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RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Domitian 78

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Domitian 78. Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Domitian. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Domitian, laureate, right, with the legend IMP CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIAN AVG P M.

The reverse shows minerva standing left, holding vertical spear in right hand, with the legend TR P COS VII DES VIII P P S C. The obverse shows head of Domitian, laureate, right, with the legend IMP CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIAN AVG P M. The reverse shows minerva standing left, holding vertical spear in right hand, with the legend TR P COS VII DES VIII P P S C.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
6
Catalogue references
1

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

This bronze coin was issued under the authority of Domitian in the Roman Empire at the mint of Rome. Domitian is identified in the obverse imperial titulature, which records him as "IMP CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIAN AVG P M".

The coin is a sestertius, an ancient Roman denomination. In the Roman Empire, the sestertius was a large brass coin valued at one quarter of a denarius, or two and a half asses, providing a denomination useful for commerce. Its name derived from semis and tertius, denoting two full asses and half of a third. The design of this piece features the laureate head of Domitian on the obverse, while the reverse depicts Minerva standing left, holding a vertical spear in her right hand, accompanied by the inscription "TR P COS VII DES VIII P P S C".

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Domitian

Design

Obverse
Head of Domitian, laureate, right
Reverse
Minerva standing left, holding vertical spear in right hand
Obverse legend
IMP CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIAN AVG P M
Reverse legend
TR P COS VII DES VIII P P S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Domitian 78
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IMP CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIAN AVG P M
Reverse legend to match
TR P COS VII DES VIII P P S C
Source note
Type description from the American Numismatic Society's Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE); individual specimens differ in die, flan size, weight and wear, and legend breaks may vary. Type description from the American Numismatic Society's Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE); individual specimens differ in die, flan size, weight and wear, and legend breaks may vary.

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Recorded
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Recorded
Weight
Research required
Mint or printer
Recorded
Mint or printer mark
Research required
Catalogue reference
Recorded
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

Varieties

  • RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Domitian 79

    Near-identical catalogue variant (same obverse and reverse legends, type and denomination, differing only in minor marks or bust detail); consolidated into this entry.

Research required

  • Editorial verification required.
  • Weight, diameter and mint marks require specimen-level evidence.
  • Museum specimen photographs are linked by the source; local photographs and reuse rights remain unverified.
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