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Home > Members' Coin Collection Galleries > David Atherton > 3. The Reign of Domitian - Imperial Coins

D221.jpg
RIC 221 DomitianÆ As, 10.23g
Rome mint, 84 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG GERM COS X; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., with aegis
Rev: MONETA AVGVST; S C in field; Moneta stg. l., with scales and cornucopiae
RIC 221 (C2). BMC 288. BNC 304.
Acquired from Marti Classical Numismatics, September 2018.

In 82 Domitian reformed the coinage by increasing the weight of the gold and fineness of the silver. Production of the bronze coinage was suspended while the mint was reorganised and resumed in 84 with new reverse types. Appropriately, one of the first types struck on the bronze after the coinage reform was Moneta, 'mint goddess of the emperor'. Mattingly believes Moneta in this context can be seen as symbolising Domitian's control of the mint and as paymaster to the empire. A fitting reverse design for an emperor who cared so much for his coinage.

Superb portrait and nice brown patina.
1 commentsDavid Atherton
D125a.jpg
RIC 125 DomitianÆ Quadrans, 1.97g
Rome Mint, 81-82 AD
Obv: IMP DOMIT AVG; Head of Minerva, helmeted, r.
Rev: S C in laurel wreath
RIC 125 (C). BMC 486. BNC -.
Acquired from Gert Boersema, February 2024.

A fairly common early Domitianic quadrans, struck either in 81 or early 82. The quadrans in the early imperial period typically lacked an imperial portrait, here instead we have Domitian's patron deity Minerva on the obverse. Tariffed at a quarter of an as, the denomination was possibly deemed too lowly by mint officials to warrant a portrait. They were struck haphazardly and functioned primarily as an urban low value coinage in Rome and central Italy. The quadrans was the typical fee for entry into the baths, a urinal, or for a tryst in a cheap brothel. Being of rather low value quadrantes were not typically hoarded and thus are relatively scarce today being virtually absent from site finds outside central and south-central Italy (in contrast, over 1,827 quadrantes have been found at Pompeii).

Honest example with original patina.
2 commentsDavid Atherton
D105.jpg
RIC 105 Domitian Æ Sestertius, 26.73g
Rome mint, 82 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIAN AVG P M; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P COS VIII DES VIIII P P; S C in field; Minerva stg. l., with spear
RIC 105 (C2). BMC 274. BNC 285.
Acquired from Classic World Coins, February 2024.

Minerva's prominence on Domitian's coinage first showed up on his early bronzes produced in 81-82 before she dominated his denarii. While Domitian's initial denarius output is dominated by the carry-over pulvinar types from Titus, his first two issues of sestertii have a more personal touch with the reverses featuring his patron deity. This common sestertius struck in early 82, just prior to the mint's overhaul later the same year, demonstrates that the finest engravers were not just reserved for Domitian's aurei. A superb portrait and fine reverse.
2 commentsDavid Atherton
D736a.jpg
RIC 736 Domitian AR Denarius, 3.16g
Rome mint, 92 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P XI; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IMP XXII COS XVI CENS P P P; Minverva stg. r. on capital of rostral column, with spear and shield; to r., owl (M2)
RIC 736 (R2). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex Tater's Relics, eBay, 14 February 2024.

Domitian struck the same series of four Minerva types for his denarii regularly every year from 83 onwards. Some issues are more rare than others - a few are very rare. This coin is from a very rare issue struck towards the end of summer 92 and can be dated by the TR P XI and IMP XXII, an exceedingly rare combination. This series commemorating his 22nd imperial acclamation was most likely awarded for a victory against the Sarmatians and Suevi near the end of the campaigning season just before he became TR P XII on 14th September. The rarity of this dating combination indicates how tight the window was for this issue's production. Struck in such haste, the second 'I' in the imperial acclamation date is often squeezed in on reused dies from the previous issue (as is the case with the present coin). Missing from both the BM and Paris collections.
5 commentsDavid Atherton
D789A.jpg
RIC 789A DomitianAR Denarius, 3.44g
Rome mint, 95-96 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P XV; Bust of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., with aegis
Rev: IMP XXII COS XVII CENS P P P; Minerva stg. l., with thunderbolt and spear, shield at her l. side (M3)
RIC 789A (R3). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex JLB Coins, eBay, 7 February 2024. Formerly in NGC holder #4184475-010, with grade Ch VF.

A second known example of the M3 Minerva type from the 95-96 denarius issue with aegis portrait. Domitian's aegis portraits on denarii were more commonly struck in 84 and 85, sparingly so afterwards. The Rome mint was experimenting with new reverse designs and portrait types for the denarius issues during the last year of the reign. Perhaps the reintroduction of the aegis may have been part of this new programme? Of course we shall never know - Domitian's assassination in September 96 cut short any experimentation with his coinage. This rare variant only came to light recently and has been added to the RIC II.1 Addenda as RIC 789A.
4 commentsDavid Atherton
D302.jpg
RIC 302 Domitian Æ As, 11.64g
Rome mint, 85 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG GERM COS XI; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., with aegis
Rev: IOVI CONSERVAT; S C in field; Jupiter stg. l., with thunderbolt and sceptre
RIC 302 (C). BMC 315A. BNC 336.
Ex Originalskincoins, eBay, January 2024.

Domitian's bronze mint after a brief hiatus in 83 returned the following year with a slate of new reverse designs. This relatively scarce type showing a standing Jupiter appears for the first time on the asses in 84. It would later be discontinued after 86. With the legend IOVI CONSERVAT, it symbolises the god as Domitian's divine protector. Although rated as 'common' in RIC, this variety of the type struck in 85 is not often encountered in trade. The portrait is a fine example of the Rome mint's superb mid-period Domitianic style.
2 commentsDavid Atherton
D78928229.jpg
RIC 789 Domitian (2)AR Denarius, 2.96g
Rome mint, 95-96 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P XV; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IMP XXII COS XVII CENS P P P; Minerva stg. l., with thunderbolt and spear, shield at her l. side (M3)
RIC 789 (C2). BMC 234. RSC 291. BNC 208.
Acquired from Aegean, January 2024.

This reverse die was later recycled and struck for the TR P XVI issue and is a die match with BNC 213.

Purchased on the hunch that this could possibly could be RIC 819 due to the reverse die match with the Paris specimen and what appears to be a 'I' engraved above the 'V'. In hand the mystery numeral is just a die flaw.
1 commentsDavid Atherton
D34b.jpg
RIC 034 Domitian AR Denarius, 3.35g
Rome mint, 81 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG PONT; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded r.
Rev: COS VII DES VIII P P; Seat, draped; above, winged thunderbolt
RIC 34 (R3). BMC -. BNC -. RSC -.
Acquired from Laurel Coins, October 2023. Ex Leu Web Auction 26, 8 July 2023, lot 7037 (part).

An early rare 'PONT' denarius struck from Domitian's 3rd denarius issue of 81. The abbreviation 'PONT' for Ponitfex Maximus must have come early in the sequence of titles Domitian employed on his denarii and likely was short lived if its rarity is any indication. The records of the Arval brothers do not show Domitian as Pontifex Maximus by 30 October, so presumably he acquired the title in either November or December. This reverse type from the 3rd group of 81 featuring a draped chair and thunderbolt is likely the pulvinar of Jupiter. Strangely enough TRP is absent from the legends, why this is so I cannot say. It's a puzzling mystery considering the first group of denarii indeed record it. This carry-over pulvinar type originally struck for Titus is perhaps connected to the religious ceremonies for the opening games of the Colosseum. Fourth known specimen, missing from all the major collections.
2 commentsDavid Atherton
D502A.jpg
RIC 502A DomitianÆ Quadrans, 2.75g
Rome Mint, 86 AD
Obv: IMP DOMITIAN AVG GERM COS XII; Ceres bust r., wearing wreath of corn ears, draped
Rev: S C in field; Bundle of three poppies and four corn ears
RIC 502A (R3). BMC 370. BNC -.
Acquired from Savoca, September 2023.

Small bronzes such as the quadrans were likely used in minor transactions by the plebs and sported very simple designs with popular motifs, often lacking an imperial portrait. Ceres briefly appeared on the obverse of Domitian's quadrantes in 85-86. She frequently was paired with an appropriate reverse design, such as a bundle of corn ears and poppies as seen on this example. Both the obverse and reverse celebrate Domitian's careful stewardship of the grain supply. This is a fourth known example of the rare variety with DOMITIAN fully spelled out. The other specimens are located in the BM (the only one known at the time of RIC II.1's publication), Paris, and two (!) in Berlin.
1 commentsDavid Atherton
D675.jpg
RIC 675 DomitianAR Denarius, 3.17g
Rome mint, 88-89 AD (sixth issue)
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VIII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IMP XXI COS XIIII CENS P P P; Minerva stg. r. on capital of rostral column, with spear and shield; to r., owl (M2)
RIC 675 (R2). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 224, 14 September 2023, lot 198. Ex Curtis Clay Collection.

All the denarii from the sixth issue of 88-89 are quite scarce, perhaps struck for only a few weeks or days prior to 14 September 89, upon which Domitian became TRP VIIII. The first Pannonian War may account for the rapid succession of imperial acclamations awarded to Domitian during the summer of 89. This M2 type is missing from both the BM and Paris collections.
David Atherton
D6.jpg
RIC 006 Domitian MuleAR Denarius, 3.35g
Rome mint, 81 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR DOMITIANVS AVG; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P; Tripod with fillets; above, ravens, l. and r., and dolphin over wreath
RIC 6 (R3, this coin). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex Harlan J Berk BBS 224, 14 September 2023, lot 139. Ex Curtis Clay Collection. Ex CNG, Auction 70, 21 September 2005, lot 910.

A unique mint mule combining a first issue Domitian obverse with a reverse die used for Titus' last issue. This coin may help clear up a long debated mystery concerning the date of Titus' last denarius issue. Curtis Clay explains: 'Titus' gold and silver coinage is regarded as having ended before 1 July 80, over a year before he died, since his latest aurei and denarii all bear the title TR P IX, and his ninth tribunician year ended on 1 July 80. A fourteen-month gap in the precious metal coinage is strange in this era, however, and if we follow Mattingly in postulating that the attested fire in Rome in 80 destroyed the mint, so interrupting its production, it seems a remarkable coincidence that the mint was finally repaired, and ready to resume production using the same "pulvinar" types that it had been striking for Titus early in 80, precisely when Titus died and Domitian assumed the throne in Sept. 81! Judging from Domitian's earliest coinage, one would have thought that the mint must still have been producing pulvinar coins for Titus just before he died, despite the title TR P IX. That this was in fact the case seems to be proven by a mule which emerged in 2005, RIC Domitian 6, pl. 117, showing Domitian's earliest obv. legend as Augustus, IMP CAESAR DOMITIANVS AVG, coupled with a pulvinar reverse type of Titus, TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P, Tripod with dolphin, wreath, and ravens above. This mule strongly suggests that pulvinar coins were being struck for Titus just before he died: it's difficult to believe that an old die of before 1 July 80 had somehow survived the supposed fire, and just happened to be available for use by Domitian fourteen months later! But why continued use of the outdated title? In Sept. 81 Titus was TR P XI, not IX!'

This unique specimen is the plate coin in RIC II.1. It is also discussed in RIC's introduction to Titus' coinage: '... a recently discovered mint mule combines a reverse of Titus' last denarius issue with an obverse of the first issue of Domitian's reign in late 81 (Dom no. 6). Mules usually combine dies in parallel or at least in closely contemporaneous use, which might imply here that the Titus TRP IX IMP XV COS VIII dies continued to be used after the assumption of TR P X, and perhaps even into 81. In sum, while the titulature of Titus is of the first half of 80, the sheer scale of the coinage produced for Titus COS VIII and Domitian COS VII, and the fact that following Domitian's accession the mint was very active in the period September to December 81, suggests 80-81.' (p. 185) It must be noted that prior to this coin's discovery in 2005, Titus' last denarius issue had previously been dated by the major references to the first half of 80. Sometimes a coin can change history.

The numismatic and historical importance of the piece, combined with its aesthetic beauty, places it at or near the top of my list of all time favourite coins.
7 commentsDavid Atherton
D418.jpg
RIC 418 DomitianÆ As, 12.26g
Rome mint, 85 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XI CENS PER P P; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., with aegis
Rev: SALVTI above, AVGVSTI below; S C in field; Altar
RIC 418 (R2). BMC 366A. BNC -.
Acquired from Jetons Canada, eBay, May 2023.

