DOMITIAN AE AS, VIRTVS REVERSE, STRUCK 90-91 A.D. PAID: $30. ASKING $25, firm; $4 to ship in the U.S. 26.8 mm.; 11.45 g.; 180° OBVERSE: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XV CENS PER PP; [IMPERATOR CAESAR DOMITIAN AUGUSTUS GERMANICUS, CONSUL FOR THE 15TH TIME, PERPETUAL CENSOR; PATER PATRIAE (FATHER OF HIS COUNTRY)]; laureate head right. REVERSE: VIRTVTI AVGVSTI; Virtus standing right, helmeted and draped, left foot on a helmet, inverted spear vertical behind in right hand, parazonium in left hand, left foot on helmet. S - C flanking across field. REFERENCES: RIC II Part 1 (second edition) Domitian 709 Ex: Kaylie’s Coins, Unionville, TN at West Tennessee Coin Show, Jackson, TN 9/8/2013 Offered here is a bronze as of Domitian. One of the interesting features of this coin is the obverse title of “CENS PER”; Numiswiki tells us that “Domitian was the first emperor on whose coins the perpetual assumption of the Censorial power is recorded. This unprecedented title he took in A.D. 87.” On the reverse is Virtus, which, “to the ancient Romans, included valor, manliness, excellence, courage, character, and worth, perceived as masculine strengths (from Latin vir, ‘man’). Curiously, despite the masculine characteristics of virtus, the personification or deity Virtus was usually depicted as a female warrior, in armor holding a spear, parazonium [a long triangular dagger], victory or a shield. Virtus and Mars can usually be distinguished since Mars is usually shown nude and Virtus is always shown clothed.” --Forum Ancient Coins. The strengths of this coin are many; it is well centered, with complete obverse legends on flan—legends that may be legible if you know what you’re looking for. The portrait is recognizably Domitian. The coin’s surfaces are generally good. The principal weakness of the coin is the simply the wear, but the wear is “honest” and even; this coin passed through many hands in antiquity. Alas, the reverse details and legend are not as clear as those of the obverse. If you are looking to acquire a genuine coin of one of the famous “Twelve Caesars,” this is a nice budget example. While this is not a biblical coin, those who have an interest in the history of Christianity may know Domitian as the emperor whose alleged brutality toward Christians inspired much of the Book of Revelation, though this view has been called into question by recent historians. The assassination of Domitian on September 18, 96 A.D. marked the end of the Flavian dynasty. Below I have provided several photographs so that one might see the range of appearances in various forms of light. Ultimately, you should let the photos be your guide as to the condition of the coin. I am selling this coin simply because I have recently duplicated it in a better grade and do not need two. It’s priced to sell and is guaranteed authentic for life. $4 to ship to U.S. addresses. If the coin does not sell within a week or so, I will consider international sales. PM if interested. PayPal only. Coin will be shipped in a protective mailer once payment is received.
