© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Dupondius - Domitian TR P COS VII DES VIII P P S C; Minerva
81 year| Bronze | 7.2 g | 26 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Domitian (Titus Flavius Domitianus) (81-96) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 81 |
| Value | 1 Dupondius = ⅛ Denarius |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 7.2 g |
| Diameter | 26 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#251513 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Minerva standing left, holding thunderbolt and spear; shield at side.
Script: Latin
Lettering: TR P COS VII DES VIII P P S C
Translation:
Tribunicia Potestate, Consul Septimum, Designatus Octavum, Pater Patriae, Senatus Consultum.
Holder of tribunician power, consul for the seventh time, elect for the eighth time, father of the nation, decree of the senate.
Comment
Mass varies: 3.12–11.21 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 one side, while the other side bears the image of the Roman emperor Domitian. This coin was minted during Domitian's reign, which lasted from 81 to 96 AD, and it was used as a standard circulation coin throughout the Roman Empire. The fact that it features both a deity and a human figure on opposite sides highlights the blending of religious and political themes that was common in Roman coinage during this period. Additionally, the use of bronze as the material for this coin reflects the widespread use of base metals in Roman coinage during this time, as opposed to the more valuable precious metals like gold and silver that were reserved for higher-denomination coins.
