NumisBids
  
Roma Numismatics Ltd
E-Sale 66  9 Jan 2020
View prices realized

Lot 1153

Estimate: 1000 GBP
Price realized: 850 GBP
Find similar lots
Share this lot: Share by Email
Domitius Domitianus Æ Nummus. Alexandria, AD 295-296. IMP C L DOMITIVS DOMITIANVS AVG, laureate head right / GENIO POPVLI ROMANI, Genius of the Roman people standing left, holding patera and cornucopiae, eagle with wings spread standing at his feet, B in right field, ALE in exergue. RIC 20. 10.30g, 27mm, 12h.

Good Very Fine; earthen repatination. Extremely Rare.

From a private Canadian collection;
Privately purchased from Athena Numismatics.

Stationed in an Egypt that was overtaxed and burdened with considerable administrative corruption, Domitius Domitianus took the purple in an effort to ameliorate the lot of the local people. He instituted agricultural reforms and repairs to the decrepit irrigation channels, undertook a reform of the local coinage in order to improve commerce, and strengthened the province militarily.

Diocletian's response was swift and brutal, and he invaded Egypt. However, despite being heavily outnumbered Domitianus was able to withstand Diocletian's advance for months, and although by December of 297 Diocletian had control of Egypt, Alexandria refused to capitulate. Domitianus' ultimate fate is unrecorded, however he was likely killed or assassinated. In his fury, Diocletian authorised a general sack of the city and a massacre of the population.
Question about this auction? Contact Roma Numismatics Ltd