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Domitian
Domitian. AD 81-96. AR Denarius (16mm, 3.59 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck 1 January-13 September AD 95. IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P XIIII, laureate head right / IMP XXII COS XVII CENS P P P, Minerva standing right on capital of rostral column, brandishing spear in right hand and holding shield in left; to lower right, owl standing right, head facing. RIC II.1 771; RSC 289; BMCRE 223; BN 221. Ex. Tkalec, lot 248, 10/24/2003. Ex. CNG Triton XXV, lot 863, 01/12/2022.
Domitian, the last ruler of the Flavian dynasty, reigned as Roman Emperor from 81 to 96 CE. His reign is often marked by a complex mix of effective governance and authoritarian rule, leaving a controversial legacy in Roman history. Born in 51 CE, Domitian was the younger son of Emperor Vespasian and brother of Titus. While he initially held minimal political power, his fate changed following the deaths of his father and brother, allowing him to ascend to the throne.
Domitian's rule was characterized by his dedication to strengthening the Roman Empire's infrastructure and economy. He implemented significant building projects, including the construction of the massive Domus Augustana on the Palatine Hill, and restored important structures such as the Temple of Jupiter. He also reformed the coinage system, increasing the silver content to stabilize the economy, and invested in public works that enhanced the quality of life for Romans. Militarily, he was active on the frontiers, particularly in Britain and along the Danube, where he secured important victories and bolstered Rome’s borders.
However, Domitian’s authoritarian approach to governance earned him a reputation as a tyrant. He took steps to centralize power, reducing the influence of the Senate and relying heavily on his Praetorian Guard. He also enforced strict moral codes and instituted harsh punishments for dissent, often accused of paranoia and excessive cruelty. His use of the title "Dominus et Deus" ("Lord and God") signaled a shift toward absolute monarchy, alienating both senators and elites.
Domitian’s rule ended abruptly when he was assassinated in 96 CE, likely due to a conspiracy involving court officials and the Senate. His successor, Nerva, sought to distance himself from Domitian’s regime, resulting in a campaign of “damnatio memoriae” to erase Domitian’s name and legacy. Though often vilified in history, modern scholarship reassesses Domitian’s contributions, acknowledging his efforts to stabilize the empire while noting the complexities of his authoritarian rule.
Nice denarii of Domitian are not difficult to find. This was one of the first coins acquired by the Roma Aeterna Collection. Both obverse and reverse are superb and the portrait is of excellent style. The surfaces are lustrous and the coin is struck in high relief. It remains one of the most eye-appealing coins in the collection.