The Roman Empire
Domitian


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Coin Details

  

Set Details
Coin Description:
Grade: NGC AU 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

The 363 AD death of Augustus Julian marked the end of over five decades wherein descendants of his grandfather, Augustus Constantius I, ruled over the Roman Empire. Even so, there was another Constantinian dynast who would later contend for the purple: Julian’s maternal cousin, Procopius. Procopius served in the Roman army under several of his imperial relatives, including Julian. In what turned out to be Julian’s last battle, Procopius arrived as planned to join in the fight against the Sassanids, only to receive the fateful news that Julian was dead, and another one of his generals, namely Jovian, had been declared the Emperor. Although details of recorded histories differ, Julian may have given Procopius an imperial robe, intending his relative as successor, rather than Jovian. If this was the case, Procopius eschewed the opportunity and conceded the robe to Jovian; certainly, he did not advertise himself as an imperial candidate at the time. Instead, Procopius retired from public life…or so he thought. Procopius’ position turned precarious after the death of Jovian and the rise of the brothers Valentinian I and Valens as co-Augusti. Once again, Procopius tried to distance himself from the imperial transition, and leave the Empire's rule to the brotherly duo. Understandably, the latter were nervous about having a Constantinian around who might one day challenge their power. To this end, they dispatched some men, and Procopius had no choice but to surrender. As a last request, he asked if he could enjoy a final dinner with his family. The request was granted, on the condition that the arresting troops could participate, in order to keep a eye on their prisoner. Evidently, the wine flowed copiously, and Procopius managed to whisk his family safely away from his drunken captors. Once again, Procopius thought he finished with Roman politics, but circumstances kept pulling him back in. Although safe for the moment, he feared betrayal at every turn. Consequently, Procopius finally gave in to his destiny. In late 365 AD he saw his chance as Valentinian focused on the western portion of the Empire, and Valens headed eastward to deal with the Sassanid threat. Procopius then arrived at Constantinople, bribed the local troops, and took command of the leaderless city. He shrewdly chose to start his rebellion at the community bath house, named for Constantine’s sister, Anastasia. Procopius found little resistance; in fact, he found a fair amount of support favoring the return of Constantinian rule. Procopius announced himself as Augustus of the Roman Empire, and, like any new Emperor, struck new coins to promote the regime change. This particular ancient coin provides an example. It was struck at the Constantinople mint, while under the control of Procopius, sometime in 365-366 AD. The obverse pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust is familiar, with its advertisement of the newly proclaimed Augustus: DN PROCO-PIVS PF AVG. On the verso Procopius proudly stands contrapposto, looking right, holding a labarum (a military standard), and leaning on shield set on the ground. The scene comprises no fewer than three instances of the Chi Rho: topping the labarum, engraved on the shield, and to the Emperor’s upper right. The Chi-Rho, comprising the first two letters of the word “Christ” in Greek, was a religious symbol first employed by Constantine. Another, enigmatic symbol appears next to Procopius’ left foot. This mushroom-shaped object sometimes is theorized to be a helmet. On this particular coin, it indeed looks a mushroom. (Admittedly, such identification seems dubious, although the ancient Romans were indeed fond to eat them). For a while, it seemed that Procopius might succeed in his grab at the purple. Valens remained away from the Empire’s capital, carefully gathering more troops loyalty to him. In the meantime, Procopius’ power grew. He gained control of Bithynia, and starting recruiting troops among the Goths by invoking their old treaty with Constantine. Eventually, however, Valens accumulated enough forces to be confident in his ability to defeat Procopius, and then made his move. Ultimately, Valens managed to defeat and capture Procopius. This time, there was no chance for a pardon, nor even a last meal, and the opportunity to resume Constantinian rule came to an end. Coin Details: EASTERN ROMAN EMPIRE, Procopius. Usurper, AD 365-366. Æ3 Nummus (19mm, 2.78 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 4th officina. NGC Grade: AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, Obverse: Pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust left, D N PROCO_PIVS P F AVG, Reverse: Procopius standing facing, head right, holding labarum and shield set on ground, Christogram to upper right, unidentified object (mushroom?) by left foot, REPARATI_O FEL TEMP, CONSΔ• in exergue, References: RIC IX 17a.6; LRBC 2082.

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