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: 4/5
Owner: Kohaku
 
Set Category: Ancients
Set Name: The Roman Empire
Slot Name: Domitian
Research: Currently not available

Owner's Description

In 335 AD, Delmatius (c. 294 – 337 AD) was named Caesar by his uncle, Emperor Constantine I. The Emperor chose three others Caesars as well, namely his sons Constantine II, Constantius II, and Constans. Each of the co-Caesars was given his own territory to rule over. Presumably, Constantine intended that after his death the four would jointly rule as a tetrarchy. Alas, this noble vision did not materialize. After Constantine died in 337 AD, the imperial family would fight for the throne rather than collaborate. In particular, Constantius II was ruthless in eliminating any rivals, family or not. Only months after Constantine’s death, Delmatius, along with others of his clansmen, became the victim of an imperial purge. Owing to his extremely brief tenure, very little information is known about Delmatius. Enduring are some of his coins, such as this nummus minted in Cyzicus. The obverse depicts the laureate and cuirassed bust of Delmatius and reads FL IVL DELMATIVS NOB C (noble Caesar, Flavius Julius Delmatius). The reverse depicts two soldiers holding reversed spears and leaning on shields, a standard between them, and reads GLORIA EXERCITVS, “glory of the army.” This verso motif was popular among coins of Constantinian dynasty, meant to honor and praise the valor of the troops. The reversed spears are thought to denote tranquility. This was wishful thinking since Delmatius was killed by his own soldiers, probably at the behest of his cousin and co-Emperor. Coin Details: ROMAN EMPIRE, Delmatius, AD 335-337 as Caesar, AE Nummus (AE3/4) (1.88 g), NGC Grade: MS, Strike:5/5, Surface: 4/5, Cyzicus mint (2nd officina?), Obverse: laureate and cuirassed bust right, FL IVL DELMATIVS NOB C, Reverse: two soldiers holding reversed spears and leaning on hields, GLORIA EXERCITVS, SMBK in exergue, Reference: RIC VII 146.

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