The SALVTI AVGVSTI altar type was first introduced on Domitian's aes coinage in 84 after a brief hiatus of the Senatorial mint's production in 82-83, presumably for re-organisational purposes. The structure on the reverse has been traditionally described as an altar, however, Marvin Tameanko has convincingly argued it is actually a sacellum, or small shrine. He states the steps at the base leading to two doors with handles are overwhelming evidence that the structure was much larger than an altar. As far as the shrine's significance - H. Mattingly in BMCRE II interprets the type as commemorating the Senate's dedication of an altar shrine celebrating Domitian's safe return from the Germanic Wars of 82-83. Alternately, the shrine may have been dedicated as an appeal to Salus for the emperor's continued good health. In any case, no trace of the shrine has survived antiquity. This as struck during the last bronze issue of 85 is a rare variety of the type with a RIC frequency rating of 'R2'. Missing from the Paris collection.
1 commentsDavid Atherton
D493.jpg
RIC 493 DomitianÆ As, 10.76g
Rome mint, 86 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XII CENS PER P P; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., with aegis
Rev: MONETA AVGVSTI; S C in field; Moneta stg. l., with scales and cornucopiae
RIC 493 (C3). BMC 389. BNC 418.
Ex Tater's Relics, eBay, 16 May 2023.

In 82 Domitian reformed the coinage by increasing the weight of the gold and fineness of the silver. Production of the bronze coinage was suspended while the mint was reorganised and resumed in 84 with new reverse types and a higher artistic standard. Appropriately, one of the first types struck on the bronze after the coinage reform was Moneta, 'mint goddess of the emperor'. H. Mattingly believes Moneta in this context can be seen as symbolising Domitian's control of the mint and as paymaster to the empire. A fitting reverse design for an emperor who cared so much for his coinage. Mirroring the silver, many of the bronze coins struck in the first year or so after the coinage reform have portraits with an aegis, an extra detail likely due to Domitian's attentive care. Under Domitian Moneta became a regular feature of the coinage and was struck year after year on the As issues. This example from 86 is one of the most common types struck for the as issue that year, perhaps indicating the importance of the reverse message.
1 commentsDavid Atherton
D767.jpg
RIC 767 DomitianAR Denarius, 2.94g
Rome mint, 94 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P XIIII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IMP XXII COS XVI CENS P P P; Minverva stg. r. on capital of rostral column, with spear and shield; to r., owl (M2)
RIC 767 (C). BMC 220A. RSC 285. BNC -.
Acquired from eBay, April 2023. Formerly in NGC holder #2119640-004, grade VF, 'brushed'.

This denarius was struck between mid September and 31 December of 94. Although the frequency rating in RIC is listed as 'common', it is a fairly rare dating combination owing to the fact it was minted for just a few months. This M2 variety, along with the other Minerva types in the issue, are quite scarce in trade today.
David Atherton
D218.jpg
RIC 218 DomitianÆ As, 8.83g
Rome mint, 84 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG GERM COS X; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., with aegis
Rev: IOVI CONSERVAT; S C in field; Jupiter stg. l., with thunderbolt and sceptre
RIC 218 (C). BMC -. BNC 302.
Ex Tater's Relics, eBay, April 2023.

Domitian's bronze mint after a brief hiatus in 83 returned the following year with a slate of new reverse designs. This relatively scarce as showing a standing Jupiter appears for the first time in the coinage here. Struck in 84, this Jupiter type with the legend IOVI CONSERVAT depicts the god as Domitian's divine protector. It would later be discontinued after 86. Although rated as 'common' in RIC, this variety is missing from the BM.
David Atherton
D162.jpg
RIC 162 DomitianAR Denarius, 3.48g
Rome mint, 83 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR POT II COS VIIII DES X P P; Minerva adv r., with spear and shield (M1)
RIC 162 (R). BMC spec. acquired 1988. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex eBay, March 2023. Formerly in NGC holder #6330610-037, grade VF.

Struck between March and 13 September 83 AD, this denarius is part of an issue that introduced the four standard Minerva reverse types that would dominate the denarii of Domitian's reign. All the denarii from this issue are fairly rare today. This Minerva advancing right type is missing from Paris and is unlisted in RSC. The BM acquired a specimen in 1988.

Historical note: Mons Graupius, Agricola's climatic battle in Scotland, most likely occurred in the fall of 83 soon after this coin was minted.
2 commentsDavid Atherton
D7.jpg
RIC 007 DomitianAR Denarius, 2.94g
Rome mint, 81 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG PONT; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: P P COS VII DES VIII; Altar, garlanded and lighted
RIC 7 (R3). BMC p. 299 † note. RSC 370. BNC 9.
Ex Private Collection, February 2023.

Domitian seems to have been in somewhat of a hurry to strike coins as Augustus after Titus's death in mid September 81 AD, presumably for a legionary donative. This denarius was struck before Domitian had been awarded the power of the tribunate (TR P) and Pontifex Maximus (PM). Here his only titles are Augustus (AVG), Imperator (IMP), Consul for the 7th time (COS VII), and Pater Patriae, father of the country (P P). Perhaps it may have taken a few days for the Senate to award the power of the tribunate to Domitian because they had assembled at the small town of Reate where Titus had died and needed to be in Rome in order to vote him the right. The religious ceremonies required for Domitian to assume the title Pontifex Maximus had not yet finished by this time either, here he is simply PONT, or in other words a member of the College of Pontiffs. Some have argued that PONT is the same as PM, I disagree. Titus as Caesar early on had also used the title PONT on his denarii and he was never Pontifex Maximus under Vespasian - only the emperor can be Pontifex Maximus or greatest priest. Although this Group 2 denarius is not part of Domitian's first RIC issue, it is very likely to have been struck within the first few days of him assuming the purple. RIC notes the chronology is not precise with these issues from 81 and they are grouped only for 'convenience'. Judging by the rarity of the Group 2 denarii they could not have been struck for any great length of time. This reverse features a pulvinar altar type carried-over from Domitian's last denarius issue struck under Titus in celebration of the Colosseum's dedication. When the new RIC II.1 was published in 2007 just one specimen was known for this altar variety (BNC 9). This coin (a double die match) is now the second specimen. All the above references cite the previously unique Paris specimen.
6 commentsDavid Atherton
D305a.jpg
RIC 305 DomitianÆ As, 11.23g
Rome mint, 85 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG GERM COS XI; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., with aegis
Rev: SALVTI above, AVGVSTI below; S C in exergue; Altar
RIC 305 (C3). BMC 316. BNC 339.
Acquired from eBay, January 2023.

The SALVTI AVGVSTI altar type was first introduced on Domitian's aes coinage in 84 after a brief hiatus of the Senatorial mint's production in 82-83, presumably for re-organisational purposes. This earliest version of the type has the legend starting at the lower left, later issues would place the legend above and below the altar, as seen on this coin. The structure on the reverse has been traditionally described as an altar, however, Marvin Tameanko has convincingly argued it is actually a sacellum, or small shrine. He states the steps at the base leading to two doors with handles are overwhelming evidence that the structure was much larger than an altar. As far as the shrine's significance - H. Mattingly in BMCRE II interprets the type as commemorating the Senate's dedication of an altar shrine celebrating Domitian's safe return from the Germanic Wars of 82-83. Alternately, the shrine may have been dedicated as an appeal to Salus for the emperor's continued good health. Tameanko attributed the reverse to Domitian's hypochondria. In any case, no trace of the shrine has survived antiquity.
2 commentsDavid Atherton
D838a.jpg
RIC 838 DomitianÆ Sestertius, 24.72g
Eastern Mint (Thrace?), 82 AD
Obv: IMP DOMITIAN CAES DIVI VESP F AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: S C in field; Mars, with cloak over shoulders, adv. r., with spear and trophy
RIC 838 (R2). BMC 517. BNC 552. RPC 531.
Acquired from Variana Coins, January 2023.

An unknown Eastern mint struck a small series of bronze coins for both Titus and Domitian. The style (heavily seriffed letters, large portraits, and massive reverse figures), unique obverse legends, and uncommon fabric (flat, almost convex flans) all suggest a mint other than Rome. Attributing exactly where these coins were struck has historically been a moving target - Mattingly in BMCRE thought Lugdunum, H.A. Cahn believed somewhere in Bithynia. More recent scholarship has looked towards Thrace as a possible location for production based on the Balkan distribution pattern of found specimens. Although the region of mintage has been narrowed down, the city itself remains elusive. RPC has suggested possibly Perinthus. Presumably a shortage of bronze coins in the region prompted a localised imperial issue. The striking of imperial bronze outside of Rome was an exceptional step at the time considering the last imperial branch mint at Lugdunum had shuttered late in Vespasian's reign. The issues consisted of sestertii, dupondii, asses, and semisses which copied types struck at Rome. Production at this Eastern mint continued uninterrupted between Titus's and Domitian's reigns, hinted at by Domitian's seamless adoption of Titus's types and legend formula after his accession. Owing to the scarcity of this Domitianic Mars type dated COS VIII, it could not have been struck for any great length of time. The mystery mint was likely closed when Domitian began his reform of the coinage in early 82.
1 commentsDavid Atherton
D486.jpg
RIC 486 DomitianÆ As, 9.98g
Rome mint, 86 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XII CENS PER P P; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., with aegis
Rev: FIDEI PVBLICAE; S C in field; Fides stg. r., with corn ears and plate of fruits
RIC 486 (C2). BMC 385. BNC 415.
Acquired from Ken Dorney, January 2023.

Fides holding a plate of fruits was a recurring type under Domitian until 88. It copies a similar reverse struck for Vespasian and must have held some special meaning to Domitian. H Mattingly in BMCRE II (p. xci) speculated on the importance of Fides to Domitian: 'The word 'Fides' has a wide scope and includes the ideas that we express by the words "loyalty", "integrity", "honour". Probably "credit", in a wide sense, is the nearest English equivalent. If, as seems probable, the type is closely associated with the Emperor's activities as censor, we can at once understand its popularity under Domitian. The censorship of Domitian is usually represented as a device to secure control of the composition of the senate. But this was only part of its significance. Domitian was simply carrying on from his father Vespasian the policy of close attention to the business affairs of the state and, in making himself censor for life, he was offending susceptibilities rather than serious interests. In view of the care of Domitian for the Italian land we can perhaps explain the 'agricultural' attributes of "Fides". It appears certain that the Flavians developed a financial policy of great importance, of which only the barest hints have come down to us. The fact that a festival of Fides fell on the first day of October, the month which was rechristened "Domitianus" in A.D. 84, lends further appropriateness to the type.'
1 commentsDavid Atherton
D277a.png
RIC 277 DomitianÆ 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.
1 commentsDavid Atherton
D702.jpg
RIC 702 DomitianÆ Sestertius, 22.24g
Rome mint, 90-91 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XV CENS PER P P; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IOVI VICTORI; S C in exergue; Jupiter std. l., with Victory and sceptre
RIC 702 (C2). BMC 439. BNC 476.
Acquired from Marc Breitsprecher, January 2023. Ex Librairie Numismatique Monnaies & Medailles, E. Boudeau, Paris.

Similar to the silver and gold, Domitian's aes coinage in the mid 80s settled down to a few predicable reverse types that were annually struck throughout the reign. The Sestertii were dominated by Victory crowning the emperor and this seated Jupiter with Victory. 'Jupiter the giver of Victory' was an important propaganda type because of the periodic conflicts on the Northern frontier that flared up form time to time. Also, according to Suetonius, Domitian established 'a quinquennial contest in honour of Jupiter Capitolinus of a threefold character, comprising music, riding, and gymnastics, and with considerably more prizes than are awarded nowadays.'

This coin comes with an interesting old provenance as noted by Marc Breitsprecher: 'Includes old yellowed paper envelope from the coin dealer Librairie Numismatique Monnaies & Medailles, E. Boudeau Expert, 11 Rue Ramaeu, Paris - dating prior to 1912 - with dealer name printed on the envelope - coin description and price (3.45 francs, about 70 cents) hand-written in French with an ink pen. Élie Boudeau (1853-1912) was a politician and numismatist in late 19th century-early 20th century Paris. He served in the 5th legislature of the Third French Republic from 12 November 1889 to 14 October 1893. He owned a shop in the numismatic district of Paris at 11 Rue Rameau, only a stones throw from the Bibliotheque Nationale and one block from the Rue Vivienne where several coin shops, including CGB, still exist today.'

