© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Denarius - Domitian IMP XVIII COS XIIII CENS P P P; Minerva
| Silver | 3.3 g | 18.5 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Domitian (Titus Flavius Domitianus) (81-96) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 88-89 |
| Value | 1 Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3.3 g |
| Diameter | 18.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#252097 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Minerva standing right on top of rostral column, holding spear and shield; owl right.
Script: Latin
Lettering: IMP XVIII COS XIIII CENS P P P
Translation:
Imperator Octavum Decimum, Consul Quartum Decimum, Censor Perpetuus, Pater Patriae.
Supreme commander (Imperator) for the 18th time, consul for the 14th time, censor for life, father of the nation.
Comment
Mass varies: 3.254–3.36 g;Source: Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of the Roman goddess Minerva on the reverse, which was a common motif on Roman coins during the reign of Domitian. Minerva was the goddess of wisdom, war, and crafts, and was often depicted with an owl, which symbolized her association with wisdom and knowledge. The inclusion of Minerva on this coin may have been a way to emphasize the importance of wisdom and knowledge during Domitian's reign.
