The Roman Empire
Domitian


Obverse
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Coin Details

  

Set Details
Coin Description:
Grade: NGC MS 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

In early 4th century AD, leadership within the Roman Empire became a highly complicated affair, even by its own standards. Upon his death in 306 AD, Constantius proclaimed that his son, Constantine (c. 272- 337 AD) replace him as western Augustus. Although supported by local troops, the eastern (and more senior) Augustus, Galerius, disagreed and tried to compromise: Severus II was named western Augustus, and Constantine as his Caesar. This did not settle things, as Galerius tried to extend his influence further into a highly dangerous area: that of the average Roman’s coin purse. Galerius’ provincial taxation policy now include Rome, previously tax exempt (dating back centuries to the Republic). The result was rebellion, and the Senate and Praetorian Guard, elected their own resident Maxentius, son of former Emperor Maximian, as Augustus. Galerius sent in his new western Augustus appointee to quell the rebellion, and in response, Maxentius enlisted help from his father. Severus tried to defeat the duo, but failed, and met his demise instead. Maximian then reached an agreement with Constantine that the two be co-Augusti. As part of the deal, Constanine married Maximian’s daughter Fausta. Admittedly, the imperial developments here are complicated and difficult to follow, reflecting the confusion probably experienced by Roman citizens at the time. With things about to spiral out of control, former Emperor Dioceltian came out of retirement in 308 AD to hold a royal conference. He stripped the western Augusti of their titles, forcing Maximian to abdicate (again), and naming Constantine western Caesar (again); the new western Augustus was Licinius, who never before held title Caesar. Maxentius was declared an enemy of the state, and would in due course be dealt with by Constantine. Galerius, of course, retained power as Eastern Augustus, and named his nephew Maximinus II as Caesar. Neither Constantine nor Maximinus were satisfied with the titles, and essentially ignored the diminishment. Civil war raged for the next several years, and Constanine campaigned against Maxentius, reaching a climax in 312 AD when he seiged the usurper holded up in Rome. Constantine’s forces brandishing an unfamiliar image, the labarum, a symbol of crucifixion displaying the characters Chi and Rho above a cross; reportedly, the idea came to Constantine the night before in a heavenly dream. Despite have greater numbers, Maxentius’ force was defeated and the usurper was finally killed. Constantine entered Rome amongst much jubilation, and summarily had all images of Maxentius expunged, and his own promoted. In the meantime, Galerius died, and his successor, Maximinus was defeated by Licinus. The Tetrarchy disintegrated, and the number of Augusti of the Roman Empire was reduced to two: Constantine and Lincinius. The two spent years sparring, diplomatically and militarily. As part of their negotiations, Licinus agreed with Constantine to officially grant full tolerance to Christianity and all religions in the Empire, and he married Constantine's half-sister Constantia. In addition, it was agreed that Constantine’s sons Crispus and Constanine II as well as Licinius’ son Licianus were all made Caesars. This coin, a billon nummus, was minted while Constantine was co-Augustus: hence, on the obverse he is now CONSTANTINVS AVG. On the verso is a globe on a altar, with the inscription BEATA TRANQVILLITAS, or “peaceful tranquility.” This type has become known as the “beata tranquillitas” series, and was produced around 320 AD and only at a few western mints. The design has a decidedly Christian flair (for comparison, the verso of the previous coin in this set, minted while Constantine was still Caesar, shows a classic Roman depiction of Genius). Neither peace nor tranquility was in the cards for Constantine, at least not while Licinius repeatedly reneged, for example, on his promise not to persecute Christians, and things soon came to a head in the great civil war of 324 AD. Coin Details: ROMAN EMPIRE, Constantine I, AD 307-337, AE3 (2.60g), Minted in Lugdunum (Lyon) in 315-316/321-322 AD, NGC Grade: MS, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, Obverse: Bust facing right, laureate, wearing a cuirass, CONSTAN-TINVS AVG, Reverse: Globe on altar inscribed VOT/IS/XX in three lines, above, three stars, BEATA TRAN-QVILLITAS, Reference: RIC VII, 153 (or perhaps 199).

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