Domitian, as Caesar, AR Denarius, Rome Mint, , 77-78 AD – She-wolf

$70.00

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SKU: R4.28 Categories: ,

Description

Roman Imperial, Domitian, as Caesar, 69-81, AR Denarius (silver, 1.5g, 18.7mm), Rome Mint, 77-78 AD
Obv: CAESAR AVG [F DOMITIAN]VS;Ā  Laureate head of Domitian to right
Rev: [CO]S V; She-wolf standing left, suckling Romulus and Remus; boat in exergue
Ref:Ā  BMC 241; RIC 961 Rarity/Choice: Common, aEF (more than a third of the coin has been chipped away and lost; otherwise, it remains sharply struck with expressive portrait)
Note: Domitian was a Roman emperor who ruled from AD 81 to 96, but this coin dates to when he was still Caesar under his father, Vespasian, and his brother, Titus. Domitian held the title of Caesar from AD 69 until he became emperor in AD 81. This coin was struck during a period when the Flavian dynasty, founded by Vespasian, was consolidating its power after the chaos of the Year of the Four Emperors (AD 69). Domitian’s position as Caesar and the heir apparent was reinforced through such coinage, which associated him with Rome’s legendary beginnings and emphasized his legitimacy and future role as emperor. The obverse, featuring Domitian’s laureate head, emphasizes his divine favor and heir status. The reverse, depicting the she-wolf suckling Romulus and Remus, ties Domitian to Rome’s foundational myths and underscores his destined leadership. This coin not only facilitated economic transactions but also served as a powerful tool of imperial propaganda, aimed at solidifying Domitian’s legitimacy and preparing the way for his eventual ascension to the throne.