I decided to start posting some of my individual coins from the Whitman Baltimore show, in new individual photos and with sufficient explanation. So, here's my first piece: Roman Empire. Domitian, as Augustus (81-96 AD). AE as, Rome mint. Obverse: Laureate bust right with aegis, [IMP C]AES DOMIT AVG GERM [...], remainder of legend off flan due to off-center strike. Reverse: Moneta standing left holding scales and cornucopia, MONETA AUG[VST] S C, legend partly off flan. RIC undetermined, as key legend information is off flan. Domitian was the younger son of the emperor Vespasian (69-79) and younger brother of Titus (79-81). Born in 51, Domitian was long overshadowed by his older, more talented and more popular brother, and was not particularly close to his family. When Vespasian became emperor in 69, both Domitian and Titus were given the title of Caesar, but Titus was clearly the favorite. Domitian would receive various titles and honors under his father, but little actual power or responsibility. When Vespasian died in 79, Titus was able to take the throne smoothly, but died just two years later, leaving Domitian as the undisputed next ruler. (It is unclear if Domitian had anything to do with causing Titus's fatal illness.) As emperor, Domitian was popular with the army and the general population, but often clashed with the Senators. Some contemporary writers called the later portion of Domitian's reign a "reign of terror" due to his execution of over 20 Senators for alleged treason, but most modern historians believe his bad reputation is exaggerated by biased authors who were themselves members of the Senatorial class. Overall, he seems to have been a fairly competent ruler and highly devoted to the Roman religion (especially Minerva). He was assassinated in a palace conspiracy in 96, and since he had no surviving successor (a young son had died in 83) the Flavian dynasty ended with him. This coin caught my eye at the table of Fred Knust (First Light Numismatics) due to the wonderful portrait and reasonable stated price of $75. I would have been happy to take it at that price due to the portrait quality, but Fred lowered it to $65 since I bought a couple of other coins along with this one. The reverse isn't very good, and the loss of part of the obverse legend means this can't be attributed to a specific year or RIC number (this reverse type was used for several years), but still a pretty cool coin. Please comment, and post your Domitian coins here.
It is a lovely portrait I've only been to two coin shows but Fred was at both of them and was very gracious and patient as I repeatedly browsed his inventory and made small talk. I bought a couple of Roman Egypt coins from him.
Great deal, great steal! Makes it fun to get other coins because you enjoyed a better price! Nice write-up. DOMITIAN: RI Domitian AR Denarius 81-96 CE Minerva spear shield VIC GENS RI Domitian AR Denarius 81-96 CE Minerva thunderbolt spear shield protruded chin
Parthicus, congrats on snagging that fantastic OP-example (it has nice eye appeal) Ummm, it's been a while since he's been allowed out, but here is Dom the Bomb ... he's one of my favourite Roman coins (thanks for the opportunity) Again, congrats on adding that sweet OP addition to your collection
Moneta is such a fitting reverse for Domitian considering he took such great interest in his coinage. A nice coin with a good portrait!
Plenty of eye appeal, Parthicus. I think the portrait looks a lot like the one on mine. DOMITIAN AE As. 10.84g, 29.8mm. Rome mint, AD 85. RIC 421 (R2). O: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XI CENS PER P P, laureate head right with aegis. R: Victory flying left with shield inscribed SPQR; S-C in field.
I plan to add a few more Domitian, but for now this is my only yet humble missing a small piece example. DOMITIANVS as caesar under Vespasian AR Denarius 18mm, 2.56g, Rome 76 AD CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS; laureate head right. COSIII; winged pegasus standing right. RIC 921, RSC 47, BMC 193
All I have is this... Rome, Italy Roman Empire Domitian Caesar Flavian Dynasty (b. AD 51- 96 d.) AE As (s. AD 73/4 under Vespasian) (cm AD 520-530 Ostrogoths) 27 mm x 12.64 grams Obverse: CAESAR AVG F DOMITIAN COS II: Bust of Domitian, laureate and drape, right Reverse: AEQVITAS AVGVST S C: Aequitas standing left, holding scales and rod. Ref: (Host Coin) RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Vespasian 657
While at his table a couple of us were explaining to Fred how to find CT. He acted interested but might be embarrassed if he knew people were saying nice things about him. I only bought one coin from him this time but, as always, enjoyed talking to him and looking at a thousand coins I did not buy. It is just a semis of L. Piso Frugi but has enough legend that I decided to buy it. If you are lurking out there, Fred, it is time to step up and post.
Domitian is one of my favorite emperors from a numismatic standpoint. I am in the process of re-imaging (and in many cases imaging for the first time) my collection. I'll have to share a few Domitians when I get to that point. Until then I will enjoy this thread.
Top buy Parthicus, great coin, I have a Domitian AE with a bit of wear, but nice portrait and scarce Saecular games issue. Rome 88 AD, 28mm, 11.21gm, RIC 11, 623.
That is another Emperor I am lacking, nice to see of all your though. I guess that is the problem when you decide to collect worldwide all periods in history.
what everyone else said! great portrait. nice black and brown patina also! my only coin of this cat...
I specially like the portrait of Domitian on your coin, Parthicus. It has a very nice, impressive style. Nice purchase! Domitian is another of those emperors who reputation was perhaps unfairly described by his contemporaries due to ulterior motives. More recent research has revealed a different picture. Whatever the case, he certainly was not a push-over and maybe autocratic in his rule, but he was also an able military commander and was very active in campaigns in Germania against the tribe of the Chattii in central Germany. Here is an aureus in my collection of Domitian as Caesar under Vespasian. DOMITIANUS CAESAR, 69-81. Aureus under Vespasian, about 73 A.D. Obv:CAESAR AVG F - DOMIT COS II Laureate head r. Rev: Domitian, togate, on horse prancing l., holding scepter in his l. hand, greeting with his r. hand. C. 663. RIC 41, 232.
