attributed to the so-called naval victory Vespasian and Titus won on Lake Gennesaret (the Sea of Galilee) during the Jewish War and was repeatedly struck throughout Vespasian's reign for both of them, perhaps indicating how important it was to their military gravitas. It is then quite remarkable the type was also chosen as an appropriate reverse for Domitian Caesar, who was in his late teens and living in Rome when the naval battle took place. He was hardly in a position to offer any involvement! Perhaps it best can best be viewed as the young prince sharing in the family's collective military glory. This rare example from 73 is the earliest appearance of the type for Domitian. Missing from the BM collection.
Worn, but in good metal and well centred.
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