Coin (reverse), Denarius, of Domitian

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This silver coin was minted in Rome by the emperor Domitian in 85 AD. It is a type called a denarius, the most common Roman silver coin. This picture shows the reverse of the coin.

The reverse depicts Minerva, the goddess of wisdom and war, wearing a helmet and holding a spear. The inscription 'IMP VIIII COS XI CENS POT P P' around her is an abbreviated list of Domitian's titles and the number of years they were renewed.

The foundation of the Roman imperial coinage system was the denarius. Alongside this there was a limited gold series, based on the aureus, and a base metal series based on the sestertius. A denarius was of high value, equivalent to a soldier's daily wage.

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-495-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
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• Ref: National Museums Scotland  
• Date: Minted in 85 AD
  
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  • Mattingly, Harold and Sydenham, Edward A. The Roman Imperial Coinage. Vol. II. Vespasian to Hadrian. London: Spink & Son, Ltd, 1926. 
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