DI-1431 | RIC II, Part 1 (SE) Domitian 742
Domitian
Domitian

Dynasty: Flavian
Emperor: Domitian
Authority: Domitian
Date and mint: AD 92/AD 93 - Rome


Obverse: Head of Domitian, laureate, right
Legend: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P XII

Reverse: Minerva standing left, holding a spear.
Legend: IMP XXII COS XVI CENS P P P

Comment: The Flavian dynasty was founded by Vespasian, who came to power in AD 69 during the turbulent Year of the Four Emperors. A successful military commander, he restored stability after civil war, strengthened imperial finances and began the construction of the Colosseum. Domitian, Vespasian's younger son, ruled from AD 81 to 96. Unlike Titus, he adopted a more authoritarian style of government, reinforced imperial power and assumed the title of perpetual censor. He was also a military emperor, active in Germania and on the Danube frontier, and promoted imperial worship while maintaining a close connection with Minerva, whom he revered as his personal protectress. This denarius was struck in AD 92-93, when Domitian had achieved military successes in Germania and Rome enjoyed relative internal peace, despite increasing authoritarian control. The obverse, with his laureate head, emphasizes victory and authority. The reverse type with Minerva, goddess of wisdom and war, reflects both Domitian's personal devotion and the ideology of divine protection and military skill.

Provenance: Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH &Co. (2022)
Price: 661 €