Sestertius - Domitian TR P COS VIII DES VIIII P P S C, Minerva

Emissor Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD)
Ano 82
Tipo Standard circulation coin
Valor 1 Sestertius = 1/4 Denarius
Moeda Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215)
Composição Bronze
Peso 25.6 g
Diâmetro 34 mm
Espessura
Formato Round (irregular)
Técnica Hammered
Orientação
Gravador(es)
Em circulação até
Referência(s) RIC II.1#103, OCRE#ric.2_1(2).dom.103
Descrição do anverso Head of Domitian, laureate, right.
Escrita do anverso Latin
Legenda do anverso IMP CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIAN AVG P M
(Translation: Imperator Caesar, Divi Vespasiani Filius, Domitianus, Augustus, Pontifex Maximus. Supreme commander (Imperator), Caesar, son of the divine Vespasianus, Domitian, emperor (Augustus), high priest.)
Descrição do reverso Minerva, helmeted, draped, with aegis down back, advancing right brandishing spear in right hand.
Escrita do reverso Latin
Legenda do reverso TR P COS VIII DES VIIII P P S C
(Translation: Tribunicia Potestate, Consul Octavum, Designatus Nonum, Pater Patriae, Senatus Consultum. Holder of tribunician power, consul for the eighth time, elect for the ninth time, father of the nation, decree of the senate.)
Bordo
Casa da moeda
Tiragem ND (82) - -
ID Numisquare 1341863010
Informações adicionais

Historical Context: This Sestertius, minted in 82 AD, falls early in the reign of Emperor Domitian (81-96 AD), the last Flavian emperor. Succeeding his brother Titus, Domitian focused on consolidating power and projecting an image of stability and divine favor. The reverse legend, TR P COS VIII DES VIIII P P S C, precisely dates the coin to his first full year as Augustus, marking his eighth consulship. This period saw Domitian reinforcing his personal cult, prominently featuring his patron deity, Minerva, on coinage.

Artistry: The mint of Rome during Domitian's era produced coinage reflecting a classical yet increasingly realistic style. The obverse typically features a laureate portrait of Domitian, characterized by a more severe and less idealized depiction, emphasizing his imperial gravitas. The reverse design invariably showcases Minerva, Domitian's personal patroness, often depicted standing in a martial pose with spear and shield, symbolizing his military prowess and wisdom. The detailed rendering of her attributes speaks to the high skill of imperial die-cutters.

Technical/Grading: Given its substantial size (34mm, 25.6g), a full and even strike on this bronze Sestertius is crucial for detail preservation. Key high-points for grading include the emperor's laurel wreath, hair, and facial features on the obverse. On the reverse, Minerva's helmet, facial details, and the intricate elements of her spear and shield are critical. Due to the nature of bronze coinage, planchet flaws, off-center strikes, and surface corrosion are common. A well-struck example will exhibit clear legends and sharp details across both fields, indicating a strong impression.

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