Domitian | 95-96 CE | Radiate/Virtus
Diameter 28 mm
Metal Orichalcum
Mint Rome
Obverse IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XVII CENS PER P P Radiate head of Domitian to right.
Type Dupondius
Weight 13.6 g
Year of issue 95
I just love how arrogant Domitian looks on this coin, really speaks to his character. It's gorgeous in hand.
Domitian, 81-96. Dupondius (Orichalcum, 28 mm, 13.60 g), Rome, 95-96.
Domitian was popular with the people and the army, but considered a tyrant by members of the Roman Senate. Domitian's reign came to an end in 96 when he was assassinated by court officials. He was succeeded the same day by his advisor Nerva. After his death, Domitian's memory was condemned to oblivion by the Senate, while senatorial and equestrian authors such as Tacitus, Pliny the Younger, and Suetonius propagated the view of Domitian as a cruel and paranoid tyrant.
Reference : BMC 479. BN 512. Cohen 661. RIC² 804
Collection : Flavian Dynasty