As some of you know, I am very interested in emperor Domitian. His reign forms an interesting period in Roman history. I find this because his government radiates ambition, you see this in coinage, other economic reforms, border politics, state cult and in his attempt to monitor the people's virtues. The above-mentioned Domitian and his ambition are not portrayed as good in sources. Whether it is about failed campaigns, blood thirst, hypocrisy or lust, Domitian cannot do well according to the pattern that senatorial historians use to judge emperors. It is certain that Domitian did not operate tactically during his reign. I also think he was authoritarian. What intrigues me about him, however, is his attempt to stabilize the immense Roman Empire on many fronts. Domitian certainly did ruthless work, but that does not mean that his government was 'bad'. In the academic world the image of Domitian has already changed considerably, in the public domain this is different. Articles of uninformed people still appear (intentionally or because they look no further than Suetonius) in which the old view of Domitian lives further. I can only hope that this changed once. Now to the point, It does not seem surprising after the above mentioned story, That I was quite happy last weekend, when my first Domitian denarius that was minted during his emperorship, arrived. I have waited quite a long time before buying a Domitian denarius from his own reign (I already had some that were struck as Caesar). This was because I wanted one that is in "Flavian Baroque style" as experts like @David Atherton call it. These coins are seen as the best in style. Domitian 81-96 AR Denarius Struck 86 (second issue) IMP•CAES DOMIT AVG•GERM P M TR P V. laureate head right IMP•XII COS XII CENS•P•P•P• Minerva standing left, holding thunderbolt and spear, shield at her left side. (M3)3,34g/20mm Ric 439 (R) Ex Ebay The coin is much better in hand, so I am very happy to have added it. After this coin arrived, I made an important decision for myself. I have decided to sell a large part of my collection and only focus on Domitian. I had been thinking about this for a while, but when I had this coin in hand I knew for sure. Many people think Domitian is boring and I accept and understand that. I love his coins and hope to collect them for a long time. Thanks @David Atherton and @Orfew! The posts of both of you have given me a big push to really collect what I like. Have you ever changed your collection focus? Please show your favorite Domitians from 86 (other years are of course also allowed). The picture is totally not as in hand. With my limited skills as a photographer I will try to make a picture that is more as in hand. I will post it in the coming days.
I always flip flop from one area to another. But I always develop a soft spot in some areas. And it's for all of coin collecting. I'm glad I have not developed an interest in collecting only Flavian coinage, it's gotten too crowded nowadays. My only Domitian. Domitian (81 - 96 A.D.) SYRIA, Seleucis and Pieria. Antioch AR Tetradrachm O: AVT KAISAR DOMITIANOS SEB GERM, laureate head right; aegis at point of bust. R: ETOUS NEOV IEROV H, eagle standing facing right on thunderbolt; palm in right field. RY 8 (88/9 AD) 14.77g 26mm Prieur 145; RPC II 1978; Wruck 108
Domitian Ar Denarius Rv Facade of Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus 95-96 A.D. RIC 815 Elkins 106 3.07 grms 18 mm Photo by W.Hansen
That's a fine "Baroque" portrait and a very nice Minerva on your coin – I like it a lot! Ditto. Though I always enjoy seeing the Flavian posts on this board, I personally stick to my two humble Domitian denarii (none from 86 AD): Domitian, Roman Empire, denarius, 88/89 AD, Rome mint. Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM PM TR P VIII, laureate head of Domitian right. Rev: IMP XIX COS XIIII CENS PP, Minerva standing left holding thunderbolt and spear, leaning on shield. 19mm, 3.22g. Ref: RIC II (2007), 669. Domitian, Roman Empire, denarius, 81–82 AD, Rome mint. Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG PM; laureate head of Domitian r. Rev: TR POT COS VIII PP; square seat, draped; semicircular frame with three crescents above. 18mm, 3.13g. Ref: RIC II, Domitian 100.
My only Domitian from 86 AD: DOMITIAN AE Dupondius OBVERSE: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XII CENS PER P P, radiate head right REVERSE: S-C, Mars advancing left, holding Victory & trophy Struck at Rome, 86 AD 11.6g, 27mm RIC 482 And one from 85 AD: DOMITIAN AE As OBVERSE: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XI CENS POT P P, laureate head right, aegis at tip of bust REVERSE: MONETA AVGVSTI, S-C, Moneta standing left, holding scales & cornucopiae Struck at Rome, 85AD 11.7g, 27mm RIC 384
Alexandria AE diobol year 6 (LS) This is a common coin but I have not seen a lot of them. It attracted me since the legend remaining included DOMIT. I must point out that I could not have afforded it if the bull had a snake on its back like some other animals we could mention.
