Watch List notes:

The Roman Empire
Domitian, 81 – 96

Sestertius 86, Æ 26.49 g. IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XII CEN PER P P Laureate head r., aegis covering l. shoulder. Rev. Domitian, togate, standing r., shaking hand with a soldier standing l.; between them, garlanded altar and in the background, two further soldiers, one holding shield and spear, the other carrying a standard; behind the altar, a second standard. In exergue, S C. C 502 var. (CENS). BMC 381 var. (CENS). CBN 293, 405 var. (CENS). RIC 473 var. (CENS).
Rare. A magnificent portrait of fine style and an interesting and finely-detailed
reverse composition. Wonderful untouched green patina with some minor
encrustations, otherwise extremely fine

Ex M&M sale 92, 2002, 62.
The representation on the reverse of this issue is a very controversial one. For some it depicts the arrival in Rome of the general Agricola due to the fact that the scene is first shown in the same year in which Domitian had to recall the British general. In reality the theme has a much more general meaning: in ca. 85 AD the Dacians started to invade the Roman province of Moesia. The Roman army was seriously defeated, comparable to the defeats of P. Quinctilius Varus in AD 9. From all over the empire troops were sent to Moesia, in the end 9 legions were stationed against the Dacians. In this context the Concordia between the emperor and his army is seen, the handshake over the burning altar remembers the oath of allegiance. How important the harmony in the army was, is shown by the defection of Antonius Saturnius, legate for the Upper Rhine. This defection forced Domitian in AD 89 to agree to an unsatisfactory peace agreement with the Dacians; but this agreement would not last for more than a couple of years.