Sestertius - Domitian IVPPITER CVSTOS S C, Jupiter and Victory

Domitian's IVPPITER CVSTOS coinage belongs to a deliberate theological program launched after the failed revolt of Lucius Antonius Saturninus in January 89 AD. Domitian attributed his survival — and the collapse of the uprising before he even arrived to suppress it — to Jupiter's personal protection. The Rhine thaw that prevented Saturninus' Germanic allies from crossing and reinforcing him was read as divine intervention, and the mint responded with types celebrating Jupiter as guardian of the emperor.

RIC II.1 635 dates to the immediate aftermath, when the propaganda value was freshest.