Heads or Tales: Domitian

The hot springs at Bath were not just used for bathing by the Romans; they often threw objects into the Sacred Spring as offerings to the goddess. The most common of these offerings were coins, with nearly 13,000 having been recovered during excavation. These coins were deposited from the early years of the sanctuary through to the early fifth century at the end of the Roman province. The majority are small change, however there are a small number of silver coins and four gold coins. In today’s blog post, we are going to look at a coin produced during Domitian’s reign.

Dupondius of Domitian, obverse (l) and reverse (r)

Domitian, alongside Agricola, his governor of Britain, attempted to expand the Roman Empire as far as Caledonia (modern day Scotland) during his reign. Eventually, he recalled Agricola to Rome in 85 CE. In 87 and 88 CE, following a war with the Kingdom of Dacia (modern day Romania), Domitian ordered a withdrawal of troops from Caledonian forts. During his reign, he dramatically revalued the Roman currency by increasing the silver purity of the denarius.

Dupondius of Domitian, obverse

Obverse:

The front of the coin depicts Domitian, facing right and wearing a crown of spikes known as a radiate crown.

Inscription:

Imperator Caesar Domitian Augustus Germanicus Consul XIII Censor Perpetuus Pater Patriae.

The first four names refer to Domitian’s regnal name, used during his reign and thereafter. The title Germanicus was given to Domitian after his campaign against the Chatti, a Germanic tribe, in 83 CE. The consul was the highest office under the Republic. During the Empire, it was held by the emperor and his family members. Romans rarely served as Consul more than twice, but the emperor could serve as many times as he wanted; this coin was minted during Domitian’s eighth time as consul. Censor Perpetuus refers to Domitian’s title of “perpetual censor”, a Republican office which was originally held for five years. The censor was a magistrate responsible for regulating public morality and maintaining the census; his power was absolute. Successive emperors did not assume this title.

Dupondius of Domitian, reverse

Reverse:

On the back is Fortuna, the goddess of good fortune, facing left. She holds a cornucopia and rudder. With good fortune comes abundance, as represented by the cornucopia, and Fortuna also helps to steer future events with the rudder. Through Fortuna, Domitian presents himself and his reign as a period of abundance and good fortune.

Inscription:

Fortuna Augusti S.C.

Fortuna Augusti refers to Fortuna herself.

S.C.

This means Senatus Consultus and is commonly found on the reverse of bronze coins issued before the late 3^rd century CE. Unlike gold and silver coins which were issued under imperial authority, bronze coins were issues under the Senate’s authority.

Stay tuned to see if you can make heads or tails out of next week's coin!

Eleanor 

Collections Assistant 

Heads or Tales: Vespasian

The hot springs at Bath were not just used for bathing by the Romans; they often threw objects into the Sacred Spring as offerings to the goddess. The most common offerings were coins, with nearly 13,000 having been recovered during excavation. These coins were deposited from the early years of the sanctuary through to the early fifth century at the end of the Roman occupation. The majority are small change, however there are a small number of silver coins and four gold coins. In today’s blog post, we are going to look at a coin produced during Vespasian’s reign.

Dupondius of Vespasian, obverse (l) and reverse (r)

Before he was emperor, Vespasian had a successful military career and in 43 CE he was involved in the Roman invasion of Britain. Once emperor, Vespasian restored peace and stability after a year of civil wars and short-lived emperors. Within Britain, he further increased imperial expansion through his general Agricola.

Dupondius of Vespasian, obverse

Obverse:

The front of the coin depicts Vespasian in profile, facing right with a wreath of laurel leaves known as a laureate crown.

Inscription:

The inscription reads Imperator Caesar Vespasian Augustus Consul VIII Pater Patriae. The first four names refer to Vespasian’s regnal name, used during his reign and thereafter. The consul was the highest office under the Republic. During the Empire, it was held by the emperor and his family members. Romans rarely served as Consul more than twice, but the emperor could serve as many times as he wanted; this coin was minted during Vespasian’s eighth time as consul. Pater Patriae translates to “father of his country”.