NB: Seller's comment - 'Possible damnatio across bust.' More likely it is just a random scrape.
2 commentsDavid Atherton
D76a.png
RIC 076 DomitianÆ Sestertius, 21.65g
Rome mint, 81 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIAN AVG P M; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P COS VII DES VIII P P; S C in field; Minerva adv. r., with spear and shield
RIC 76 (C). BMC 260. BNC 274.
Acquired from Marc Breitsprecher, December 2022. Ex Librairie Numismatique Monnaies & Medailles, E. Boudeau, Paris.

While Domitian's initial denarius output is dominated by the carry-over pulvinar types struck by Titus, his first issue of sestertii have a more personal touch with the reverses featuring his patron deity Minerva. These first bronze coins were not struck in massive quantities and likely date between mid October and 31 December 81. The reverse legend indicates he is consul for the seventh time and has already been voted consul for the eighth time beginning 1 January 82.

This coin comes with an interesting old provenance as noted by Marc Breitsprecher: 'Includes old yellowed paper envelope from the coin dealer Librairie Numismatique Monnaies & Medailles, E. Boudeau Expert, 11 Rue Ramaeu, Paris - dating prior to 1912 - with dealer name printed on the envelope - coin description and price (3.45 francs, about 70 cents) hand-written in French with an ink pen. Élie Boudeau (1853-1912) was a politician and numismatist in late 19th century-early 20th century Paris. He served in the 5th legislature of the Third French Republic from 12 November 1889 to 14 October 1893. He owned a shop in the numismatic district of Paris at 11 Rue Rameau, only a stones throw from the Bibliotheque Nationale and one block from the Rue Vivienne where several coin shops, including CGB, still exist today.'
1 commentsDavid Atherton
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RIC 837 DomitianÆ Sestertius, 24.93g
Eastern Mint (Thrace?), 82 AD
Obv: IMP DOMITIAN CAES DIVI VESP F AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: PAX AVGVST; S C in field; Pax stg. l., holding branch and cornucopiae
RIC 837 (R2). BMC 516. BNC 551. RPC 530.
Acquired from Gert Boersema, November 2022.

An unknown Eastern mint struck a small series of bronze coins for both Titus and Domitian. The style (heavily seriffed letters, large portraits, and massive reverse figures), unique obverse legends, and uncommon fabric (flat, almost convex flans) all suggest a mint other than Rome. Attributing exactly where these coins were struck has historically been a moving target - Mattingly in BMCRE thought Lugdunum, H.A. Cahn believed somewhere in Bithynia. More recent scholarship has looked towards Thrace as a possible location for production based on the Balkan distribution pattern of found specimens. Although the region of mintage has been narrowed down, the city itself remains elusive. RPC has suggested possibly Perinthus. Presumably a shortage of bronze coins in the region prompted a localised imperial issue. The striking of imperial bronze outside of Rome was an exceptional step at the time considering the last imperial branch mint at Lugdunum had shuttered late in Vespasian's reign. The issues consisted of sestertii, dupondii, asses, and semisses which copied types struck at Rome. Production at this Eastern mint continued uninterrupted between Titus's and Domitian's reigns, hinted at by Domitian's seamless adoption of Titus's types and legend formula after his accession. Owing to the scarcity of this Domitianic Pax sestertius dated COS VIII, it could not have been struck for any great length of time. The mystery mint was likely closed when Domitian began his reform of the coinage in early 82.

Struck on a large flan (37mm!) in fine 'Balkan' style.
2 commentsDavid Atherton
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RIC 008 DomitianAR Denarius, 3.13g
Rome mint, 81 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG PONT; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: P P COS VII DES VIII; Curule chair, wreath above
RIC 8 (R2). BMC p. 299 * note. RSC 372. BNC -.
Ex Savoca Blue 142, 11 September 2022, lot 926.

Domitian seems to have been in somewhat of a hurry to strike coins as Augustus after Titus's death in mid September 81 AD, presumably for a legionary donative. This denarius was struck before Domitian had been awarded the power of the tribunate (TR P) and pontifex maximus (PM). Here his only titles are Augustus (AVG), Imperator (IMP), Consul for the 7th time (COS VII), and pater patriae, father of the country (P P). Perhaps it may have taken a few days for the Senate to award the power of the tribunate to Domitian because they had assembled at the small town of Reate where Titus had died and needed to be in Rome in order to vote him the right. The religious ceremonies required for Domitian to assume the title pontifex maximus had not yet finished by this time either, here he is simply PONT, or in other words a member of the College of Pontiffs. Some have argued that PONT is the same as PM, I disagree. Titus as Caesar early on had also used the title PONT on his denarii and he was never pontifex maximus under Vespasian - only the emperor can be Pontifex Maximus or greatest priest. Although this Group 2 denarius is not part of Domitian's first RIC issue, it is very likely to have been struck within the first few days of him assuming the purple. RIC notes the chronology is not precise with these issues from 81 and they are grouped only for 'convenience'. Judging by the rarity of the Group 2 denarii they could not have been struck for any great length of time, perhaps for just a few days. The reverse features a pulvinar type carried-over from Titus's last denarius issue struck in celebration of the Colosseum's dedication. It possibly represents the pulvinar of Divus Vespasian, honouring his labours in building the structure. Missing from both the BM and Paris collections.
1 commentsDavid Atherton
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RIC 633 Domitian Æ Sestertius, 22.95g
Rome mint, 88-89 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XIIII CENS PER P P; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IOVI VICTORI; S C in exergue; Jupiter std. l., with Victory and sceptre
RIC 633 (C). BMC 406. BNC 436.
Acquired from Marc Breitsprecher, September 2022.

Just like the silver and gold, Domitian's aes coinage in the mid 80s settled down to a few predicable reverse types that were annually struck throughout the reign. The Sestertii were dominated by Victory crowning the emperor and this seated Jupiter with Victory. 'Jupiter the giver of Victory' was an important propaganda type because of the periodic conflicts on the Northern frontier that flared up form time to time. Also, according to Suetonius, Domitian established "a quinquennial contest in honour of Jupiter Capitolinus of a threefold character, comprising music, riding, and gymnastics, and with considerably more prizes than are awarded nowadays."
David Atherton
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RIC 537 Domitian Æ Dupondius, 9.30g
Rome mint, 87 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VI; Head of Domitian, radiate, bearded, r.
Rev: S C in centre; IMP XIIII COS XIII CENSOR PERPETVVS P P
RIC 537 (R). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Numismática Prados, August 2022.

Rare instance of the full spelling of CENSOR PERPETVVS on Domitian's coinage. He assume the title censor perpetus in 85 and held it until the end of his reign and apparently exercised it with 'unprecedented zeal'. Unfortunately, because of the off-centre reverse, the pertinent part of the legend is off flan! Of note, the large S C reverse type makes its only appearance on Domitian's imperial coinage here. The radiate portrait without aegis variant is missing from both the BM and Paris collections.
David Atherton
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RIC 291 DomitianÆ Dupondius, 12.16g
Rome mint, 85 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG GERM COS XI; Head of Domitian, radiate, bearded, r., with aegis
Rev: FORTVNAE AVGVSTI; S C in field; Fortuna stg. l., with rudder and cornucopiae
RIC 291 (C). BMC -. BNC 329 var. (bust without aegis).
Acquired from CGB.fr, August 2022.

This common Fortuna type was repeatedly struck throughout Domitian's reign on his middle bronze coins from 85 onwards. She also fleetingly showed up on the denarius in 82. Mattingly calls this Fortuna 'the special Fortuna that watches over the imperial office'. Suetonius writes that near the end of Domitian's reign on 1 January 96 'The Fortuna of Praeneste, which throughout the whole time he was emperor had habitually given him a happy and virtually the same answer to him whenever he entrusted the new year to her care, finally gave a most gloomy answer - and not without the mention of blood.' This is her first appearance on Domitian's bronze coinage. Missing from both the BM and Paris collections with aegis portrait.
1 commentsDavid Atherton
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RIC 274 Domitian Æ Sestertius, 24.21g
Rome mint, 85 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG GERM COS XI; Bust of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., with aegis
Rev: GERMANIA CAPTA; S C in exergue; Trophy; to r., German captive stg. r., hands bound, head l.; to l., Germania std. l.; around arms
RIC 274 (R). BMC 244. BNC 312.
Acquired from Savoca Coins, August 2022.

In 85 Domitian struck a fairly impressive issue of sestertii, M. Grant hyperbolically called it the most 'ambitious' of any one reign or year. The series is the first major aes issue of Domitian's reign and is dominated by panoramic types commemorating his military victory over the Germanic tribe the Chatti. The details of the war are unclear, but the overall impression is that the conflict was a minor affair blown out of proportion by an emperor eager for military glory. No large battles, a la Mons Graupius, have come down to us, prompting Tacitus' assertion, 'that in recent times, the Germans were more triumphed over than conquered'. Consequently, Domitian's Germanic triumph of 83 received a certain amount of ridicule from ancient writers who thought the whole thing was a sham (Dio goes so far as to say Domitian raided the palace's furniture stores for his fake spoils!), no doubt the numismatic propaganda for the victory was likely viewed in the same manner by contemporary senatorial elites. Germania Capta types were first struck in silver in 84 and in bronze in 85. This iconic Germania Capta sestertius strongly echoes Vespasian's Judaea Capta types - but instead of a palm tree we see a trophy which appears to be mounted on a palm trunk(?). H. Mattingly writes in BMCRE 'the type is closely modelled on the Judaea Capta of Vespasian, but the German element is indicated by the heavy angular cloak worn by the man and by the oblong shields.' Comparing the two triumphs, the Josephian scholar Steve Mason remarked - 'The same people who produced Flavian Triumph I: Judaea were on hand for Flavian Triumph II: Germania, and sequels are rarely as good as the originals.'

The Germania Capta commemorative sestertii were produced for only a few short years between 85-88. The present example from the first issue of 85 debuts this iconic reverse type and is slightly rarer than the variant struck in the second issue.
2 commentsDavid Atherton
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RIC 482A Domitian Æ Dupondius, 10.44g
Rome mint, 86 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XII CENS PER P P; Head of Domitian, radiate, bearded, r.
Rev: S C in field; Mars adv. l., with Victory and trophy
RIC 482A (R3). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Den of Antiquity, August 2022.

The Mars advancing right type was struck for Domitian's middle bronzes for a short period between 85-87 AD. No doubt it was part of the massive Germania Capta series struck on the coinage in the wake of the Chattan war. Notably it copies a reverse design previously struck for Vespasian's sestertii. This specimen is an extremely rare variant featuring an obverse portrait lacking aegis. The overwhelming majority of aes portraits from the issue were struck with aegis. The mint engraver's would gradually move away from aegis portraits over the next couple of years, but in 86 they were dominate and any deviation can be chalked up to engraver's whim. Second known specimen. Listed as unique in the RIC II.1 Addenda.
1 commentsDavid Atherton
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RIC 245 DomitianÆ Quadrans, 2.78g
Rome Mint, 84-85 AD
Obv: IMP DOMIT AVG GERM; Ceres bust l., wearing wreath of corn ears, draped
Rev: S C in field; Basket of corn ears
RIC 245 (R). BMC 493. BNC 532.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, June 2022.

An undated issue of small bronzes were struck early in Domitian's reign. RIC places them within the 84-85 time period based on Domitian titled as 'Germanicus' (which could only be post 83) and before 85 (after which all these small issues were dated). RIC also speculates many of these quadrantes were struck 'al marco', i.e. by batch weight, because of the variable weights encountered on many specimens. Ceres briefly appeared on the obverse of Domitian's quadrantes in 85-86. She frequently was paired with an appropriate reverse design, such as a basket of corn ears as seen on this example. Some seller's erroneously refer to the obverse as Domitia.
1 commentsDavid Atherton
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RIC 605 Domitian AR Denarius, 3.14g
Rome mint, 88 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VIII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: COS XIIII across field; Column inscribed LVD SAEC FEC; all within laurel wreath
RIC 605 (R3). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex CNG E517, 1 June 2022, lot 509. A. Short Collection, acquired from Peus 2021.

