The Roman Empire
Domitian


Obverse
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Reverse
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Coin Details

  

Set Details
Coin Description:
Grade: NGC MS* Strike: 5/5 Surface: 5/5
Owner: Kohaku
 
Set Category: Ancients
Set Name: The Roman Empire
Slot Name: Domitian
Research: Currently not available

Owner's Description

Born of Severan lineage in a temple dedicated to Alexander the Great, he was named Severus Alexander (208–235 AD). After his cousin Emperor Elagabalus was murdered by own troops in 222 AD, Alexander at age 13 was declared the youngest Emperor ever. Reeling from disastrous leadership dating back to Caracalla, Rome was desperate for financial and political stability. And for a short time, Alexander, under the strict grooming and protection of his grandmother and mother, the proclaimed Empress, Julia Mamaea, provided just that. Well tutored, Alexander was initially regarded as a wise and effective leader, consistent with this messaging on this coin. On the obverse, the laureate ruler appears mature beyond his years, and on the reverse is depicted Providence with scepter and wand, with the globe lying at her feet, a common theme of power and wisdom. Indeed, under Alexander’s governance, taxes were decreased, and loan interest regulated to reasonable rates. For denari minted early in Alexander reign, such as this one, the silver purity and silver content were decreased from 46.5% to 43%, and 1.41 grams to 1.30 grams, respectively. Later in his reign, Alexander carefully adjusted the denarius’ value according to the fiscal climate (for two examples, see his mothers' denari in this NGC Ancient Custom Set). Alexander dispelled with Elagabalus’ frivolities, preferring to don a simple white robe and associate with others equally; he refused to adopt “the Great.” Distancing himself from the prior regime's religious upheavals, Alexander was highly tolerant of all religions, including Christianity and Judaism. He had his personal motto inscribed in his palace and various public buildings: "Do unto others as thou wouldst have them do unto thee." Military matters were another affair, however, as the Empire was pressured by hostile neighbors. Along with his mother, who provided her continuous presence and advice, Alexander rallied his troops against the Sassanids, but with limited success and very heavy losses. Both Alexander and his mother became increasingly unpopular in Rome, and with the legions stationed throughout the Empire. In early 235 AD, they planned to bribe the German barbarians into subservience, and then focus military efforts towards the eastern borders. For the humiliated Rhine legions, mostly local recruits unwilling to re-deploy, this was the last straw. Empress Julia along with her son Emperor Severus Alexander, who was thrice married but remained childless, were slain to end the Severan dynasty. Coin details: Roman Empire, Severus Alexander (222-235 AD), AR Denarius (3.39 g), NGC Grade: MS *, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5, Obverse: Laureate cuirassed bust right, IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG, Reverse: Providentia standing left holding rod over globe at left & scepter, PROVIDENTIA AVG, Reference: Similar to (and possible variant of) RIC 173, RSC 498, BMC 138.

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