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RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Domitian 804

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 804. Denomination: Dupondius. Authority: Domitian. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows head of Domitian, radiate, right, with the legend IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XVII CENS PER P P.

The reverse shows virtus standing right, resting foot on helmet, holding spear and parazonium, with the legend VIRTVTI AVGVSTI 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 at the mint of Rome under the authority of the Roman emperor Domitian. During the Roman Empire, the dupondius functioned as an everyday denomination valued at two asses, half a sestertius, or one eighth of a denarius from the time of Augustus. At the height of the Empire, roughly one dupondius could purchase a loaf of bread or approximately half a litre of wine.

From the reign of Nero in 66 AD, the radiate crown was added to the emperor's portrait to distinguish the dupondius from the similarly sized copper as by indicating double value, a visual distinction featured here in the radiate portrait of Domitian with the obverse inscription "IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XVII CENS PER P P". The reverse depicts Virtus standing right, resting a foot on a helmet while holding a spear and parazonium, accompanied by the inscription "VIRTVTI AVGVSTI S C".

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Dupondius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Domitian

Design

Obverse
Head of Domitian, radiate, right
Reverse
Virtus standing right, resting foot on helmet, holding spear and parazonium
Obverse legend
IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XVII CENS PER P P
Reverse legend
VIRTVTI AVGVSTI S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Domitian 804
Denomination and metal
Dupondius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XVII CENS PER P P
Reverse legend to match
VIRTVTI AVGVSTI 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.

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 374

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

  • RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Domitian 484

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

  • RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Domitian 540

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

  • RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Domitian 644

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

  • RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Domitian 706

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

  • RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Domitian 754

    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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