The Roman Empire
Domitian


Obverse
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Coin Details

  

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

Owner's Description

The 311 AD death of (nominally) senior Augustus Galerius marked a further step towards unraveling of the Roman Empire’s ruling Tetrarchy. One of Galerius’ last imperial decrees promoted religious tolerance; perhaps the Augustus, realizing the terminality of his illness, feared retribution of the Christian God. Taking Galerius’ place was his Caesar, Maximinus II, who actually already claimed the title a year earlier. In any case, Maximinus now held undisputed control over Asia Minor and the Levant. Within weeks, Maximinus abolished the religious tolerance granted by Galerius, and instead implemented his own agenda, promoting Paganism and stepping up Christian persecutions. It is important to note that such persecutions were supported, if not fomented, by leadership within various eastern cities that pledged their support to the new Augustus. Within these cities, wealth and prosperity benefited from local pagan religious activities; in turn, these cities were an important revenue source for Maximinus. The situation fostered a resurgence of Paganism across the eastern Roman Empire. Numismatic evidence confirms the contemporary, provincial interest in Pagan gods, for example in the civic issues of Nicomedia, Alexandria, and Antioch. The latter city was the site where this current coin was struck, sometime between 310 and 313 AD, providing an example of what ancient coin collectors refer to as a “Persecution issue.” The obverse depicts Tyche, the Greek goddess of fortune, chance, providence and fate. To the Romans she was more commonly known as Fortuna, the divinity guiding and conducting the world’s affairs. Below Tyche the river God Orontes swims in his namesake’s river connecting Antioch to the Mediterranean Sea. The coin’s other side presents Apollo, the powerful Greek god harboring varied aspects. In one hand, Apollo carries a lyre, reflecting his attributes related to poetry and music, and in the other, a patera, a libation bowl associated with religious ceremonies, denoting Apollo’s domain over truth and prophecy. Apollo and many of his divine brethren and sistren appeared once again across Antioch and other prominent eastern cities, not only on coins, but also statues and temples that, not surprisingly, delivered oracles condemning Christians and calling for their expulsion. Maximinus willingly obliged, reportedly appointing Pagan priests, and sentencing to death many who preached alternate, Christian views. Meanwhile, Rome’s leadership continued its descent into chaos. By late 313 AD, Maximinus determined that the growing alliance between the two other remaining co-Augusti, Constantine and Licinius, posed too great a threat, and he led his Syrian troops on a rapid, forced march across Asia Minor, followed by a surprise invasion against his closest opponent, Licinius. The latter’s Thracian legions hastily put up a defense. Although Maximinus had the numerical superiority, his troops were frustrated and exhausted from their journey. Licinius’ troops proved victorious, and Maximinus fled, reportedly disguised as a slave, only to be eventually captured and killed. Perhaps sensing impending doom, Maximinus chose to restore Christians' properties and privileges as his very last imperial decree. After Maximinus' defeat, the popularity and practice of Paganism plummeted, marking the return of monotheism’s prominence that continues to this day. Coin Details: temp. Maximinus II, AD 310-313, Æ (16mm, 1.53 g, 5h), ‘Persecution issue’ struck at Antioch mint, 8th officina, Struck AD 310-313, NGC Grade: Ch VF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5, Obverse: Tyche seated facing; river-god Orontes swimming below, Reverse: Apollo standing left, holding patera and lyre; H//SMA. Van Heesch, Last 3a; McAlee 170j.

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