Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction XIV 21 Sep 2017
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Domitius Domitianus BI Octadrachm. Alexandria, dated RY 2 = AD 297/8. ΔOMITIANOC CEB, radiate head right / Sarapis standing right, raising right arm, holding sceptre in left; palm frond to left, L B (date) to right. Köln 3367; Dattari (Savio) 10822-3; K&G 126.1. 11.91g, 25mm, 12h.
Good Very Fine. Attractive desert patina.
Whilst the dating of the revolt of Domitius Domitianus has been the subject of much debate, the coins issued in his name suggest that he did not control the Alexandrian mint until shortly before his second regnal year (starting 29 August 296). Upon gaining control of the mint, Domitianus revived the local billon which Diocletian had ceased to issue around March 296, while continuing to issue bronze on the imperial standard. Whilst the reasons for this are unknown, it has been suggested by A. Johnson (Lucius Domitius Domitianus Augustus in Classical Philology, Vol. 45, No. 1, 1950) that there was an influential section of Egyptian society who preferred the old familiar billon, while others realised the commercial advantage of the uniform currency introduced by Diocletian.
Despite this, Diocletian's swift and brutal invasion of Egypt put an end to the revolt of Domitianus, marking the end of the Alexandrian system of coinage and that of Roman provincial coinage as a whole. The mint at Alexandria was to be closed shortly after Diocletian regained control of Egypt and imperial currency was made uniform throughout the empire.
Good Very Fine. Attractive desert patina.
Whilst the dating of the revolt of Domitius Domitianus has been the subject of much debate, the coins issued in his name suggest that he did not control the Alexandrian mint until shortly before his second regnal year (starting 29 August 296). Upon gaining control of the mint, Domitianus revived the local billon which Diocletian had ceased to issue around March 296, while continuing to issue bronze on the imperial standard. Whilst the reasons for this are unknown, it has been suggested by A. Johnson (Lucius Domitius Domitianus Augustus in Classical Philology, Vol. 45, No. 1, 1950) that there was an influential section of Egyptian society who preferred the old familiar billon, while others realised the commercial advantage of the uniform currency introduced by Diocletian.
Despite this, Diocletian's swift and brutal invasion of Egypt put an end to the revolt of Domitianus, marking the end of the Alexandrian system of coinage and that of Roman provincial coinage as a whole. The mint at Alexandria was to be closed shortly after Diocletian regained control of Egypt and imperial currency was made uniform throughout the empire.