Domitian. AD 81-96. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.44 g, 6h). Rome mint

Domitian. AD 81-96. AV Aureus (19mm, 7.44 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 82. IMP CΛES DOMITIΛNVS ΛVG P M, laureate head right / TR POT IMP II COS VIII DES VIIII P P, bust of Minerva left, wearing crested helmet and aegis. RIC II 139; Calicó 937 (same dies as illustration); BMCRE p. 304, 33 note; BN 37; Biaggi –; Jameson –; Mazzini –. Much luster remaining, scratch on obverse. Good VF.


From the Provence Collection.

For unknown reasons, Minerva was highly favored by Domitian and became virtually the only Roman deity honored on his silver and gold coinage as Augustus. He also founded a legion in her name, Legio I Minervia.