The Roman Empire
Domitian


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Coin Details

  

Set Details
Coin Description:
Grade: NGC VF Strike: 4/5 Surface: 2/5
Grade Comment: countermark(?)
Owner: Kohaku
 
Set Category: Ancients
Set Name: The Roman Empire
Slot Name: Domitian
Research: Currently not available

Owner's Description

The pastime of collecting coins may be as old as the invention itself. The hobby certainly dates to ancient Rome; Augustus, Rome’s very first Emperor, reportedly cherished old and exotic coins, gifting specimens to friends and courtiers on special occasions. By the time of mankind’s Renaissance, coin collecting became known as the “Hobby of Kings,” owing to its popularity among royalty and others who could afford the pursuit. This fascination continues still. Fortunately, the volume and variety of extant coins satisfies plebian as well as royal budgets. Particularly coveted are extremely rare “modern” coins (for example, those minted in the last several centuries). In comparison, the attainability of scarce ancient issues is remarkable. Consider this modestly valued, two-millennia-old bronze coin. It is possible, if not likely, that it is unique. A seminal source attributes this coin to the Judaean mint of Caesarea Panias and Agrippa II, who became Rome's client ruler over that region. It represents an example of Agrippa II's "pre-royal" coinage, and it was struck to honor his childhood friend Tiberius Claudius Germanicus, better known as Britannicus (41-55 AD). Agrippa II and Britannicus grew up together in Rome as part of an extended imperial family. Britannicus’ tragic history reflects early Rome’s struggles for succession. His mother, Valeria Messalina, reportedly plotted against his father, Emperor Claudius. In 48 AD, Messalina paid the price for her perfidies (either murdered or forced to suicide, depending on the account). The seven-year-old Britannicus was not motherless for long; soon thereafter, his father married Agrippina the Younger. Unfortunately for Britannicus, his new mother already had sons of her own, one of whom, know to history as Nero, she connived to take Britannicus’ place on Rome’s throne. In 50 AD, Britannicus found himself under the guardianship of his capricious stepbrother when Claudius formally named Nero as his princeps juventutis. The situation grew even more precarious in 53 AD, when Nero strengthened his imperial standing by marrying Britannicus’ sister, Claudia Octavia. The following year, Emperor Claudius suddenly died, likely poised by his wife Agrippina. By this time, Nero’s succession – rightfully intended by his predecessor or not - had been secured. Reportedly, Britannicus was locked away during this period so that he could not interfere with Nero’s ascension. As Nero's potential rival, Britannicus was now in grave danger. Four months later, on the cusp of coming of age, he suddenly died, by the official, imperial account a victim of epilepsy. It is much more likely, however, that Nero poisoned Britannicus. Witnessing Britannicus’ death was childhood friend Titus. Reportedly, Titus also drank the same tainted beverage as his friend, and the future Emperor barely survived. Similar to Agrippa II, Titus may have also struck a coin honoring his friend Britannicus, although that attribution is questionable. Britannicus’ coins are quite rare, and most, if not all, comprise provincial issues from the Empire’s fringes. In contrast, a relative wealth of imperial coinage was contemporaneously struck for Nero. Poor Britannicus – even his numismatic legacy suffers under the shadow of his infamous stepbrother. Coin Details: JUDAEA, Herodians. Agrippa II, with Britannicus, Æ (16mm, 3.42 g, 12h), struck circa 50-100 AD, Caesarea Panias mint, NGC Grade: VF, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 2/5, Obverse: Bare head of Britannicus right / countermark, Reverse: Uncertain letters within circular incuse / large S • C within wreath, References: Meshorer –; Hendin 1261; Sofaer –; RPC I –.

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