In October 88 AD Domitian held the Secular Games, a festival featuring theatrical performances and circus games accompanied by six various daytime and night-time religious ceremonies. The games marked the transition from one era (saeculum) to another and were supposedly held once every 110 years, or the maximum span of a human lifetime, making them a 'once in a lifetime' event. Domitian conducted his games on the Augustan calculation, rejecting the formula for the Claudian games held in 47 AD. The festival was important enough to interrupt the normal striking of reverse types on the coinage and for the mint to produce a new unique issue commemorating the event both in precious metal and bronze. The precious metal designs tended to be symbolic while the bronze were more narrative in nature, focusing on the various religious sacrifices that were at the heart of the games. Three reverse designs were produced for the denarii: herald with wand, cippus (column) within wreath, and herald standing by a cippus and incense burner. The vast majority of the Secular Games denarii were produced with right facing portraits, only a scarce handful feature one facing left. This cippus reverse with portrait left is only the second known specimen, the lone example cited by RIC is from the ANS collection (a double die match), a supreme testament to its rarity!
2 commentsDavid Atherton
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RIC 230 Domitian Æ As, 9.63g
Rome mint, 84 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS X; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., with aegis
Rev: S C in field; Victory adv. r., holding aquila with both hands
RIC 230 (R). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from CGB.fr, May 2022.

The Victory holding aquila reverse was fleetingly struck for Domitian in 84 and 85 amidst the flurry of Germania Capta types, which it is undoubtedly a part of. Of note, the COS X issues are the first appearance of the Domitian's new title of Germanicus (GERM), awarded for his recent triumph over the Chatti. This rare variant of the type with an abbreviated obverse legend is missing from both the BM and Paris, RIC cites only one specimen in Glasgow.
1 commentsDavid Atherton
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RIC 710 DomitianÆ Semis, 2.90g
Rome mint, 90-91 AD
Obv: IMP DOMIT AVG GERM COS XV; Bust of Apollo, draped, r.; in front, branch
Rev: S C in exergue; Raven stg. r. on laurel branch
RIC 710 (C). BMC 453. BNC 484.
Acquired from Den of Antiquity, May 2022.

Domitian's smaller bronzes rarely feature a portrait of the emperor. This semis from 90-91 sports a bust of Apollo on the obverse and, appropriately enough, his divine messenger a raven on the reverse. Perhaps an allusion to Domitian's support of the arts.
David Atherton
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RIC 111 DomitianÆ As, 11.98g
Rome mint, 82 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIAN AVG P M; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: TR P COS VIII DES VIIII P P; S C in field; Minerva adv. r., with spear and shield
RIC 111 (C3). BMC 283. BNC 291.
Acquired from JAZ Numismatics, April 2022.

Minerva's prominence on Domitian's coinage first showed up on his early bronzes struck in 81-82 before she dominated the denarii. This very common as from early 82 is typical of these initial bronze issues featuring a decent to fine style portrait and a standard cult image of Minerva on the reverse.
David Atherton
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RIC 419 DomitianÆ As, 12.13g
Rome mint, 85 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XI CENS PER P P; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., with aegis
Rev: S C in field; Crossed pairs of shields, spears, and trumpets over vexillum
RIC 419 (R2). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Marc Breitsprecher, April 2022. Ex Stacks, April 2006.

In 85 AD Domitian's senatorial bronze mint began striking a series of Germania Capta types with various reverse designs to commemorate his recent victory over the Germanic Chatti. On the middle bronze there appears a type with crossed decorated shields and spears (captured Germanic arms) and trumpets(?) overlaid on a vexillum. Curiously, the 'trumpets' appear to look more like carynxes but are described in most of the literature concerning the type as simply (Roman?) trumpets. It would make sense if the trumpets in question were captured Germanic booty along with the spears and shields, perhaps the above coin bears that out. A rare 86 AD third issue variant of this reverse type missing from both the BM and Paris collections.
1 commentsDavid Atherton
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RIC 499 DomitianÆ As, 11.14g
Rome mint, 86 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XII CENS PER P P; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: VIRTVTI AVGVSTI; S C in field; Virtus stg. r., foot on helmet, with spear and parazonium
RIC 499 (C2). BMC 393. BNC -.
Acquired from Marc Breitsprecher, February 2022.

The Virtus type was struck repeatedly on Domitian's middle bronzes from 84 onwards. I. Carradice in his 1983 monograph on Domitian's coinage says the following concerning the type - 'Virtus is a military type, symbolic of the courage of Domitian and the mutual devotion between the army and emperor.' Virtus first appears on the coinage in the flurry of Germania Capta types that were struck soon after Domitian's German triumph. This fairly common variant from 86 without aegis is surprisingly missing from the extensive BN collection.
1 commentsDavid Atherton
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RIC 240 DomitianÆ Quadrans, 2.55g
Rome Mint, 84-85 AD
Obv: IMP DOMIT AVG GERM; Minerva head, helmeted, r.
Rev: S C in field; Olive branch
RIC 240 (C). BMC 491. BNC 525.
Acquired from NumisCorner, February 2022.

Domitian struck a fairly large issue of undated quadrantes early in his reign. RIC places them within the 84-85 time period based on Domitian titled as 'Germanicus' ('GERM' - which could only be post 83) and before 85 (after which all these small issues were dated). RIC also speculates many of these quadrantes were struck 'al marco', i.e. by batch weight, because of the variable weights encountered on many specimens. Domitian's patron deity Minerva features prominently on the obverse of this quadrans and is paired with an olive branch, the symbol of peace.

The quadrans in the early imperial period typically lacked an imperial portrait. Tariffed at a quarter of an As, the denomination was possibly deemed too lowly by mint officials to warrant a portrait. They were struck haphazardly and functioned primarily as an urban low value coinage in Rome and central Italy. The quadrans was the typical fee for entry into the baths, a urinal, or for a tryst in a cheap brothel. Being of rather low value quadrantes were not typically hoarded and thus are relatively scarce today being virtually absent from site finds outside central and south-central Italy (in contrast, over 1,827 quadrantes have been found at Pompeii).
1 commentsDavid Atherton
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RIC 250 DomitianÆ Quadrans, 3.39g
Rome Mint, 84-85 AD
Obv: (No legend) Rhinoceros stg. l.
Rev: IMP DOMIT AVG GERM; S C in centre
RIC 250 (C). BMC 498. BNC 539.
Acquired from eBay, January 2022.

A few years into Domitian's reign an extraordinary issue of quadrantes were struck featuring a rhinoceros. Although the coins are undated, their production can be narrowed down between late 83 when he assumed the title Germanicus and 85 when the consular date XI appeared on the quadrantes. The type is highly unusual and breaks with the standard obverses that were normally featured on the quadrans. One may ask, why a rhinoceros? Certainly the animal was rare in Rome and most difficult to obtain. The rhinoceros depicted on the coin is the African species, identified by the two horns. Martial in his book 'On Spectacles' tells of such a rhinoceros in the Colosseum. Presumably, these coins were struck with that very 'star performer' in mind. Ted Buttrey wrote about this coin type in his article Domitian, the Rhinoceros, and the Date of Martial's "Liber De Spectaculis": "it is wrong to write off the rhinoceros of Domitian's coin casually, as if the coin were a picture postcard from the zoo: 'This is a rhinoceros'. No, coin types are pointed. Everything has to do with imperial advertisement and with its importance at the moment of issue: 'This is my rhinoceros'. Domitian's rhinoceros, in its supremacy in the arena might well stand as a metaphor for the invincible success of the emperor conquering general who had recently assumed the historically-weighted title of Germanicus." Coming back to Martial, he also speaks of tokens being showered upon the cheering crowds - could these quadrantes struck cheaply and in massive quantities have been gifts to the cheering mob at the arena? In essence, can this coin double as currency and a souvenir from a long ago day at the games in the Colosseum?

RIC places this issue of quadrantes within the 84-85 time period based on Domitian titled as 'Germanicus' ('GERM' - which could only be post 83) and before 85 (after which all these small issues were dated). RIC also speculates many of these quadrantes were struck 'al marco', i.e. by batch weight, because of the variable weights encountered on many specimens. This is a common variant of the rhino type which has the reverse legend starting in the lower left.
1 commentsDavid Atherton
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RIC N/A Unpublished Mule?Æ Dupondius, 9.10g
Rome mint, 85 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XI CENS PER P P; Head of Domitian, radiate, r., with aegis
Rev: MONETA AVGVST; S C in field; Moneta stg. l., with scales and cornucopiae
RIC -. BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Ken Dorney, January 2022.

An oddity for sure. Here we have a dupondius obverse paired with a Moneta reverse type which was an exclusive reverse to the As issues. I wrote to Ian Carradice co-author of RIC II.1 for his opinion. He writes - "I'm not sure about this coin. An official mint mule is certainly not out of the question, though it's a pity the end of the reverse inscription ..POT.. or ..PER.. is unclear, so I'm not sure which issue it would belong to? But also, I'm not sure if it really is official. The obverse has a good enough style, but the missing portion of the inscription suggests a large cut in that part of the die. Meanwhile, the reverse has a rather clumsily executed Moneta, with bizarre drapery (contrasting with the usually excellent style of AD 85). The reverse legend is also incomplete, so would render it difficult to catalogue (and that would be futile if it is 'barbarous').
The coin is certainly a curiosity, but that is about all I can say for it."

Curtis Clay on the other hand believes it most likely to be a mule: "I am inclined to think it's official. It would be interesting if another coin could be located struck from the same obv. and/or rev. die.
The weight is not impossible. Cf. BM 311 (8.85g, worn), BM 363A (8.84g), BM 366A (9.39g), BM 402 (8.50g)."

Now with the piece in hand I can confirm the obverse reading as 'PER', making the reverse reading as AVGVST which places this coin in the third issue of 85. Both the obverse and reverse styles look official to my eyes. However, the low weight does give me pause. The metal appears to be orichalcum.

Until another specimen surfaces with clearer legends I'll catalogue this as a possible mule. A curiosity indeed.
1 commentsDavid Atherton
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RIC 650 DomitianÆ As, 8.53g
Rome mint, 88-89 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XIIII CENS PER P P; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: VIRTVTI AVGVSTI; S C in field; Virtus stg. r., foot on helmet, with spear and parazonium
RIC 650 (C). BMC 417. BNC 454.
Acquired from Marc Breitsprecher, January 2022.

The Virtus type was struck repeatedly on Domitian's middle bronzes from 84 onwards. I. Carradice in his 1983 monograph on Domitian's coinage says the following concerning the type - 'Virtus is a military type, symbolic of the courage of Domitian and the mutual devotion between the army and emperor.' Virtus first appears on the coinage in the flurry of Germania Capta types that were struck soon after Domitian's German triumph.
David Atherton
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RIC 705 DomitianÆ Dupondius, 9.21g
Rome mint, 90-91 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XV CENS PER P P; Head of Domitian, radiate, bearded, r.
Rev: FORTVNAE AVGVSTI; S C in field; Fortuna stg. l., with rudder and cornucopiae
RIC 705 (C2). BMC 444. BNC 479.
Acquired from Ken Dorney, December 2021.

This common Fortuna type was repeatedly struck throughout Domitian's reign on the dupondii and asses. She also fleetingly showed up on the denarius in 82. Mattingly calls this Fortuna 'the special Fortuna that watches over the imperial office'. Suetonius writes that near the end of Domitian's reign on 1 January 96 'The Fortuna of Praeneste, which throughout the whole time he was emperor had habitually given him a happy and virtually the same answer to him whenever he entrusted the new year to her care, finally gave a most gloomy answer - and not without the mention of blood.'
David Atherton
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RIC 067 DomitianAR Denarius, 2.85g
Rome mint, 81 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P COS VII DES VIII P P; Seat, draped; above, semicircular frame decorated with three crescents
RIC 67 (R). BMC p. 301 note. RSC 573. BNC -.
Ex A. Short Collection, December 2021. Ex Savoca Blue Auction 29, 23 February 2020, lot 1228.

There was a tremendous amount of denarii struck for Domitian in the last few months of 81 after he became emperor in mid September, probably for donatives to the legions. The early coinage of Domitian continues in the same style as those struck under Titus using many of his pulvinaria reverse types. This reverse featuring a throne with a semi-circular frame decorated with three crescents is a fairly rare variant of the type, missing from both the BM and Paris collections. The slight rainbow toning adds a touch of charm to the piece.
David Atherton
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RIC 003 Domitian VariantAR Denarius, 3.01g
Rome mint, 81 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR DOMITIANVS AVG; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P COS VII; Seat, draped; above, triangular frame decorated with corn ears, lituus within triangle
RIC 3 var. (no lituus within triangular frame on rev.). BMC 2 var. (same). RSC 554a var. (same). BNC 2 var. (same).
Ex Short collection. Acquired from Akropolis Coins 2017.

