Description

Domitian

Titus Flavius Domitianus, more commonly known as Domitian, was Roman Emperor from 81 to 96 AD. He was the younger brother of Titus, his predecessor, and the son of Vespasian, who established the Flavian dynasty after the chaos of Nero’s reign and the year of four emperors. Conflicts and contradictions marked Domitian’s reign. He was a capable administrator and a visionary builder, but his autocratic rule, paranoia, and hostility toward the Senate ultimately led to his downfall.

Reign as Emperor:

Domitian was known for his significant building projects, such as the Arch of Titus, which celebrated his family’s successes. He also built a new palace on Palatine Hill and restored Capitoline Hill, among other projects.

Domitian was a skilled administrator and pursued policies promoting the Empire’s economic welfare. He implemented monetary reforms, improved the infrastructure, and took measures to stabilize the food supply.

Coins minted under his rule:

Domitian’s reign is notable for its significant contributions to Roman coinage. He made efforts to restore the quality and value of Roman coins, which had been steadily declining due to inflation and other economic issues.

Upon his ascension to the throne, one of the first things Domitian did was to increase the purity of the silver denarius, the primary silver coin used in the Roman Empire. This was done by increasing the percentage of silver in the coin’s composition, reversing the trend of decreasing silver content that had occurred under previous emperors.

Downfall and Death:

Domitian’s autocratic rule and continuous suspicion of a conspiracy led to an oppressive regime that alienated the Roman Senate and aristocracy. He executed many senators on charges of conspiracy, and his rule became increasingly paranoid and brutal.

In 96 AD, Domitian was assassinated in a palace conspiracy involving court officials. The Senate quickly declared him a public enemy, and his memory was condemned to damnation memoriae, an act of the Senate intending to erase someone from the historical record.

Coin Details:

Obverse: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M, laurel head right.

Reverse: TR P COS VII DES VIII P P, alter.

Diameter: 18 mm

24k Gold plated

Use this coin to do your historical research. Hold it in your hands, you will find that it is the next best thing to owning the original coin.

Packaged in a coin collecting flip with the description of coin printed on flip insert.