A couple of interesting features on this little provincial issue. The first is that the obverse legend reads ΑΥΓΟΥΣΤΑ, a transliteration of the Latin AVGVSTA, instead of the expected Greek ΣΕΒΑΣΤΗ. The second is the odd hairstyle for this empress. She is typically portrayed with an elaborate coiffure, curled extensively and piled high above the forehead and with a long plait falling down the back of the neck. See this bust in the Capitoline museum in Rome: I postulate this hairstyle indicates an issue from very early in Domitian's reign as it is well-documented that she wore the elaborate coiffure in the middle and late periods of her life. Post your Domitia coins or anything you feel is relevant. Domitia, Augusta AD 82-96 Roman Æ 17.3 mm, 3.15 gm, 7 h Ionia, Smyrna Obv: ΔΟΜΙΤΙΑ ΑΥΓΟΥΣΤΑ, bare-headed and draped bust right Rev: ΣΜΥΡΝΑΙΩΝ, Nemesis standing left, plucking at chiton on her neck, bridle in left hand Refs: BMC 309; ex-Lindgren I, 80-404 (plate coin).
Interesting bit of info about the Nemesis on the reverse. It seems there was a Nemesis cult in Smyrna. This is from Nemesis, the Roman State and the Games by Michael B. Hornum, pp. 12-13:
I agree that your coin seems likely to be from early in Domitian's reign, before the provinces became aware of the Flavian Mullet . She hasn't gone full Mullet in this Phrygian coin, but it's getting there. PHRYGIA, Cybyra/Kibyra. Domitian & Domitia 81-96 AD AE 24 mm, 6.9 gm Obv: ΔOMITIANOC KAICAP ΔOMITIA CEBACTE, laureate head of Domitian and Domitia facing one another Rev: EΠI APXIEPEΩC KΛAV BAINTOC KI BY; Zeus seated left, holding out hand and sceptre Ref: RPC 1262; Sear-896, SNG Aulock-3731
Spitting into their bosom? Yuck! I had to look that up to see what it was all about. Apparently it was done to ward off bad luck or to ward off the evil eye.
Man, those hairstyles were trippy! Must've been really high-maintenance, too. Of course, if you've got slaves and/or handmaidens at your beck and call, I guess that's not an issue. PS- cool coin. I've never had one from Domitia, of course, though I had over a hundred different personalities in my old "A to Z" (Augustus to Zeno) colleciton.
It never ceases to amaze me the stuff that has been digitized by Google books. Here's some more info about Nemesis worship in Smyrna from Religious Rivalries and the Struggle for Success in Sardis and Smyrna, edited by Richard S. Ascough:
The ancient Greek philosopher Theophrastus, writing his study of human motivations The Characters, includes in his description of "The Superstitious Man":
This is my favorite spitting into the bosom coin... HADRIAN AR Denarius. 3.45g, 17.3mm.Rome mint, AD 134-138. RIC 282. O: HADRIANVS AVG COS III P P, bare head right. R: VICTORIA AVG, Victory, as Nemesis, standing right, holding branch downwards, drawing out fold of dress and getting ready to hawk and spit onto her bosom.
Here's a lovely coin (not mine) at acsearchinfo. It portrays the two Nemeseis of Smyrna, each pulling out their chitons and, as described in the citations above, one holds a bridle and the other holds a rod.
Helpful information shared on this thread. Thanks! Here is my example: Ionia, Smyrna, Domitia, Nemesis, RPC 1026, 2.6 gr., 14.5 mm.
I see your two Nemeseis and raise you an Apollo Didymeus . ANTONINUS PIUS AE Drachm. 24.25g, 33.5mm. EGYPT, Alexandria, RY 10 = AD 146/7. RPC Online temp 13590; Emmett -; Dattari Savio 8311-12. O: ΑVΤ Κ Τ ΑΙΛ ΑΔΡ ΑΝΤωΝƐΙΝΟС СƐΒ ƐVС, laureate head right. R: Apollo Didymeus (of Miletus) standing, facing, holding stag and bow, tripod at feet; between the Nemeseis of Smyrna, one on right holding cubit-rule; L ΔƐΚΑΤΟV in exergue.
There is (or at least was the last time I was there) a female bust in Bath with a similar hairdo. Added links as cannot seem to get the images to share. http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-21337 http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-21338