This early Domitian denarius is a rare variant of the common throne with triangular frame, a Titus carry-over pulvinar type, showing a lituus within the triangle. The lituus variant actually first showed up under Titus on a few rare denarii. Apparently the same engraver(s) were still working at the mint during Domitian's first few weeks as emperor. The upcoming RIC II.1 Addenda notes that some specimens may show a lituus but does not assign a separate catalogue number for the variant.

The throne with triangular frame pulvinar type was exclusively produced for Domitian in his first issue as Augustus, possibly in connection with the opening games of the Colosseum. The appearance of the lituus highlights the type's religious meaning.
1 commentsDavid Atherton
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RIC 122 DomitianÆ Semis, 4.18g
Rome mint, 81-82 AD
Obv: IMP DOMITIANVS AVG; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: S C in field; Cornucopiae
RIC 122 (R). BMC 481. BMC 517
Acquired from NumisCorner, October 2021.

An undated rare semis from Domitian's first year as Augustus. The early date is presumed based on style and the absence of Germanicus in Domitian's titles. The reverse type is a carry-over from a rare Domitian Caesar issue under Titus. This small issue of undated bronzes, which also includes quadrantes, was likely struck no later than early 82 before the bronze mint was shuttered for a couple of years for the Rome mint's reorganisation.
1 commentsDavid Atherton
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RIC 248 DomitianÆ Quadrans, 2.00g
Rome Mint, 84-85 AD
Obv: (No legend) Rhinoceros stg. r.
Rev: IMP DOMIT AVG GERM; S C in centre
RIC 248 (C). BMC 496. BNC 536.
Ex Numismatic Salon, Auction 8, 18-19 September 2021, lot 3298.

A few years into Domitian's reign an extraordinary issue of quadrantes were struck featuring a rhinoceros. Although the coins are undated, their production can be narrowed down between late 83 when he assumed the title Germanicus and 85 when the consular date XI appeared on the quadrantes. The type is highly unusual and breaks with the standard obverses that were normally featured on the quadrans. One may ask, why a rhinoceros? Certainly the animal was rare in Rome and most difficult to obtain. The rhinoceros depicted on the coin is the African species, identified by the two horns. Martial in his book 'On Spectacles' tells of such a rhinoceros in the Colosseum. Presumably, these coins were struck with that very 'star performer' in mind. Ted Buttrey wrote about this coin type in his article Domitian, the Rhinoceros, and the Date of Martial's "Liber De Spectaculis": "it is wrong to write off the rhinoceros of Domitian's coin casually, as if the coin were a picture postcard from the zoo: 'This is a rhinoceros'. No, coin types are pointed. Everything has to do with imperial advertisement and with its importance at the moment of issue: 'This is my rhinoceros'. Domitian's rhinoceros, in its supremacy in the arena might well stand as a metaphor for the invincible success of the emperor conquering general who had recently assumed the historically-weighted title of Germanicus." Coming back to Martial, he also speaks of tokens being showered upon the cheering crowds - could these quadrantes struck cheaply and in massive quantities have been gifts to the cheering mob at the arena? In essence, can this coin double as currency and a souvenir from a long ago day at the games in the Colosseum? This is the most common variant of the famous rhinoceros quadrans with the beast facing right and the reverse legend beginning from the lower left.

As mentioned above, the rhino depicted on the coin is the two-horned African species. In contrast, the Indian rhino has one horn. Pliny in his Natural Histories describes the rhinoceros as a one horned creature (although confusingly he confirms its Ethiopian origins), Martial said it had two. The rhino was so rare in Rome, Pliny had to go all the way back to the games of Pompey the Great in 55 BC to find a reference for the animal on display in the city, apparently it was a one-horned Indian rhino. At any rate, both the numismatic evidence and Martial's description coincide rather nicely to confirm that Domitian, at great expense no doubt, brought to Rome an African rhinoceros for his shows in the new Colosseum. The surviving coins featuring this fantastic beast prove how important a feat this was to the emperor.

Please show your quadrantes, 'Colosseum' coins, or anything you feel that is relevant.
David Atherton
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RIC 280 DomitianÆ Sestertius, 26.14g
Rome mint, 85 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG GERM COS XI; Bust of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., with aegis
Rev: S C in exergue; Domitian riding r. with shield, striking with spear at falling German
RIC 280 (C). BMC 300A. BNC 317.
Ex Roma Numismatics E-Sale 88, 9 September 2021, lot 843.

In 85 Domitian struck a fairly impressive issue of sestertii, M. Grant hyperbolically called it the most 'ambitious' of any one reign or year. The series is the first major aes issue of Domitian's reign and is dominated by panoramic types commemorating his greatest military victory over the Germanic tribe the Chatti. The Germanic triumph received a certain amount of ridicule from ancient writers who thought the whole thing was a sham (Dio goes so far as to say Domitian raided the palace's furniture stores for his fake spoils!), no doubt the numismatic propaganda for the victory was likely viewed in the same manner by contemporary senatorial elites. This sestertius depicts Domitian on the reverse heroically chasing down a Chattian warrior, no doubt one of the tribal leaders. It goes without saying that such a scene never actually took place and the reverse is as much a sham as the Triumph itself. The type was struck for just a few short years and was slowly phased out by 89.
1 commentsDavid Atherton
D496.jpg
RIC 496 DomitianÆ As, 9.62g
Rome mint, 86 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XII CENS PER P P; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., with aegis
Rev: S C in field; Mars adv. l., with Victory and trophy
RIC 496 (C). BMC 392. BNC -.
Acquired from Sam Sloat Coins, August 2021.

This Mars reverse was struck for Domitian's asses for a short period between 85-87 AD. No doubt it was part of the massive Germania Capta series struck on the bronzes at the time. It copies a reverse design previously struck for Vespasian's sestertii.

Despite the wear, the stylish portrait still shines through.
David Atherton
D536.jpg
RIC 536 DomitianÆ Dupondius, 10.13g
Rome mint, 87 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XIII CENS PER P P; Head of Domitian, radiate, bearded, r., with aegis
Rev: FORTVNAE AVGVSTI; S C in field; Fortuna stg. l., with rudder and cornucopiae
RIC 536 (R). BMC 397. BNC 427.
Acquired from CGB.fr, August 2021.

This common Fortuna type was repeatedly struck throughout Domitian's reign on his middle bronze. She also fleetingly showed up on the denarius in 82. Mattingly calls this Fortuna 'the special Fortuna that watches over the imperial office'. Suetonius writes that near the end of Domitian's reign on 1 January 96 'The Fortuna of Praeneste, which throughout the whole time he was emperor had habitually given him a happy and virtually the same answer to him whenever he entrusted the new year to her care, finally gave a most gloomy answer - and not without the mention of blood.' The COS XIII variant with aegis portrait is quite rare.
David Atherton
D345.jpg
RIC 345 DomitianAR Denarius, 3.05g
Rome mint, 85 AD (fifth issue)
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P V; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IMP VIIII COS XI CENS POT P P; Minverva stg. l., with spear (M4)
RIC 345 (R2). BMC 84. RSC 185. BNC 86.
Acquired from Akropolis Ancient Coins, August 2021.

An incredibly rare denarius struck sometime between mid September, when Domitian assumed TR P V, and December 31st, the last day of his eleventh consulship. Also, coined shortly after Domitian reduced the fineness of the denarius by 5% to the old Neronian level after having raised it in 82 to the Augustan standard. The aegis portraits on the denarii were completely phased out on this issue. They had become something of a symbol of prestige on the denarii after the mint's recent overhaul.
2 commentsDavid Atherton
D82.jpg
RIC 082 DomitianÆ Dupondius, 12.48g
Rome mint, 81 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIAN AVG P M; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P COS VII DES VIII P P; S C in field; Minerva stg. l., with thunderbolt and spear; shield at her l. side
RIC 82 (C). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Incitatus Coins, August 2021.

This middle bronze struck for Domitian's first issue in 81 is laureate, but appears to be made of brass. RIC notes: 'Examples clearly in brass, as opposed to copper, can be identified as dupondii, though the laureate head might lead one to identify them as asses.' Perhaps a carry-over formula from Domitian's middle bronzes as Caesar under Vespasian and Titus when his dupondii were laureate. Missing from both the BM and Paris collections, indicating it may be rarer than the 'common' RIC frequency rating implies. This Minerva type would later become standard on the denarii.
David Atherton
D625.jpg
RIC 625 DomitianÆ As, 9.80g
Rome mint, 88-89 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VIII CENS PER P P; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: COS XIIII LVD SAEC FEC; S C in exergue; Domitian stg. l., sacrificing over altar; to l., victimarius slaying bull, whose head is held by a kneeling figure, flute player and lyre player stg. r.; in background, six-column temple
RIC 625 (C). BMC 438. BNC 469.
Acquired from eBay, July 2021.

In October 88 AD Domitian held the Secular Games, a festival featuring theatrical performances and circus games accompanied by six various daytime and nighttime religious ceremonies. The games marked the transition from one era (saeculum) to another and were supposedly held once every 110 years, or the maximum span of a human lifetime, making them a 'once in a lifetime' event. Domitian conducted his games on the Augustan calculation, rejecting the formula for the Claudian games held in 47 AD. The festival was important enough to interrupt the normal striking of reverse types on the coinage and for the mint to produce a new unique issue commemorating the event both in precious metal and bronze. The precious metal designs tended to be symbolic while the bronze were more narrative in nature, focusing on the various religious sacrifices that were at the heart of the games.

Sacrificial ceremonies opened the games and were conducted throughout the event, five of which are depicted on the bronze coinage. These types often show Domitian's ceremonial leading role. The reverse on this as features the sacrifice of a bovine to Jupiter, possibly in front of the the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus, with Domitian sacrificing over an altar accompanied by two musicians. The main message of the design is to show the Roman people that Domitian provided and responsibly held the Secular Games. The fact these types were struck in fairly large quantities hints they were an important piece of Domitianic propaganda.
1 commentsDavid Atherton
D663.jpg
RIC 663 DomitianAR Denarius, 3.50g
Rome mint, 88-89 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VIII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IMP XVIII COS XIIII CENS P P P; Minerva adv. r., with spear and shield (M1)
RIC 663 (R2). BMC -. RSC 248. BNC 143.
Ex Papillon 7, 10 July 2021, lot 749.

A very rare denarius which records Domitian's 18th imperial acclamation, most likely struck in late 88. Imperial acclamations were coming fast and furious during the 88-89 time period, which is the primary means of differentiating the many various issues since Domitian did not take the consulship in 89. He was campaigning against the Dacians in 88 and presumably that is the likely explanation of the rapid succession of imperial acclamations during the time period. The denarii recording his 18th imperial acclamation are some of the rarest and were probably struck for just a few days. A military diploma dated 7 November, 88 records Domitian as IMP XVII, therefore this tiny issue must have been struck soon after that date at the end of 88 and/or very early in 89. RIC speculates mid December 88.
2 commentsDavid Atherton
D446.jpg
RIC 446 DomitianAR Denarius, 3.09g
Rome mint, 86 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VI; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IMP XII COS XII CENS P P P; Minerva stg. r. on capital of rostral column, with spear and shield; to r., owl (M2)
RIC 446 (R2). BMC 96. RSC 204c. BNC -.
Ex Andrew Short Collection, purchased from Kölner, June 2021.

A very rare M2 type from the third issue of 86. This rare dating combination could not have been struck for very long after Domitian became TR P VI in mid September due to the the issue's extreme rarity, probably produced for just a few short weeks at the end of September. Imperial acclamations were awarded to Domitian at a fairly quick pace during 86 because of the Dacian campaign with many issues being struck rather briefly before news arrived of a new imperial salutation. The portrait is of an extremely fine style typical of Domitian's coinage during this time period. Hints of iridescent toning add to the piece's appeal.
4 commentsDavid Atherton
D297.jpg
RIC 297 DomitianÆ Dupondius, 13.36g
Rome mint, 85 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG GERM COS XI; Head of Domitian, radiate, bearded, r.
Rev: VICTORIAE AVGVSTI; S C in field; Victory stg. l., inscribing shield set on trophy to l., and holding palm
RIC 297 (R). BMC -. BNC 334.
Acquired CGB.fr, June 2021.

