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