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RIC 297 Domitian
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Æ 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.
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