Coin (obverse), Quinarius, of Domitian

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This silver coin was minted in Rome by the emperor Domitian in 88 AD. It is a type called a quinarius, worth half of a denarius which was the standard silver coin in use for most of Rome's history. This picture shows the obverse of the coin.

The obverse has the head of the emperor wearing a laurel wreath, facing to the right. Around him is the inscription 'IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VIII' which identifies the emperor and abbreviates many of his titles.

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.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-538-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1979.126
• Date: AD 88
  Minted in 88 AD
  
• Material: Silver; reverse slightly off-centre; slight wear. Inscription: Obv.: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VIII; laureate head right. Rev.: COS XIIII LVD SAEC FEC; Herald, with feathered cap, walking left, holding shield and wand
  Coin Type: RIC 118
  Coin, quinarius
  
• Dimensions: Diameter 15.50 x 14.50 mm; weight 1.58 g; die axis 6.0
  
• What: Coin Type: RIC 118
  Coin, quinarius
  
• Subject: Coins and currency
  
• Who:
• Where: Italy, Rome
  Roman Empire
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver quinarius of Domitian, Roman Empire, AD 88
  
• References:
  • Mattingly, Harold and Sydenham, Edward A. The Roman Imperial Coinage. Vol. II. Vespasian to Hadrian. London: Spink & Son, Ltd, 1926. 
• Translations:
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