The Love of Domitian's Life

No, it wasn't Domitia his wife, but rather his patron deity Minerva with whom he had an almost obsessive relationship with. The coinage can be our guide.


AR Denarius
Rome mint, 81 AD
RIC 58 (C), BMC 11, RSC 560
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: TR P COS VII DES VIII P P; Minerva adv r., with spear and shield (M1)
VF

Domitian's devotion to Minerva can be detected quite early in his reign on the coinage. This reverse design struck in late 81 would later become one of the standard four Minerva types he would repeat over and over again on the denarius. The same 'advancing right' type was also struck for Domitian Caesar under Titus.

Early in life, a motherless Domitian probably found some comfort in the worship of Minerva. After becoming emperor he portrayed himself as the son of Minerva and consort of Jupiter, dominus et deus, if you will. No mortal wife could compete with that.

 

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That's a sweet OP-Minerva, V70 (congrats on that beautifully toned example)

Ummm, I'm usually not the type of guy who'll post his coins at every opportunity, but I felt that I should man-up and represent this coin-type!! (so here it is)

Domitian Denarius (featuring Minerva)


... okay fine, ya caught me => I am definitely the dude that wants to post his examples (that's why I bought 'em => to love 'em and adore them)



Congrats again on scoring that sweet OP-winner

 

Both the coins so far are exceptional examples. Let's see some more Domitian/Minerva coins!

 

Great style on reverse (both)


Domitianus, Denarius minted in Rome AD 95-96
IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM PM TRP XV, Laureate head of Domitianus right
IMP XXII COS XVII CENS PPP, Minerva standing right holding spear and shield
3,21 gr
Ref : RCV #2734 v, Cohen #292

Q

 

I agree. Seeing more examples will demonstrate more clearly Domitian's Minerva fetish.

 

It wouldn't be a 'Domitian' thread here on CT without your beauty!

 

That's in really fine style for the date. Not to mention the condition!

 

Another nice excellent pickup! The Flavians made some really nice coins.

 

Mine are low grade examples of less common poses. There are quite a few varieties available. The second is fourree.

 

Nice new addition Vesp.

 

Looks like Domitian isn't the only person with a Minerva obsession. By my count you have 92 Domitian/Minerva denarii!

You're a specialist though so I guess we can't poke too much fun at you

 

LOL. Guilty as charged. I suppose I have an obsession too when my 'want list' for Domitian consists of Minerva varieties I don't have solely based on just the TRP, IMP, and COS dates.

 

Your lovely fourree reminds me that I should start collecting these fascinating pieces. Someday I hope to dip my toe in that unknown and mysterious niche.

 

DOMITIAN
AR Denarius
OBVERSE: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG - GERM P M TR P VIII Head laureate right
REVERSE: IMP XVII COS XIIII CENS P P P Minerva fighting right with spear and shield atop capital of rostral column, owl at her feet
Struck at Rome, 88-89 AD
3.55g, 18.44mm
RIC 657 (R )

DOMITIAN
AR Denarius
OBVERSE: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VIII, laureate head right
REVERSE: IMP XIX COS XIIII CENS P P P, Minerva standing left holding spear
Struck at Rome, 88-89 AD
3.3g, 19mm
RIC 670

 

Fantastic posts!!!

I guess I'll throw in my modest sestertius---the most recent I have won on bid (or purchased).

 

another cool pick up by the resident flavian master!

 

One of my more distinctive aurei is this Domitian, with an actual bust of Minerva on the reverse rather than the more typical standing or seated deities:



DOMITIAN 81 - 96 A.D.
AV Aureus (7.43 g.). Rome 84 A.D. RIC 195
IMP CAES DOMI - TIANVS AVG GERMANIC Laureate and draped bust l. Rev. P M TR POT III - IMP V COS X P P Helmeted and draped bust of Minerva r.

 

Here is mine.

Domitian AR denarius, F, well centered, toned, 3.297g, 18.9mm, 180o, Rome mint, 14 Sep 88 - 13 Sep 89 A.D.;

Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VIII, laureate head right;

Rev: IMP XVII COS XIIII CENS P P P, Minerva standing left, helmeted and draped, thunderbolt in right, spear vertical behind in left, grounded shield on left side behind;

RIC II, part 1, 659 (R); BMCRE II 149; BnF III 140; RSC II 245; cf. SRCV 2732 (IMP XIX)

Ex: the Jyrki Muona Collection, Ex: Forvm Ancient coins

 

I just bought these today !! love them !



Judaea, Ascalon. Domitian, 81-96 AD. AE 22mm (11.18 gm). Dated CY 189 (85/6 AD). Obv.: CEBACTOC, laureate head right. Rev.: ACKAΛΟ/ ΘΠP/ B[E], Tyche-Astarte standing left on galley, holding scepter and aphlaston; to left, altar; to right, dove. SNG ANS 7698; Yashin, Ascalon to Raphia, 120. VF.




Judaea. Ascalon. Domitian. 81-96 AD. AE 17mm (6.56 gm). Dated CY 198 (94/5 AD). Obv.: Laureate head right. Rev.: AC, Phanebal standing facing, holding swort and shield; behind shield, palm branch. SNG ANS 701. gVF.

 

I love this obverse bust type for Domitian! Aueri and denarii often shared obverse dies until the obverse legend formula changed for the gold in the late 80s. I have a corresponding denarius with that obverse bust type struck in 84. It's one of my favourite portraits of Domitian. Not as nice as yours of course.


Domitian
AR Denarius
Rome mint, 84 AD
RIC 183 (R3), BMC - , RSC -
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG GERMANIC; Bust of Domitian, laureate, draped, bearded, l.
Rev: P M TR POT III IMP V COS X P P; Minerva stg. r. on capital of rostral column, with spear and shield; to r., owl (M2)