Artemide Aste s.r.l.
Auction XLVIII 2 Dec 2017
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Vespasian the Younger, great-nephew of Domitian. AE 16 mm. Smyrna mint, Ionia, 94-95 AD. Obv. OYЄCΠACIANOC NEOTEPOC. Bare head of the younger Vespasian right. Rev. ZMYPNAIΩN. Nike advancing right, holding wreath and palm. RPC II, 1028. AE. g. 2.55 RRR. Extremely rare and in excellent condition for the issue. Dark green patina. Good VF.
One of the greatest problems facing Domitian toward the end of his reign was the lack of an heir – a problem which he solved by adopting two of his great-nephews, the sons of his niece, Domitilla. Possibly fearing the legitimacy of rival heir Titus Flavius Clemens, nephew of Vespasian and husband of Domitilla, Domitian exiled Flavius along with his wife to Pandateria on charges of atheism. As nothing further is recorded about either adopted heir, it can be assumed that both were punished in some way for the supposed crimes of their parents.
(CNG 78, 1307 note).
Provenance:
Gorny & Mosch 200, lot 2162.
One of the greatest problems facing Domitian toward the end of his reign was the lack of an heir – a problem which he solved by adopting two of his great-nephews, the sons of his niece, Domitilla. Possibly fearing the legitimacy of rival heir Titus Flavius Clemens, nephew of Vespasian and husband of Domitilla, Domitian exiled Flavius along with his wife to Pandateria on charges of atheism. As nothing further is recorded about either adopted heir, it can be assumed that both were punished in some way for the supposed crimes of their parents.
(CNG 78, 1307 note).
Provenance:
Gorny & Mosch 200, lot 2162.