A 'Germania Capta' dupondius struck during Domitian's first issue of 85, the first bronze issue that fully celebrated the German victory. The war with the German tribe the Chatti likely took place in either 82 or 83 and Domitian acquired the title 'Germanicus' in 83, the year of his German triumph. Why it took so long for these achievements to be commemorated on the bronze coinage is a mystery. Perhaps the bronze mint was not in full operation due to reorganisation until 85. These 'Germania Capta' types would be produced for only a few years between 85-88. This Victory inscribing shield was struck somewhat commonly for the dupondii and sparingly for the asses. The motif was borrowed, with some minor modifications, from Vespasian's coinage. Rare lacking aegis portrait and missing from the BM.
1 commentsDavid Atherton
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RIC 144c DomitianAR Denarius, 3.53g
Rome mint, 82-83 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IVPPITER CONSERVATOR; Eagle stg. front on thunderbolt, wings outspread flat, head l.
RIC 144c (R). BMC 52 var. (eagle's wings hunched). RSC 320 var. (same). BNC 53 var. (same).
Acquired from Kölner, June 2021. Ex Obolos 19, 8 May 2021, lot 835, Ex Brett Telford Collection. Ex CNG E302, 8 May 2013, lot 359.

In 82 AD Domitian banished his a rationibus Tiberius Julius and then proceeded to increase the fineness of both the silver and gold coins to pre-Neronian standards. The portraits also became more refined and stylish. This denarius from the first post reform issue features a reverse which possibly commemorates Domitian's escape from Vitellian forces after hiding in the Temple of Jupiter during the last days of the Civil War of 69 AD. There are three variants of this reverse type with the eagle's wings either: a. upright, b. hunched, or c. flat. This type c. is extremely rare - out of 76 specimens in the asearch.com database only 6 feature 'flat' wings, the remainder are the common 'hunched' variant. Type a. is only known on the aureus.
2 commentsDavid Atherton
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RIC 829 Claudius, Restored by DomitianÆ As, 10.89g
Rome or Thrace?, 81-82 AD
Obv: TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG P M TR P IMP P P; Head of Claudius, bare, l.
Rev: IMP D AVG REST; S C in field; Minerva advancing right, holding spear and shield
RIC 829 (C2). BMC 512. BNC -.
Acquired from Rudnik Numismatics, June 2021.

Titus and Domitian struck an extensive restoration series of bronze coins of Flavian approved past emperors and imperial family members which reproduced the original coins in their entirety. The restoration coinage was very briefly continued into the reign of Domitian after Titus's death in September 81. It is highly likely the only mint still producing the series under Domitian was an unidentified Thracian mint, although there is some stylistic ambiguity to be certain. This restored As of Claudius featuring Minerva on the reverse has some interesting Flavian connections: Vespasian completed the Temple to the Divine Claudius and Minerva was Domitian's patron deity. Symbolically a very important coin indeed!

Missing from the BN collection.
1 commentsDavid Atherton
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RIC 550 DomitianÆ As, 9.31g
Rome mint, 87 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XIII CENS PER P P; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: VIRTVTI AVGVSTI; S C in field; Virtus stg. r., foot on helmet, with spear and parazonium
RIC 550 (C3). BMC 404. BNC 435.
Acquired from CGB.fr, June 2021

The Virtus type was struck repeatedly on Domitian's middle bronzes from 84 onwards. I. Carradice in his 1983 monograph on Domitian's coinage says the following concerning the type - 'Virtus is a military type, symbolic of the courage of Domitian and the mutual devotion between the army and emperor.' Virtus first appears on the coinage in the flurry of Germania Capta types that were struck soon after Domitian's German triumph. She is seen on this common As from 87 impressively depicted in traditional Amazon attire.
1 commentsDavid Atherton
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RIC 465 DomitianÆ Sestertius, 25.01g
Rome mint, 86 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XII CENS PER P P; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., with aegis
Rev: IOVI VICTORI; S C in exergue; Jupiter std. l., with Victory and sceptre
RIC 465 (C2). BMC 373. BNC 396.
Acquired from CGB.fr, June 2021.

Similar to the silver and gold, Domitian’s aes coinage in the mid 80s settled down to a few predicable reverse types that were annually struck throughout the reign. The Sestertii were dominated by Victory crowning the emperor and the seated Jupiter with Victory, as seen on this coin. ‘Jupiter the giver of Victory’ was an important propaganda type because of the periodic conflicts that flared up from time to time on the Northern frontier. This early example of the type features the fine style and superior craftsmanship that was a hallmark of the Rome mint in the mid 80s under Domitian. Not only is the portrait exquisitely engraved, but the reverse featuring a super buff Jupiter is no slouch either. Both are evidence of a mint firing on all cylinders.
2 commentsDavid Atherton
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RIC 106 DomitianÆ Sestertius, 21.73g
Rome mint, 82 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIAN AVG P M; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: TR P COS VIII DES VIIII P P; S C in field; Minerva stg. l., with spear
RIC 106 (C). BMC 276. BNC 286.
Acquired from Ken Dorney, May 2021.

Minerva's prominence on Domitian's coinage first showed up on his early bronzes produced in 81-82 before she dominated his denarii. This fantastic sestertius struck in early 82 demonstrates that the finest engravers were not just reserved for Domitian's aurei. A superb portrait and fine reverse.
6 commentsDavid Atherton
D323.jpg
RIC 323 DomitianAR Denarius, 3.36g
Rome mint, 85 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P IIII; Bust of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., with aegis
Rev: IMP VIIII COS XI CENSORIA POTESTAT P P; Minverva stg. l., with spear (M4)
RIC 323 (R2). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex Heritage Auction 232117, 28-29 April 2021, lot 65186. Formerly in NGC holder #5749336-008, grade VF.

An extremely rare denarius from the second issue of 85, struck before Domitian reformed the precious metal coinage once again by slightly lowering the silver fineness after raising it to nearly 100% in 82. This was also the first denarius issue produced after Domitian assumed the censorship (given right to conduct census), note the full spelling of the title in the reverse legend.
5 commentsDavid Atherton
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RIC 564 DomitianAR Denarius, 3.25g
Rome mint, 88 AD
Obv: IMP CAESAR DOMITIAN AVG GERMANICVS; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: COS XIIII across field; Minerva stg. r. on capital of rostral column, with spear and shield; to r., owl (M2)
RIC 564 (R2). BMC p. 328 *. RSC 68. BNC -.
Ex CNG E490, 21 April 2021, lot 296. From the Peter J. Merani Collection, purchased from Sam Kazmi.

This denarius is part of a short lived but remarkable issue struck in early 88. It features an extremely rare obverse legend (notice the full spelling of GERMANICVS and DOMITIAN) combined with the simple design of COS XIIII across the reverse field. Also of note, the TR P and IMP numbers are absent. Only a handful of specimens are known with RIC citing 3 examples from Berlin, Madrid, and a private collection. Missing from both the BM and Paris collections. All the coins from the series are struck on large flans in fine style.
2 commentsDavid Atherton
D393.jpg
RIC 393 DomitianAR Denarius, 3.55g
Rome mint, 85 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P V; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IMP XI COS XI CENS P P P; Minverva stg. l., with spear (M4)
RIC 393 (R). BMC 87. RSC 189. BNC -.
Ex Asta 91, 15-16 December 2020, lot 173.

All the denarii from Domitian's sixth issue of 85 are extremely rare. It is the first denarius issue which marks Domitian's assumption of the perpetual censorship (CENS P). Of note, both obv. and rev. legends are riddled with spacing dots, a trademark of these issues.
4 commentsDavid Atherton
D756.jpg
RIC 756 DomitianÆ As, 11.66g
Rome mint, 92-94 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XVI CENS PER P P; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: MONETA AVGVSTI; S C in field; Moneta stg. l., with scales and cornucopiae
RIC 756 (C2). BMC 469. BNC 497.
Acquired from Marc Breitsprecher, March 2021.

This very common As features Moneta, 'mint goddess of the emperor'. H. Mattingly believes Moneta in this context can be seen as symbolising Domitian's control of the mint and as paymaster to the empire. A fitting reverse design for an emperor who cared so much for his coinage. The COS XVI bronze issue was struck sometime between 92 and 94 and cannot be more precisely dated because Domitian did not take up the consulship again until 95.
1 commentsDavid Atherton
D753.jpg
RIC 753 DomitianÆ Dupondius, 13.28g
Rome mint, 92-94 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XVI CENS PER P P; Head of Domitian, laureate, radiate, bearded, r.
Rev: FORTVNAE AVGVSTI; S C in field; Fortuna stg. l., with rudder and cornucopiae
RIC 753 (C). BMC 467. BNC 495.
Acquired from Marc Breitsprecher, March 2021.

This common Fortuna type was repeatedly struck throughout Domitian's reign on his middle bronze. She also fleetingly showed up on the denarii in 82. Mattingly calls this Fortuna 'the special Fortuna that watches over the imperial office'. Suetonius writes that near the end of Domitian's reign on 1 January 96 'The Fortuna of Praeneste, which throughout the whole time he was emperor had habitually given him a happy and virtually the same answer to him whenever he entrusted the new year to her care, finally gave a most gloomy answer - and not without the mention of blood.' The COS XVI bronze issue was struck sometime between 92 and 94 and cannot be more precisely dated because Domitian did not take up the consulship again until 95.
1 commentsDavid Atherton
D87.jpg
RIC 087 DomitianÆ As, 11.10g
Rome mint, 81 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIAN AVG P M; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P COS VII DES VIII P P; S C in field; Minerva adv. r., with spear and shield
RIC 87 (C). BMC 268. BNC 279.
Acquired from Ken Dorney, March 2021.

A common as from Domitian's first bronze issue struck in late 81. The reverse features his patron deity Minerva in a design which would later become more familiar on his denarii. It is likely based on a cult image.
1 commentsDavid Atherton
D824.jpg
RIC 824 Divus Augustus, Restored by DomitianÆ As, 10.01g
Rome or Thrace?, 80-81 AD
Obv: DIVVS AVGVSTVS PATER; Head of Augustus, radiate, l., star above
Rev: IMP D CAES AVG RESTITVIT; S C in field; Eagle stg. front on globe, wings spread, head r.
RIC 824 (C2). BMC 506. BNC 555.
Ex Papillon Auction 5, 6 March 2021, lot 540.

Titus and Domitian struck an extensive restoration series of bronze coins of Flavian approved past emperors and imperial family members which reproduced the original coins in their entirety. The restoration coinage was very briefly continued into the reign of Domitian after Titus's death in September 81. It is highly likely the only mint still producing the series under Domitian was an unidentified Thracian mint, although there is some stylistic ambiguity to be certain. This common As struck for Divus Augustus restores a well known posthumous type originally coined by Tiberius. Oddly, on this one die the eagle is having trouble staying on the globe!
4 commentsDavid Atherton
D422a.jpg
RIC 422 DomitianÆ As, 10.33g
Rome mint, 85 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XI CENS PER P P; Head of Domitian, laureate, r., with aegis
Rev: VICTORIAE AVGVSTI; S C in field; Victory stg. l., inscribing shield set on trophy to l., and holding palm
RIC 422 (R2). BMC 367. BNC 389.
Ex Ancient Treasures, eBay, 28 February 2021.

The senatorial mint introduced new Germania Capta reverse designs for the bronze issues in 85 AD. Among them was this Victory inscribing shield type which was struck somewhat commonly for the dupondii and sparingly for the asses. The motif was borrowed, albeit with some minor modifications, from Vespasian's coinage. This As from the third and last bronze issue of 85 is exceedingly rare, perhaps owing to the short window of time at the end of the year prior to Domitian becoming COS XII on 1 January 86.

NB: I believe this seemingly generic Victory type to be part of the Germania Capta issues because of the commemorative 'Germanic' character of the bronze issues in which it was struck. Also, the trophy design is identical to the one used on the Germania Capta sestertii.
4 commentsDavid Atherton
D88error.jpg
RIC 111 Domitian Engraver's ErrorÆ As, 12.69g
Rome mint, 81 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DIVI VEP (sic) F DOMITIAN AVG P M; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, l.
Rev: TR P COS VIII DES VIIII P P; S C in field; Minerva adv. r., with spear and shield
RIC 111 (C). BMC 283. BNC 291.
Acquired from Marc R. Breitsprecher, January 2021.

It wasn't often that the extremely professionally run Rome mint made mistakes during the Flavian era, especially so during Domitian's tight reign. Here we have a rare example of a blundered obverse legend on an early bronze As of Domitian struck in late 81: DIVI VEP instead of DIVI VESP. It's a common enough type, but perhaps unique featuring this engraver's error. I wonder how many were struck before the mistake was noticed?

