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RPC 2640 Domitian
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Æ Diobol, 7.60g
Alexandria mint, 91-92 AD
Obv: ΑΥΤ ΚΑΙϹΑΡ ΔΟΜΙΤ ϹƐΒ ΓƐΡΜ; Head of Domitian, wreathed with corn, r.
Rev: LΙΑ; Hermes standing, l., with corn-ears and caduceus
RPC 2640 (1 spec.). Emmett -. Dattari-Savio 6745.
Ex Naville Auction 88, 7 April 2024, lot 240.
An extremely rare diobol featuring Hermes on the reverse, fleetingly struck in regnal year 11 (91-92 AD). The Greeks equated the Egyptian god Thoth with Hermes. Like Thoth, Hermes was often a guide, a messenger, and an espouser of wit and learning. The wreath of corn ears Domitian is wearing on the obverse, along with the corn ears and caduceus Hermes is holding on the reverse, symbolise a profitable and stable grain supply. Missing from most major collections, only six specimens are recorded in the RPC online database.
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