Struck under Vespasian in 76–77 AD but bearing Domitian's name as Caesar, this piece belongs to a short window when Vespasian actively promoted both sons — Titus and Domitian — through coinage. The FELICITAS PVBLICA type was a deliberate propaganda instrument, broadcasting dynastic stability after the civil wars of 69 AD had demonstrated exactly how fragile imperial succession could be. Vespasian was not a man who left succession to chance.
RIC II.1 928 is one of several Domitianic aes issues from this year attributable to the Rome mint's eastern workshop activity during the Flavian reorganization of provincial coinage.
Struck under Vespasian in 76–77 AD but bearing Domitian's name as Caesar, this piece belongs to a short window when Vespasian actively promoted both sons — Titus and Domitian — through coinage. The FELICITAS PVBLICA type was a deliberate propaganda instrument, broadcasting dynastic stability after the civil wars of 69 AD had demonstrated exactly how fragile imperial succession could be. Vespasian was not a man who left succession to chance.
RIC II.1 928 is one of several Domitianic aes issues from this year attributable to the Rome mint's eastern workshop activity during the Flavian reorganization of provincial coinage.