The engraver almost redeemed himself with the fine style portrait.
2 commentsDavid Atherton
D840.jpg
RIC 840 DomitianÆ As, 9.44g
Eastern Mint (Thrace?), 82 AD
Obv: IMP D CAES DIVI VESP F AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: CERES AVGVST; S C in field; Ceres stg. l. with corn ears and torch
RIC 840 (R2). BMC 520. BNC 553. RPC 533.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, January 2021.

An Eastern mystery mint struck imperial bronze coins for Titus and Domitian between 80-81. The style (heavily seriffed letters, large portraits, and massive reverse figures), and uncommon fabric (flat, almost convex flans) all suggest a mint other than Rome. Attributing exactly where these coins were struck has historically been a moving target - Mattingly in BMCRE thought Lugdunum, H.A. Cahn believed somewhere in Bithynia. More recent scholarship has looked towards Thrace as a possible location for production based on the Balkan distribution pattern of found specimens. Although the region of mintage has been narrowed down, the city itself remains elusive. RPC has suggested possibly Perinthus. Presumably a shortage of bronze coins in the region prompted a localised imperial issue which consists of sestertii, dupondii, asses, and semisses copying types struck at Rome. The mystery mint continued production uninterrupted for Domitian as Augustus after Titus's death in September 81 for perhaps a few months with little change in types. This Ceres type is dated by COS VIII to 82, perhaps within just the first few weeks judging by its rarity.

Fine 'eastern' style.
2 commentsDavid Atherton
D658-.jpg
RIC 658 DomitianAR Denarius, 3.20g
Rome mint, 88-89 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG GERM P M TR P VIII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IMP XVII COS XIIII CENS P P P; Minerva advancing right, brandishing spear, on capital of rostral column, accompanied by owl (M2)
RIC 658 (R2). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Acquired from eBay, December 2020.

Domitian did not take up the consulship in 89, therefore, this denarius is dated by TR P VIII between September 88 and September 89. The date can be further narrowed down by the 17th imperial acclamation. A military diploma dated 7 November, 88 records Domitian as IMP XVII, so this issue must have been struck briefly at the end of 88, perhaps just a month or so due to the rarity of the acclamation number on the denarii and the fact they were being awarded at a fairly rapid pace due to increased military activity along the Danube. This is an extremely rare variant with 'DOMITIANVS' fully spelled out. Normally the denarius obverse legends use the abbreviated 'DOMIT'. The variant spelling is known for 3 of the 4 Minerva types from this issue, only the Minerva advancing right (M1) is missing.
1 commentsDavid Atherton
D648-.jpg
RIC 648 DomitianÆ As, 8.76g
Rome mint, 88-89 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XIIII CENS PER P P; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: FORTVNAE AVGVSTI; S C in field; Fortuna stg. l., with rudder and cornucopiae
RIC 648 (C2). BMC 416. BNC 452.
Acquired from eBay, December 2020.

This common Fortuna type was repeatedly struck throughout Domitian's reign on his middle bronze. She also fleetingly showed up on the denarius in 82. Mattingly calls this Fortuna 'the special Fortuna that watches over the imperial office'. Suetonius writes that near the end of Domitian's reign on 1 January 96 'The Fortuna of Praeneste, which throughout the whole time he was emperor had habitually given him a happy and virtually the same answer to him whenever he entrusted the new year to her care, finally gave a most gloomy answer - and not without the mention of blood.'
David Atherton
D316-.jpg
RIC 316 DomitianÆ Quadrans, 3.07g
Rome Mint, 85 AD
Obv: IMP DOMIT AVG GERM COS XI; Bust of Ceres, wearing wreath of corn ears, draped, l.
Rev: S C in field; Basket with corn ears
RIC 316 (C). BMC -. BNC 347.
Acquired from CGB.fr, December 2020.

Small bronzes such as the quadrans were likely used in minor transactions by the plebs and sported very simple designs with popular motifs, often lacking an imperial portrait. Ceres briefly appeared on the obverse of Domitian's quadrantes in 85-86. She frequently was paired with an appropriate reverse design, such as a basket of corn ears as seen on this example. Some seller's erroneously refer to the obverse as Domitia. Incredibly, this bust left variant is missing from the extensive BM collection.
1 commentsDavid Atherton
D833-.jpg
RIC 833 Domitian (2)Æ Dupondius, 12.04g
Eastern Mint (Thrace?), 81 AD
Obv: IMP D CAES DIVI VESP F AVG P M TR P P P COS VII; Head of Domitian, radiate, bearded, r.
Rev: ROMA; S C in exergue; Roma std. l. on cuirass, with wreath and parazonium
RIC 833 (R). BMC 514. BNC 549. RPC 528.
Acquired from Incitatus Coins, November 2020.

An Eastern mystery mint struck imperial bronze coins for Titus and Domitian between 80-81. The style (heavily seriffed letters, large portraits, and massive reverse figures), and uncommon fabric (flat, almost convex flans) all suggest a mint other than Rome. Attributing exactly where these coins were struck has historically been a moving target - Mattingly in BMCRE thought Lugdunum, H.A. Cahn believed somewhere in Bithynia. More recent scholarship has looked towards Thrace as a possible location for production based on the Balkan distribution pattern of found specimens. Although the region of mintage has been narrowed down, the city itself remains elusive. RPC has suggested possibly Perinthus. Presumably a shortage of bronze coins in the region prompted a localised imperial issue which consists of sestertii, dupondii, asses, and semisses copying types struck at Rome. The mystery mint continued production uninterrupted for Domitian as Augustus after Titus's death in September 81 for perhaps a few months with little change in types. This Roma dupondius is a carry-over type from Titus's issue with only slight changes to the obverse legend to fit Domitian's nomenclature. It's the only reverse type struck for the dupondius in the series for both Titus and Domitian. These Domitianic 'Thracian' bronzes are much rarer than those coined under Titus, very likely because of the issue's short production period under Domitian.
1 commentsDavid Atherton
D355.jpg
RIC 355 DomitianÆ Sestertius, 25.18g
Rome mint, 85 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XI CENS POT P P; Head of Domitian, laureate, 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 355 (C). BMC 336. BNC 356.
Acquired from Castellet Classical Numismatics, December 2020.

85 AD saw the mint at Rome introduce many new types on Domitian's aes coinage. This sestertius from the second 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.' The nod here to Minerva is quite pious. The shrine in question is a mystery and may perhaps just be a generic design to frame the cult image.

Dark milk chocolate toning and fine style.
1 commentsDavid Atherton
D287.jpg
RIC 287 DomitianÆ Dupondius, 10.62g
Rome mint, 85 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG GERM COS XI; Head of Domitian, radiate, bearded, r., with aegis
Rev: ANNONA AVG; S C in exergue; Annona, std r., holding open on lap by two ends bag full of corn-ears; in front of her stands a small figure, l., also holding two ends of bag, and in the background, stern of ship
RIC 287 (R). BMC 305. BNC -.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, November 2020.

A most curious reverse type was struck for Domitian on his dupondii for a short period between 84-88. Here we see Annona seated holding open a bag(?) of corn-ears and a mysterious small figure standing before her holding the other end of the bag with a ship's stern in the background. Overall, the reverse likely alludes to Domitian's care of the corn supply, hinted at by the stern, here a symbol of the all important African grain ships. The small individual before Annona has variously been described as a 'boy', a 'child', or ambiguously as just a 'figure'. H. Mattingly has the most imaginative explanation in BMCRE II - 'Annona herself, the spirit of the corn-supply, and the ship, the symbol of the overseas corn, are familiar: but who is the small figure who stands before her? He is certainly no child, but only a man reduced to tiny proportions beside the goddess; and the fact that he is bare to the waist may suggest that he is an Italian farmer. If this interpretation is right, the type records a definite policy of Domitian to encourage the growing of corn in Italy.' Mattingly may be correct about the overall meaning, but I think the figure is indeed a child, symbolic of the emperor's care, through Annona's auspices, for his subjects. Rare variant with aegis.


3 commentsDavid Atherton
D247.jpg
RIC 247 DomitianÆ Quadrans, 2.48g
Rome Mint, 84-85 AD
Obv: IMP DOMIT AVG GERM; Trophy
Rev: S C in field; Olive branch
RIC 247 (R). BMC 494. BNC 534.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, November 2020.

Domitian struck a fairly large issue of undated quadrantes early in his reign. RIC places them within the 84-85 time period based on Domitian titled as 'Germanicus' ('GERM' - which could only be post 83) and before 85 (after which all these small issues were dated). RIC also speculates many of these quadrantes were struck 'al marco', i.e. by batch weight, because of the variable weights encountered on many specimens. This type featuring a trophy on the obverse is an obvious reference to the recent war with the Germanic Chatti and should be considered part of the 'Germania Capta' series.
3 commentsDavid Atherton
D606.jpg
RIC 606 DomitianÆ Sestertius, 28.36g
Rome mint, 88 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VIII CENS PER P P; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: COS XIIII LVD SAEC A POP; FRVG AC on platform; S C in exergue; Domitian std. r. on platfrom, approached by two or three citizens with open sacks; in background, four column temple
RIC 606 (C). BMC 419. BNC 457.
Acquired from CGB.fr, November 2020.

In October 88 AD Domitian held the Secular Games, a festival featuring theatrical performances and circus games accompanied by six various daytime and nighttime religious ceremonies. The games marked the transition from one era (saeculum) to another and were supposedly held once every 110 years, or the maximum span of a human lifetime, making them a 'once in a lifetime' event. Domitian conducted his games on the Augustan calculation, rejecting the formula for the Claudian games held in 47 AD. The festival was important enough to interrupt the normal striking of reverse types on the coinage and for the mint to produce a new unique issue commemorating the event both in precious metal and bronze. The precious metal designs tended to be symbolic while the bronze were more narrative in nature, focusing on the various religious sacrifices that were at the heart of the games.

This coin's reverse depicts the acceptance of wheat, beans, and oats (poured on ground) from a group of citizens by Domitian in front of a tetrastyle temple. According to Melanie Grunow Sobocinski* the meaning of this Ludi Saeculare ceremony is fairly clear - 'The festival began with nearly a week of preparatory events. First, the citizens brought gifts of agricultural produce (fruges) to various temples. On the following days, they received materials for the ritual purification of private homes (suffimenta) from the priesthood in charge of organizing the Ludi Saeculares ... According to the Augustan acta and Zosimus, the distribution of the suffimenta took place simultaneously at three locations, and the collection of the fruges at four locations. As a result, no firm identification of the temples can be reached without further evidence' Although, she later concedes - 'Scholars interested primarily in architectural form have identified some or even all of the other hexastyle and tetrastyle temple images as representations of the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus. This interpretation is plausible for the suffimenta and fruges coin types because the Temple of Jupiter was one of several sites for these two ceremonies.'

Worn, but with the major devices still visible.

* 'Visualizing Ceremony: The Design and Audience of the Ludi Saeculares Coinage of Domitian', AJA Vol. 110, No. 4 (Oct 2006)
2 commentsDavid Atherton
D796a.jpg
RIC 796 DomitianÆ Sestertius, 22.99g
Rome mint, 95-96 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XVII CENS PER P P; Bust of Domitian, laureate, r., draped and cuirassed
Rev: S C in exergue; Triumphal arch, showing two archways, surmounted by two elephant quadrigae
RIC 796 (R2). BMC -. BNC 509.
Acquired from Romae Aeternae Numismatics, October 2020.

'He erected so many and such huge vaulted passage-ways and arches in the various regions of the city, adorned with chariots and triumphal emblems, that on one of them someone wrote in Greek: "enough!" '- Suetonius, Life of Domitian, 13.2.

Thus we begin with a pun. Some nameless wag scrawled ARCI on one of Domitian’s many arches, punning on the similarity between arcus (‘arch’) and the Greek arkei (‘enough’). Suetonius thought it clever enough to pass it along in his Life of Domitian. Domitian was a builder and he did indeed erect many arches throughout the city of Rome. This rare sestertius struck during Domitian's last year as emperor depicts one of them, but which one? The clue actually resides with another ancient author- Martial.

'Here where the dazzling temple of Fortuna Redux shines broadly, recently was till now an open space. Here Caesar stood, beautiful with the dust of northern war, pouring out purple radiance from his face. Here Rome, dressed in white and hair wreathed in laurel, greeted the leader with voice and hand. And other grand gifts testify to the merit of the place. A sacred arch standing exultant over subjected nations. Here twin chariots numbering many an elephant. Himself golden, he stands up to the immense yokes. A gate worthy of the emperor's triumphs. It is suitable to have these entrances to the city of Mars.' - Martial, 8.65.

