Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction XII 29 September 2016
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
Domitian AV Aureus. Rome, AD 87. IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VI, laureate head right / IMP XIIII COS XIII CENS P P P, Minerva standing to right on prow, brandishing javelin in upraised right hand and holding shield in left; owl at feet. BMC 321 note; C. 216 var. (omits GERM); RIC 506; Calicó 885. 7.54g, 20mm, 6h.
Near Mint State. Extremely Rare.
Although the very extensive series of denarii issued under Domitian bearing the type of Minerva atop a capital today survive in great numbers, the companion aurei are remarkably rare. The rarity of this particular issue is well demonstrated by the fact that Calicó could not find an image to illustrate the type, and settled for a line drawing.
The great many images of Minerva that were promulgated during Domitian's reign, such as those on his coinage, are the physical record of his adoption of Minerva as his patron deity and personal protectress. Indeed, the reverence he showed for the goddess led him to establish a new legion in her name in AD 82 to fight against the Chatti in Gaul, and in 89, the Legio I Minervia were acknowledged by Domitian for suppressing the revolt of the Governor of Germania Superior, being awarded the cognomen 'Pia Fidelis Domitiana'.
Seen on this reverse type brandishing her javelin in warlike countenance, and struck as it was in 87, Minerva might here be invoked to bring success to the Roman army, which launched a counter-invasion of Dacia in this year against king Decebalus, who had in the previous year attacked Roman Moesia and killed its governor. After the severe defeats the Roman forces had suffered at the hands of the Dacians in 85/86, which resulted in loss of the Praetorian Guard battle standard and the complete destruction of the Fifth, one can hardly blame Domitian for seeking divine assistance from his patron deity. According to Suetonius, after 'several battles of varying success', Domitian was distracted by elsewhere, and when Decebalus proposed a peace treaty, Domitian agreed.
Value Minerva as he might, in the end no divine assistance spared Domitian from the palace conspiracy organised by court officials that resulted in his assassination in AD 96. Having had a difficult relationship with the Senate throughout his reign due to his autocratic rule and the removal of all their decision-making powers, upon news of his death the senators voted to bring damnatio memoriae against him.
Near Mint State. Extremely Rare.
Although the very extensive series of denarii issued under Domitian bearing the type of Minerva atop a capital today survive in great numbers, the companion aurei are remarkably rare. The rarity of this particular issue is well demonstrated by the fact that Calicó could not find an image to illustrate the type, and settled for a line drawing.
The great many images of Minerva that were promulgated during Domitian's reign, such as those on his coinage, are the physical record of his adoption of Minerva as his patron deity and personal protectress. Indeed, the reverence he showed for the goddess led him to establish a new legion in her name in AD 82 to fight against the Chatti in Gaul, and in 89, the Legio I Minervia were acknowledged by Domitian for suppressing the revolt of the Governor of Germania Superior, being awarded the cognomen 'Pia Fidelis Domitiana'.
Seen on this reverse type brandishing her javelin in warlike countenance, and struck as it was in 87, Minerva might here be invoked to bring success to the Roman army, which launched a counter-invasion of Dacia in this year against king Decebalus, who had in the previous year attacked Roman Moesia and killed its governor. After the severe defeats the Roman forces had suffered at the hands of the Dacians in 85/86, which resulted in loss of the Praetorian Guard battle standard and the complete destruction of the Fifth, one can hardly blame Domitian for seeking divine assistance from his patron deity. According to Suetonius, after 'several battles of varying success', Domitian was distracted by elsewhere, and when Decebalus proposed a peace treaty, Domitian agreed.
Value Minerva as he might, in the end no divine assistance spared Domitian from the palace conspiracy organised by court officials that resulted in his assassination in AD 96. Having had a difficult relationship with the Senate throughout his reign due to his autocratic rule and the removal of all their decision-making powers, upon news of his death the senators voted to bring damnatio memoriae against him.