Semis S C, Apollo

Issued under Domitian, this semis belongs to a brief revival of the smaller bronze denominations — quadrans, semis — that had largely fallen out of regular production during the Julio-Claudian period. Domitian's renewed interest in these fractions around 84–86 AD appears linked to his broader program of monetary reform, which also included a short-lived increase in silver fineness for the denarius. The reform ultimately collapsed under fiscal pressure from military expenditure, and the smaller bronzes were again abandoned shortly after.

The SC mark on bronzes of this period confirms senatorial authorization, a formality still observed even as imperial control over the mint had long since become absolute.