Martial describes an arch erected by Domitian near the Temple of Fortuna Redux. The arch is topped by a pair of bigas pulled by elephants, which is exactly what the coin depicts. The coin shows a quadrifrontal arch seen from one of the corners, with two of the archways visible. Apparently it stood at a crossroads - the Via Flaminia and the Vicus Pallacinae being the prime candidates. Mary Beard in her book 'The Roman Triumph' conjectures the arch is a porta triumphalis. The triumph in question is unknown. Martial says Domitian has returned from a 'northern war', we do not know which one. It is tempting to speculate the arch was erected for one of Domitian's German triumphs, but the term 'northern war' could fit almost any of the numerous northern border conflicts that were waged in the late 80s and early 90s AD. Melanie Grunow Sobocinski plausibly speculates the arch could be connected to Domitian's January 93 triumph over the Sarmatians.

The elephant arch sestertii are extremely rare and were perhaps minted as presentation pieces, judging by their monumental nature and the fact they were part of a special issue of sestertii depicting several of Domitian's monuments (the imperial palace and Equus Maximus). Ian Carradice wrote of them 'All the coins of this special series lack reverse legends (they include only S C), and the sestertii are further distinguished by two exceptional portraits of Domitian, one with drapery representing a military cloak, and one in which the aegis reappears. The nature of the types, their style and their great rarity all suggest that these coins perhaps formed a special commemorative issue.' (Coinage and Finances in the Reign of Domitian, p. 123) The arch is long gone, but the coins still remain as a testament to Domitian's megalomania.

No specimens of the type are in the BM. The above coin is a double die match with the Paris specimen. A truly remarkable piece struck in very fine style!
4 commentsDavid Atherton
D224.jpg
RIC 224 DomitianÆ As, 9.54g
Rome mint, 84 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG GERM COS X; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., with aegis
Rev: SALVTI AVGVSTI; S C in exergue; Altar
RIC 224 (C2). BMC 291. BNC 309.
Acquired from eBay, September 2020. Formerly in NGC holder #4285243-015, with grade Ch F.

The SALVTI AVGVSTI altar type was first introduced on Domitian's aes coinage in 84 after a brief hiatus of the Senatorial mint's production in 82-83, presumably for re-organisational purposes. This earliest version of the type has the legend starting at the lower left, later issues would place the legend above and below the altar. The structure on the reverse has been traditionally described as an altar, however, Marvin Tameanko has convincingly argued it is actually a sacellum, or small shrine. He states the steps at the base leading to two doors with handles are overwhelming evidence that the structure was much larger than an altar. As far as the shrine's significance - H. Mattingly in BMCRE II interprets the type as commemorating the Senate's dedication of an altar shrine celebrating Domitian's safe return from the Germanic Wars of 82-83. Alternately, the shrine may have been dedicated as an appeal to Salus for the emperor's continued good health. Tameanko attributed the reverse to Domitian's hypochondria. In any case, no trace of the shrine has survived antiquity.

Fine style and good metal.
2 commentsDavid Atherton
D655.jpg
RIC 655 DomitianAR Denarius, 3.27g
Rome mint, 88-89 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VIII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IMP XVI COS XIIII CENS P P P ; Minerva stg. l., with spear (M4)
RIC 655 (R2). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex Andrew Short Collection, acquired from Chris Rudd 2019.

An extremely rare IMP XVI Domitian denarius struck fleetingly in the autumn of 88, perhaps for just a few days or weeks judging by the rarity. The rapid accumulation of imperial acclamations during this time period hints at accelerated military activity. Missing from the BM and Paris collections. This coin is a detectorist find from Methwold, Norfolk, UK.

Fine portrait, polished surfaces.
2 commentsDavid Atherton
D23.jpg
RIC 023 DomitianAR Denarius, 3.13g
Rome mint, 81 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG PONT; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: COS VII DES VIII P P; Curule chair, wreath above
RIC 23 (R3). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Acquired from eBay, July 2020.

An extremely rare Domitian First issue group 3 PONT denarius. RIC lists the frequency as R3 (unique), but apparently this is the third known example (one is cited by RIC from the Sotin Hoard and another is in the Forvm member's galleries). Notably, the unusual reverse legend lacks the standard TR P (an omission?). This early denarius was struck before Domitian became Pontifex Maximus and the completion of the necessary religious rites. These First issue coins were struck with rapidly changing titular titles (as Domitian racked them up) and were likely intended for legionary donatives.

Fine style and good metal.
1 commentsDavid Atherton
D46aaa.jpg
RIC 046 DomitianAR Denarius, 3.22g
Rome mint, 81 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG PONT; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P COS VII DES VIII P P; Curule chair, wreath above
RIC 46 (R2). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex Private Collection, July 2020.

Here is a rare Domitian 'PONT' denarius with the legend variant of DOMITIANVS fully spelled out. Denarii with 'PONT' instead of PM in the obverse legend come very early in the reign. Historically, PONT did not stand for Pontifex Maximus under Augustus, but did so under Nero (PONT was used after Nero was already Pontifex Maximus, BMC 9). It is possible Domitian followed Nero's example and used PONT as an abbreviation for Pontifex Maximus. Conversely, it is also possible he followed in Augustus' footsteps and used the temporary title 'PONT' until the ceremony electing him to the position was completed. We simply do not know. The records of the Arval brothers do not show Domitian as Pontifex Maximus by 30 October, so presumably he acquired the title in either November or December. The office seems to have had no fixed date of appointment. Knowing how much of a stickler Domitian was to keeping to the proper forms, the mint likely waited until his election as Pontifex Maximus before the title was displayed on the coinage. Whether or not that title on the coinage after the election was abbreviated as 'PONT' for a brief time is a mystery. The reverse features a pulvinar type carried-over from Titus's last denarius issue struck in celebration of the Colosseum's dedication. It possibly represents the pulvinar of Divus Vespasian, honouring his labours in building the structure.
David Atherton
D41.jpg
RIC 041 DomitianAR Denarius, 3.23g
Rome mint, 81 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG PONT; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P COS VII DES VIII P P; Altar, garlanded and lighted
RIC 41 (R2). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex Private Collection, July 2020.

An early rare 'PONT' denarius struck towards the end of 81. The abbreviation 'PONT' for Ponitfex Maximus must have come early in the sequence of titles Domitian employed on his denarii and likely was short lived if its rarity is any indication. The records of the Arval brothers do not show Domitian as Pontifex Maximus by 30 October, so presumably he acquired the title in either November or December. Some have argued that PONT is the same as PM, I disagree. Titus as Caesar early on had also used the title PONT on his denarii and he was never Pontifex Maximus under Vespasian - only the emperor can be Pontifex Maximus or greatest priest.
1 commentsDavid Atherton
D544.jpg
RIC 544 DomitianÆ As, 11.52g
Rome mint, 87 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XIII CENS PER P P; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: FORTVNAE AVGVSTI; S C in field; Fortuna stg. l., with rudder and cornucopiae
RIC 544 (C3). BMC 401. BNC 431.
Acquired from Witter Coins, eBay, July 2020.

Fortuna was a very popular reverse type on Domitian's coinage. She featured on the his first denarii struck after the coinage reform of 82 and would later become a regular type on the bronzes. This common As from 87 shows Fortuna with her familiar attributes of a rudder, with which she steers the world, and a cornucopiae representing the rich bounty she brings. Domitian must have felt some sort of special obligation to Fortuna and repaid it by featuring her cult image on his coinage.

This coin is struck in fine 'Flavian baroque' style, similar to the contemporary denarii.
2 commentsDavid Atherton
D794.jpg
RIC 794 DomitianÆ Sestertius, 25.13g
Rome mint, 95-96 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XVII CENS PER P P; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IOVI VICTORI; S C in exergue; Jupiter std. l., with Victory and sceptre
RIC 794 (C). BMC 474. BNC 504.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, July 2020.

A common seated Jupiter type from Domitian's last bronze issue. Just like the silver and gold, Domitian's aes coinage from the mid 80s onwards settled down to a few predicable reverse types. The Sestertii were dominated by Victory crowning the emperor and the seated Jupiter with Victory. 'Jupiter the giver of Victory' was not only an important propaganda type but also one that was closely associated with Domitian. This sestertius is imprecisely dated between 95-96 because Domitian did not take up the consulship in 96. The style is very similar to the contemporaneous denarius issues.
2 commentsDavid Atherton
D236.jpg
RIC 236 DomitianÆ Quadrans, 2.47g
Rome Mint, 84-85 AD
Obv: IMP DOMIT AVG GERM; Minerva bust, helmeted, r., draped
Rev: S C in laurel wreath
RIC 236 (R). BMC 484. BNC 520.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, July 2020.

An undated issue of small bronzes were struck early in Domitian's reign. RIC places them within the 84-85 time period based on Domitian titled as 'Germanicus' (which could only be post 83) and before 85 (after which all these small issues were dated). RIC also speculates many of these quadrantes were struck 'al marco', i.e. by batch weight, because of the variable weights encountered on many specimens. Minerva features prominently on the obverse of this quadrans with a draped bust, which is a fairly uncommon variant.

Fetching dark green patina and well centred.
1 commentsDavid Atherton
D497.jpg
RIC 497 DomitianÆ As, 9.41g
Rome mint, 86 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XII CENS PER P P; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., with aegis
Rev: S C in field; Victory flying l., with shield inscribed SPQR
RIC 497 (R2). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from Praefectus Coins, July 2020.

This Victory reverse was copied from Nero by Vespasian and briefly struck for Domitian in 85-86. It likely was part of Domitian's large bronze issue commemorating his recent victory over the Chatti. This is the final appearance of the type under Domitian, which lends credence to the theory it specifically refers to the Germanic War. Extremely rare and missing from both the BM and Paris collections.

Fine style and fetching patina.
2 commentsDavid Atherton
D647.jpg
RIC 647 DomitianÆ As, 11.04g
Rome mint, 88-89 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XIIII CENS PER P P; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: FIDEI PVBLICAE; S C in field; Fides stg. r., with corn ears and plate of fruits
RIC 647 (R). BMC -. BNC 451.
Acquired from London Ancient Coins, June 2020.

Fides holding a plate of fruits was a recurring type under Domitian until 88. This fairly rare Fides Publica dated COS XIIII was the last appearance of it under Domitian. It copies a similar reverse struck for Vespasian and must have held some special meaning to Domitian. H Mattingly in BMCRE II (p. xci) speculated on the importance of Fides to Domitian: 'The word "Fides" has a wide scope and includes the ideas that we express by the words "loyalty", "integrity", "honour". Probably "credit", in a wide sense, is the nearest English equivalent. If, as seems probable, the type is closely associated with the Emperor's activities as censor, we can at once understand its popularity under Domitian. The censorship of Domitian is usually represented as a device to secure control of the composition of the senate. But this was only part of its significance. Domitian was simply carrying on from his father Vespasian the policy of close attention to the business affairs of the state and, in making himself censor for life, he was offending susceptibilities rather than serious interests. In view of the care of Domitian for the Italian land we can perhaps explain the "agricultural" attributes of "Fides". It appears certain that the Flavians developed a financial policy of great importance, of which only the barest hints have come down to us. The fact that a festival of Fides fell on the first day of October, the month which was rechristened "Domitianus" in A.D. 84, lends further appropriateness to the type.'

Missing from the BM's extensive collection.
1 commentsDavid Atherton
D60.jpg
RIC 060 DomitianAR Denarius, 3.19g
Rome mint, 81 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG PONT; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P COS VII DES VIII P P; Minerva stg. l., with Victory and spear; at feet, shield
RIC 60 (R2). BMC p. 299 note. RSC 565. BNC -.
Ex Private Collection.

A rare Group 4 'PONT' denarius depicting a cult image of Minerva holding Victory. This Minerva/Victory type was only struck within the first year of Domitian's accession and would not become one of the standard Minerva types repeated throughout the reign. The religious ceremonies required for Domitian to assume the title Pontifex Maximus had not yet finished by the time this denarius was produced. Here he is simply PONT, or in other words a member of the College of Pontiffs. Some have argued that PONT is the same as PM, I disagree. Titus as Caesar early on had also used the title PONT on his denarii and he was never Pontifex Maximus under Vespasian - only the emperor can be Pontifex Maximus or greatest priest.

RIC cites one example in the ANS collection, the BM cites Cohen 565. Missing from the Paris collection.

Nicely centred.
3 commentsDavid Atherton
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