Coin (obverse), Denarius, 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 denarius, the most common Roman silver coin. This picture shows the obverse of the coin.

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

The designs on coins of the Roman Republic were chosen by individual moneyers, who often commemorated their own families. Coins of the Empire, however, focussed on the emperor and his family. Almost all gold and silver coins feature the head of the emperor or his family on the obverse.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-544-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.1932.477
• Date: 88
  Minted in 88 AD
  
• Material: Silver. Inscription: Obv. (IMP CAES D)OMITIAN AVG GERM P M TR P VIII; head of Domitian, laureate, l. / Rev. Herald, incense-burner, and column inscribed COS - XIIII - LVD - SAEC - FEC in five lines
  Coin Type: RIC 116 a
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 18.50 mm D / Die Axis: 6.0
  
• What: Coin Type: RIC 116 a
  Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Ancient Coin Collection
  
• Who: Domitian
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of Domitian, Rome, 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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