The Roman Empire
Domitian


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Coin Details

  

Set Details
Coin Description:
Grade: NGC MS Strike: 4/5 Surface: 5/5
Owner: Kohaku
 
Set Category: Ancients
Set Name: The Roman Empire
Slot Name: Domitian
Research: Currently not available

Owner's Description

Lucilla (149?–182) was the daughter of Augustus Marcus Aurelius and Augusuta Faustina Jr. At age twelve, Lucilla was betrothed to Marcus’ co-Augustus and adoptive brother, Lucius Verus. No one recorded Lucilla’s opinion in the matter, if she held any; in addition to being technically her uncle and much older, Lucius Verus also carried a reputation for drinking, gambling, and love affairs with both genders. Regardless, when Lucilla came of age, her father (cognizant of Lucius’ exploits) hastened the wedding. This denarius was struck in Rome to honor the teenage Augusta. On the obverse, Lucilla’s bust is portrayed perhaps more mature than her years, accompanied by a legend that advertises her name and status as the Augustus’ daughter. On the verso, Vesta, one of the most important Roman deities, stands beside a lit alter. This burning flame, attended by the faithful Vestal Virgins, symbolized not only the goddess’ presence, but also the life force of the community. The virgins’ task was critical and sacred, requiring a three-decade tenure of chastity: those not up to the task were buried alive. Vesta was widely revered by Romans everywhere as the embodiment of hearth, home, and family. For Lucilla’s husband Lucius Verus, the sanctity of hearth, home, and family was probably not very high on the agenda, owing his military responsibilities and penchant for debauchery. No matter, their marriage ended upon Lucius’ death in 169 AD. His cause of death was uncertain, and the theories range from stroke to plague to poisoned oysters (perhaps the design of Lucilla’s mother, with whom he may have had relations). In any case, the young Lucilla was now widowed, and her status in jeopardy. Next, Lucilla’s father betrothed her to Quintianus, a prominent politician more than twice her age. Lucilla was probably not thrilled with this development either; even so, within a year, she complied. The arrangement allowed Lucilla to remain in the imperial limelight, and she insisted that defending the Empire become a family affair. With her husband in tow, Lucilla often accompanied her father and brother (now co-Augustus) Commodus on their Danubian campaigns. In 180 AD, Marcus Aurelius died, and Lucilla’s brother Commodus became sole Augustus of the Roman Empire. In short order, this development proved disastrous, as the megalomaniacal Commodus wrought havoc and instability to Rome. Early on, Lucilla knew her brother well enough – not to mention her own imperial ambitions - to take the initiative. In 182 AD, Lucilla became embroiled in a plot to assassinate her brother and place her husband on the throne. Her co-conspirators included Quintianus’ nephew, who was assigned the murderous deed, but bungled the attempt. Shortly thereafter, most of the perpetrators were apprehended and executed. Only a few, including Lucilla, were allowed to live, banished to the island of Capri. The reprieve did not last very long: Commodus later changed his mind, and dispatched a Centurian to complete the sentencing. Coin Details: ROMAN EMPIRE, Lucilla, 164-182/3 AD, AR Denarius (3.30 g), Struck in Rome 166-169 AD, Obverse: Draped bust right, LVCILLAE AVG ANTONINI AVG F, Reverse: Vesta standing left, sacrificing from a simpulum over a lit altar left, holding palladium, VESTA, References: RIC 788; RSC 92; BMC 325.

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