RIC 277 Domitian

Æ Sestertius, 23.67g
Rome mint, 85 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG GERM COS XI; Bust of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., with aegis
Rev: S C in field; Domitian stg. l., sacrificing with patera over altar in front of shrine containing cult statue of Minerva
RIC 277 (C2). BMC 296. BNC 316.
Acquired from CGB.fr, January 2023.

85 AD saw the mint at Rome introduce many new types on Domitian's aes coinage, many of which are monumental in nature. This sestertius from the first issue of the year shows Domitian sacrificing in front of a small shrine. Mattingly in BMCRE (p. xciii) had this to say concerning the type - 'Minerva is not represented here by her own types, as on the gold and silver, but by a type that recurs year after year of Domitian sacrificing before the goddess in a shrine. While recording his achievements, Domitian does not omit to acknowledge the goddess to whom they are due.' K. Scott in his 'Le « Sacrarium Minervae » de Domitien' argues it is the private sacrarium set up to Minerva in Domitian's bedchamber at the Palatine palace. The shrine in question is a mystery and may perhaps just be a generic set piece to frame the cult image and display Domitian's piety and not meant to be taken literally.