Silver Denarius of Emperor Domitian, 81 CE - 96 CE
Silver
3.3 Grams
LC.131
Further images
Obverse | Lateral portrait of Emperor Domitian wearing a laurel wreath Inscription | IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VIIII Reverse | Goddess Minerva with a weapon...
Obverse | Lateral portrait of Emperor Domitian wearing a laurel wreath
Inscription | IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VIIII
Reverse | Goddess Minerva with a weapon
Inscription | IMP XXI COS XV CENS P P P
Domitian, the last ruler of the Flavian dynasty, served as the Roman Emperor from 81 to 96 CE. He was the son of Vespasian and the younger brother of Titus, who both preceded him on the throne. Known for his strict and efficient rule, Domitian was considered a harsh autocrat who often clashed with the Senate. He curbed the powers of the Senate during his reign, which further widened the divide between them. Christians were heavily persecuted toward the end of Domitian's reign. Although the Roman elites had a negative opinion of Domitian, he gained significant support from the general populace and the military during his reign as emperor. As a result, there has been a contemporary reassessment of his role in Roman history. Domitian achieved several significant accomplishments during his reign, including the completion of the Colosseum, begun by his father Vespasian, the strengthening of the empire's borders through the construction of the Germanic Wall, and the restructuring of the legal system. This silver denarius coin featured a profile portrait of the emperor with a laurel wreath on the obverse during the reign of Emperor Domitian. The coins also bore the inscription "IMPerator CAESar DOMITIANUS AVGustus GERManicus PONTIFex MAXimus TRibunicia Potestas VIII," indicating his status as Supreme commander, Emperor Domitian, Augustus, Conqueror of the Germans, High priest, Tribunician power the 9th time. The reverse features an image of Minerva, the goddess of war and wisdom, wearing a helmet and armed with a spear and shield. The inscription reads "IMPerator Vicesimum Primum (XXI) COnSul Quintum Decimum (XV) CENSor Perpetuus Pater Patriae," referring to Emperor Domitian, the 21st commander-in-chief and 15th consul, censor and father of the nation. Thus, this silver denarius was probably minted between 90 and 91 CE, when Emperor Domitian served as the 21st commander-in-chief and 15th consul.
Inscription | IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VIIII
Reverse | Goddess Minerva with a weapon
Inscription | IMP XXI COS XV CENS P P P
Domitian, the last ruler of the Flavian dynasty, served as the Roman Emperor from 81 to 96 CE. He was the son of Vespasian and the younger brother of Titus, who both preceded him on the throne. Known for his strict and efficient rule, Domitian was considered a harsh autocrat who often clashed with the Senate. He curbed the powers of the Senate during his reign, which further widened the divide between them. Christians were heavily persecuted toward the end of Domitian's reign. Although the Roman elites had a negative opinion of Domitian, he gained significant support from the general populace and the military during his reign as emperor. As a result, there has been a contemporary reassessment of his role in Roman history. Domitian achieved several significant accomplishments during his reign, including the completion of the Colosseum, begun by his father Vespasian, the strengthening of the empire's borders through the construction of the Germanic Wall, and the restructuring of the legal system. This silver denarius coin featured a profile portrait of the emperor with a laurel wreath on the obverse during the reign of Emperor Domitian. The coins also bore the inscription "IMPerator CAESar DOMITIANUS AVGustus GERManicus PONTIFex MAXimus TRibunicia Potestas VIII," indicating his status as Supreme commander, Emperor Domitian, Augustus, Conqueror of the Germans, High priest, Tribunician power the 9th time. The reverse features an image of Minerva, the goddess of war and wisdom, wearing a helmet and armed with a spear and shield. The inscription reads "IMPerator Vicesimum Primum (XXI) COnSul Quintum Decimum (XV) CENSor Perpetuus Pater Patriae," referring to Emperor Domitian, the 21st commander-in-chief and 15th consul, censor and father of the nation. Thus, this silver denarius was probably minted between 90 and 91 CE, when Emperor Domitian served as the 21st commander-in-chief and 15th consul.