My latest acquisition has me stumped. The reverse depicts a military ceremony held by Domitian, perhaps post triumph, for which I have little clues for. Domitian Æ Sestertius, 26.14g Rome mint, 85 AD RIC 281 (R). BMC 301. Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG GERM COS XI; Bust of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., with aegis Rev: S C in exergue; Domitian stg. r., clasping hands over altar with officer stg. l.; behind officer, one soldier with standard and one soldier at r. with spear and shield Acquired from Olding, MA Shops, June 2019 = Olding, List 96, March 2019, Sammlung Fritz Reusing, no. 182. From the collection of Fritz Reusing (1874-1956), inherited and continued by Reusing's nephew Paul Schürer (1890-1976). In 85 Domitian struck a fairly impressive issue of sestertii, M. Grant hyperbolically called it the most 'ambitious' of any one reign or year. The series is the first major aes issue of the Domitian's reign produced after the overhaul of the mint and is dominated by panoramic types commemorating his greatest military victory over the Germanic tribe the Chatti. The Germanic triumph received a certain amount of ridicule from ancient writers who thought the whole thing was a sham (Dio goes so far as to say Domitian raided the palace's furniture stores for his fake spoils!), no doubt the numismatic propaganda for the victory was likely viewed in the same manner by contemporary senatorial elites. This rare sestertius depicts a rather ambiguous scene showing Domitian, the much larger figure on the left, clasping hands with a legate over an altar while two legionaries stand by. What exactly is going on here is a mystery. Mattingly in BMCRE II believed it to be 'the taking of the sacramentum, the military oath'. It's an intriguing scene in the context of the Germania Capta series, perhaps depicting a post victory ceremony. Whatever the meaning, the reverse strongly underscores Domitian's bond with the military. This wonderful old cabinet toned piece is from the collection of the German portrait painter Fritz Reusing. Feel free to chime in with any ideas or coins that may illuminate the reverse's meaning.
Impressive coin! It is one that is also on my wish list. It is striking that the reverse has no legend. I have read that the back may refer to Agricola who is thanked for his campaigns in Britannia. But this is probably more wish than truth.
The Agricola connection is highly unlikely. The type is struck for several more years, so I believe it isn't referring to one single 'event'. More likely it is commemorating a special military ceremony in a generic manner. Besides, Domitian's ego wouldn't allow him to share the limelight with anyone else!
What a wonderful coin! Congrats David. Aren't you glad you started collecting bronzes? I have another of these sestertii from 85 AD which must be related to the same event? RIC 356 Domitian AE Sestertius IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XI CENS POT PP Laureate head of Domitian right SC Domitian standing left holding spear and parazonium, right foot on a reclining figure of Rhenus (The Rhine) Rome 85 AD 25.47g RIC 356 (C) From the Enrico collection This is the Wildwinds example
Absolutely! The reverse types on the bronze coinage is much more varied and has led me into places I would never have dreamed of travelling before.
