© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
Cistophorus - Domitian
82 year| Silver | 10.5 g | 26.5 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Domitian (Titus Flavius Domitianus) (81-96) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 82 |
| Value | Cistophorus = 3 Drachms = 3 Denarii |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 10.5 g |
| Diameter | 26.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#252277 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Aquila between two standards; one decorated with banner, the other decorated with hand.
Comment
Mass varies: 9.91–10.97 g;Diameter varies: 26–27 mm;
Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
The Cistophorus was a silver coin introduced by the Roman Empire during the reign of Domitian (AD 81-96) to replace the earlier denomination of the silver drachma. The coin's name "Cistophorus" comes from the Greek words "kistos" meaning "chest" and "phoros" meaning "bearer," referring to the image of a chest or cista on the coin's reverse side, which was used to hold the ashes of the deceased. The Cistophorus coin was widely used throughout the Roman Empire and remained in circulation for several centuries.