My best Domitian at present , still waiting for the ‘right’ sestertius! Domitian, AR Denarius, 89 AD, Rome IMP CAES DOMIT AVG-GERM P M TR P VIIII Laureate head right IMP XXI COS-XIIII CENS P P P Minerva standing facing, head left, vertical spear in right hand, left hand on hip RIC 688
I'm very pleased to see that you are interested in this area as well. It's quite a fascinating and overlooked time period. Anyway, here is one of my favourite portraits from 86. Domitian AR Denarius, 3.38g Rome mint, 86 AD Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P V•; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r. Rev: IMP XII COS XII CENS P P P; Minerva stg. l., with spear (M4) RIC 441 (R). BMC p. 319, §. RSC 201. BNC -. Acquired from Numismeo, January 2015.
Superb coin! But that is RIC 816, which does not depict the Temple of Jupiter. The temple in question is quite a mystery! Mattingly conjectured it could be the Temple of Divus Vespasian, P.V. Hill and D. Vagi thought it possibly the Temple of Jupiter Victor, R.H. Darwell-Smith speculated it is the Temple of Jupiter Custos, and M. Tameanko believed it to be the Temple of Divus Augustus. Here is my budget example with a slightly different take on the mysterious octastyle temple. Domitian AR Denarius, 2.73g Rome mint, 95-96 AD Obv: DOMITIANVS AVG GERM; Head of Domitian, bare, bearded, r. Rev: Temple, eight columns, seated figure in centre; IMP CAESAR on architrave RIC 816 (R2). BMC 243. RSC 175. BNC -. Ex Private Collection.
Since David posted his favourite from 86 CE I believe I will too. Here it is, RIC 435. This photo does not represent the full iridescence on the obverse. I believe the portrait is stunning.
Nice coin! Welcome to the world of Flavians! I'm slowing down on Domitian to focus more on Titus and Vespasian again. In the last 2 years I've gone on a Domitian buying spree. Here's one people should recognize from 86. Common but good portrait. RIC 0429 Domitian Denarius IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P V laureate head right. IMP XI COS XII CENS P P P Minerva standing left, holding thunderbolt and spear; shield at feet to right. Rome, 86 AD 3.4g RIC II 429 (C). Ex-Coast to Coast coins 2006; Ex-Ancient & Medieval Coins Canada Auction 1, Lot 175
This is my favorite Domitian. Domitian 88-89 AD. AE As. Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XIIII CENS PER P P, laureate head right Rev: FORTUNAE AVGVSTI S-C, Fortuna standing left holding rudder & cornucopia. 12.91 grams Cohen 128.
I don't know that this is my 'right' sestertius but it is my only Domitian sestertius and an 86 so it comes out here. I bought it in 1997 for the patina and portrait and in spite of the headless reverse figures. I never saw another Domitian sestertius in my price range that asked to come join it. The reverse ANNONA AVGVSTI shows Annona standing and Ceres seated. Annona (or is it Ceres) appears on this dupondius doling out grain to a child. In the background is a ship prow. This is an 85.
Not from AD 86, but I like Domitian's wry smirk: Domitian, AD 81-96. Roman AR denarius, 3.44 g, 17.2 mm, 7 h. Rome, AD 91. Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR XI (error; should read TR P XI), laureate head, right. Rev: IMP XXI COS XV CENS P P P, Minerva advancing right, brandishing a javelin and holding a shield. Refs: RIC 156; RIC² 724; BMCRE p. 336, note; Cohen 269; RCV --.
Don't know what the "Flavian Baroque style" is . I only have one Domitian denarius and some As & Dupondius. This is my denarius, is it baroque style? Probably not, since it does not look baroque to me and the head is Vespasian's Rome 77 - 78 AD, struck under the authority of Vespasian 17 mm, 3.410 g Ref.: RIC II Part 1 (2nd edition) Vespasian 957 Ob.: CAESAR AVG F - DOMITIANVS Head of Vespasian, laureate, right Rev.: COS V Horseman, helmeted, in military dress, prancing right, with r ight hand thrown upwards and back
That portrait is wonderful Andrew! I try to imagine how the coin is in hand. It must be a fantastic piece to own. I hope we don't compete for Domitians, I think I'll lose that I also think there are enough Domitians on the market for both of us. I hope you agree with this.
Maybe you are right. But I think it's especially important to collect something that I enjoy. The fact that some others on this Forum do the same contributes to that