Dupondius of Vespasian, reverse

Reverse:

The back shows Fides, goddess of trust and good faith, holding a cornucopia and patera. The cornucopia is a symbol of abundance and fecundity, and it shows that the emperor will provide for his people. The patera is a round, shallow dish, and was used in religious ceremonies for two reasons, either to receive the blood of sacrificial animals or to offer to the gods libations of wine. When the patera is held by a deity on a coin, it represents their divine honours.

Inscription:

Fides Publica

This is the name of the goddess.

S.C.

This means Senatus Consultus and is commonly found on the reverse of bronze coins issued before the late 3^rd century CE. Unlike gold and silver coins which were issued under imperial authority, bronze coins were issues under the Senate’s authority. 

The edge of this coin is cut on one side, and it is possible this was a deliberate act of mutilation of the coin. In cutting the coin, it can no longer be used as money and so it forever remains as a gift to the goddess. Coins like this are found across the empire, especially at temples and shrines.

Stay tuned to see if you can make heads or tails out of next week's coin!

Eleanor 

Collections Assistant

Heads or Tales: Nero

The hot springs at Bath were not just used for bathing by the Romans; they often threw objects into the Sacred Spring as offerings to the goddess. The most common offerings were coins, with nearly 13,000 having been recovered during excavation. These coins were deposited from the early years of the sanctuary through to the early fifth century at the end of the Roman occupation. The majority are small change, however there are a small number of silver coins and four gold coins. In today’s blog post, we are going to look at a coin produced during Nero's reign.

Dupondius of Nero, obverse (l) and reverse (r)

Nero’s reign of Britain was punctuated by the Boudican revolt of 60/61 CE. Boudica, queen of the Iceni tribe, led a rebellion against the Romans after they annexed the kingdom of her late husband, who had previously ruled as an independent ally of Rome. Her revolt resulted in the destruction of Camulodunum (modern day Colchester), and the burning of Londinium (London) and Verulamium (St Albans). The revolt led to Nero considering whether to withdraw imperial forces from Britain, but Boudica’s subsequent defeat reinstated Roman control within the province. 

Dupondius of Nero (obverse)

Obverse:

The front of the coin depicts Nero in profile, facing right and wearing a crown of spikes known as a radiate crown.

Inscription:

Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus Tribuncia Potestate Imperator Pater Patriae.

The first five names refer to Nero’s regnal name, used during his reign and thereafter. Tribunicia Potestate translates to tribune of the people, and it was the representative of the people in the government. It is sometimes followed by a number to indicate which term as Tribune the emperor was serving, but not here. The rest translates to “emperor” and “father of his country”.

Dupondius of Nero (reverse)

Reverse:

On the back is the Macellum Magnum, and a male figure standing at the top of the steps holding a long sceptre.

A macellum is an indoor food market, often selling meat, fish and vegetables. The complex was situated on the Caelian Hill in Rome and was built and dedicated by Nero in 59 CE. The depiction of the Macellum Magnum is important for two reasons: Firstly, it records in great detail a monumental building which is now lost to us. Secondly, coins were used by emperors to disseminate their image throughout the Empire and the depiction of the Macellum Magnum demonstrates the building’s importance to Nero and promotes his public programs.

Inscription:

MAC AVG

This stands for Maceullum Augusti, which is another name for the Maceullum Magnum. This reinforces Nero’s dynastic connection to Emperor Augustus, the first Roman Emperor.

S.C. II.

This means Senatus Consultus and is a term commonly found on the reverse of bronze coins issued before the late 3^rd century CE. Unlike gold and silver coins, which were issued under imperial authority, bronze coins were issues under the Senate’s authority. 

Stay tuned to see if you can make heads or tails out of next week's coin!

Eleanor
Collections Assistant