Domitian RIC II 0601

Domitian. 81-96 A.D. AR Denarius. Rome Mint, 14 Sept.-31 Dec. 88 A.D. (3.33g, 19.4mm, 6h) Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VIII, laureate head right. Rev: COS XIIII LVD SAEC FEC inscribed on column; to r., incense burner; further r., Herald stg. l., with wand and shield. RIC 601, BMC 135, RSC 73.

Minted in 88 A.D. to commemorate the Secular Games which were held each saeculum, the supposed longest possible length of a human life. Augustus and Claudius celebrated the games, and dating became dubious by the time Domitian announced his. This type is listed as common, but I rarely see examples in trade. The specimen has full legends, and unlike many, the Minerva is still visible on the herald’s shield.

File information
Filename:	Domitian_RIC_II_601.jpg
Album name:	Lucas H / Domitian
Keywords:	Domitian, / denarius, / hearald, / saecular / games
Filesize:	47 KiB
Date added:	Jun 08, 2013
Dimensions:	545 x 287 pixels
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Comment 1 to 4 of 4

Page: 1

Paddy

[Jun 08, 2013 at 01:46 PM]

A nice and very different coin. How long was a "saeculum", how long did the Romans expect people to live at the most?

SPQR Matt

[Jun 08, 2013 at 01:57 PM]

Outstanding! The toning is wonderful. Congratulations on a most excellent find!

David Atherton

[Jun 08, 2013 at 08:28 PM]

Paddy, 100 years was the length of time the Romans figured for a saeculum.

quadrans

[Jun 09, 2013 at 04:26 AM]

Very nice rare coin, nice conditions and details..

Comment 1 to 4 of 4

Page: 1