Second period, Augustan standard, 82-85 A.D.

 

ZOOM
145. Silver denarius, 3.52g, 82-83 A.D.  RIC 41, Carradice 82-83b.   Ex. Freeman & Sear
IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M, laur.
head r.
SALVS AVGVST, Salus seated left, feet on small pedestal, holding corn-ears.

This is the third reverse type of the reform, and was probably issued along IVVPITER in the first part of 83 A.D.  Salus is represented here not in the common way as goddess of health, but as goddess of prosperity. This might be related to Domitian’s reformatory ideas, one of which actually took form in an edict enforcing grain growth against vine production. Obviously this measure encountered such strong opposition that it was impossible to apply; later Domitian had to revoke the edict.
 


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