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ANA Signature Sale 3094  19-20 Aug 2021
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Lot 32037

Estimate: 30 000 USD
Price realized: 95 000 USD
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Ancients
Domitian, as Augustus (AD 81-96). AV aureus (20mm, 7.60 gm, 7h). NGC MS 5/5 - 3/5, Fine Style. Rome, AD 88. DOMITIANVS-AVGVSTVS•, laureate head of Domitian right / GERMANICVS COS XIIII, Germania, nude to waist, head resting on left hand in attitude of mourning, half-reclining to right upon Germanic hexagonal shield, broken spear below. RIC II.1 560. Calicó 838 (same dies). Well struck on bright flan, with a magnificent Fine Style portrait and a poignant reverse marking the "defeat" of the Germanic tribes.

From the Monaco Collection. Ex Long Valley River Collection (Roma Numismatics, Auction XX, 29 October 2020), lot 586; Beaussant-Lefèvre - Thierry Parsy (2 July 2015), lot 8; Guy Vermot Collection, acquired ca.1976-1982, probably from J. Vinchon

Domitian's wars against the Germans are described by his biographers as farcical affairs unworthy of celebration, but this likely stems from the hostile press he received after his assassination. Shortly after securing the throne, he set off with the legions in a campaign against the Chatti in AD 83, after which he claimed the title Germanicus, seen on this gold aureus issued half a decade later. Whether the campaign was punitive in nature, or just an opportunity for Domitian to gain credibility with the Legions, it does seem to have enabled him to secure Roman control of the frontier area known as the Agri Decumates, which remained in Roman hands for another century and a half.

https://coins.ha.com/itm/ancients/roman-imperial/ancients-domitian-as-augustus-ad-81-96-av-aureus-20mm-760-gm-7h-ngc-ms-5-5-3-5-fine-style/a/3094-32037.s?type=CoinArchives3094

HID02906262019

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Estimate: 30000-40000 USD
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