Domitian Denarius 81-96 CE

Domitian was the son of Vespasian. He became emperor after the death of Vespasian's other son Titus. Domitian was the last of the Flavian dynasty. Take a look at the obverse portrait on this coin. Domitian's Roman nose is quite prominent. On later issues the nose has been made less prominent. This is a good example of how emperors controlled their image by controlling their representation on the coinage.

Thiis coin is also interesting because some of Domitian titles are missing. The reason is that these had not been added by this point in his position as emperor. The use of COS VII dates this coin to the first month or so of his reign.

Domitian. AR denarius (18.15 mm, 3.36 g, 7 h). Rome mint, struck A.D. 81.

Obv: IMP CAESAR DOMITIANVS AVG, laureate head right

Rev: TR P COS VII, draped throne, back decorated with grain ears. RIC 3; BMCRE 2; RSC 554a.

Ex: William Rosenblum Coins Ex:Agora Auctions March 22, 2016 lot 52-174

Purchased from Agora Auctions March 22, 2016.