The Roman Empire
Domitian


Obverse
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Coin Details

  

Set Details
Coin Description:
Grade: NGC MS Strike: 5/5 Surface: 3/5
Grade Comment: silvering
Owner: Kohaku
 
Set Category: Ancients
Set Name: The Roman Empire
Slot Name: Domitian
Research: Currently not available

Owner's Description

On November 11, 308 AD, the senior Tetrarchal Augustus Galerius convened a meeting to discuss the growing chaos among the Roman Empire’s leadership. The attendees included (retired) Augustus Diocletian, (previously retired) Augustus Maximian, and Galerius’ Dacian childhood friend and military colleague, Licinius. Up for discussion: the growing number of Augusti. The lineup included not just themselves, but also former junior Caesar turned self-proclaimed Augustus Constantine I, and usurper Maxentius. At the meeting, it was decided that Galerius retain his role as Tetrarchal eastern and senior Augustus, and Maximinus II was appointed his Caesar. Maxentius’ imperial claims were dismissed, and he was declared an enemy of the state. The imperial committee also decreed that Maximian would retire (again), and Constantine was demoted to Tetrarchal western Caesar (again). One leadership position remained, namely Western Tetrarchal Augustus, and it was granted to Licinius. The choice of Licinius came somewhat as a surprise. Although he was a trusted and accomplished military leader, Licinius never held the title of Caesar. Presumably, his friendship with Galerius, and the latter’s desire to retain control over the Tetrarchy, factored in the decision. As part of the revised imperial structure, Licinius commanded the provinces of Illyricum, Thrace and Pannonia, and largely delegated the remainder of the western provinces, including the difficult matter of usurper Maxentius, to Constantine. The next several years were turbulent, and the list of Emperors started to shrink. In 310 AD, Maximian came out of retirement for the second time, making a third run at the purple. The attempt did not succeed; Constantine managed to quell Maximian’s rebellion, and the latter met his demise, probably following his conquerer's advice to suicide. A couple years later, Constantine managed to eliminate Maxentius after a dramatic battle outside Rome. Meanwhile, Galerius died in 311 AD, leaving Maximinus in charge over the east; in actuality, he had already accepted his soldiers’ suggested promotion to Augustus a year earlier. Thus, three Augusti now remained, and in a prudent move, Licinius agreed to an uneasy collaboration with (former Caesar and now undeniable Augustus) Constantine. The important relationship was formalized during a meeting in Milan in 313 AD, wherein Licinius agreed to marry Constantine’s half sister, Constantia. Licinius also agreed with Constantine to jointly issue the Edit of Milan, establishing religious tolerance throughout the Empire. Perhaps feeling left out of the party, the third Augustus, Maximinus, took the opportunity to invade into Licinius’ territories. At the center of the conflict between Licinius and Maximinus was the mint city of Herculea, located on the western shores of the Sea of Marmara. Control of the city seesawed between the two Augusti, as reflected in its coinage over this period. The present coin, a nummus, dates from 312 AD, while Licinius controlled the city. Interestingly, the details of Licinius’ obverse bust resemble those of Maximinus’ designs. On the verso, Jupiter holds the globe in one hand, a long scepter in the other, with a wreath to the left, anticipating Licinius' 5-year anniversary. In exergue is the mintmark HTG, thus the coin was produced just before Licinius and his treasury took up residence at Heraclea to advance the war against Maximinus. Soon thereafter, Herculean nummi were inscribed with an SM (denoting sacra moneta) for the first time, likely indicating that Augustus Licinius was in residence and making preparing for war. The verso legend, IOVI CONSERVATORI, reflects the king of the Gods' role in protecting the realm. Consistent with this imagery, Licinius marched from Milan to attend his realm’s defense. By the time Licinius arrived, his opponent had already crossed the Bosphorus, and seized the strategic cities of Byzantium and Heraclea. The fate of the eastern Roman Empire was at stake as the two Augusti finally grappled one another at the epic Battle of Tzirallum. Although Licinius’ troops were outnumbered, they eventually routed their adversaries, who proved weary and demoralized from their rapid mobilization. Recognizing defeat, Maximinus fled the battlefield, only to die a few months afterwards. Only two Augusti remained – Licinius and Constantine – and the imperial population was destined for further reduction. Coin Details: ROMAN EMPIRE, Licinius I, 308-324 AD, Billon Reduced Nummus (5.20 g), minted 312 AD in Heraclea, NGC Grade: MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5, Obverse: Laureate head right IMP C VAL LIC LICINIVS P F AVG, Reverse: Jupiter standing left holding globe and scepter, wreath to field in left, IOVI CONS-ERVATORI, HT(gamma) in exergue, Reference: RIC VI, 65, page 540.

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