Owner Comments:
This very rare ancient coin memorializes Flavia Domitilla Major (also known as Domitilla I, Domitilla Senior, or Domitilla the Elder). Domitilla was born of humble origins, and one ancient reference (the
Epitome de Caesaribus) designates her as a freedwoman. According to ancient historian Suetonius, Domitilla served as a bond woman or
delicata to Statilius Capella, an equestrian who hailed from her same hometown of Sabrata, in Roman Libya. The exact nature of that relationship and how is ended is not certain, but in any case Domitilla's star was on the rise when ahe married Titus Flavius Vespasianus around 39 AD. At that time. Vespasian achieved the post of tribune despite his own lack of any powerful family connections. Domitilla’s choice of partner continued to prove wise; only a year later, Vespasian managed his next promotion, this time to praetor, achieved as soon as he reached the qualifying age.
Vespasian rose all the way to ascent Rome's throne in 69 AD. However, by this time Domitilla was no longer by his side to serve as Empress. The exact year of her death, as well as her birth, remain uncertain. Indeed, historical records reveal little about Domitilla, beyond that she bore Vespasian two sons (Titus and Domitian) and one daughter (Domitilla the Younger). The latter also died prior to Vespasian's ascension. Posthumus coins were struck for both Domitilla the Elder and Domitilla the Younger, leading to some confusion among numismatists regarding coinage attribution. The differentiation between the Domitillas can be based on their deification status. Of the two, only the younger Domitilla was consecrated and thus her coinage bears the epithet DIVA DOMITILLA AVGVSTA.
This sestertius is the only issue unequivocally attributed to Domitilla the Elder. The strike occurred in Rome during the reign of Titus, sometime between 79-81 AD. The reverse bears the ubiquitous S C (denoting
senatus consulto, meaning "by decree of the Senate") encircled by IMP T CAES DIVI VESP F AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII. In this fashion, the verso promoted the deification of Titus' father, namely Vespasian. Titus struck similar designs honoring his father in each of the three primary coinage metals (sestertii, denarii and aureii). However, the current sestertius is the only issue wherein Titus honors both his father and also his mother.
The obverse motif chosen to commemorate Domatilla the Elder is an ornate, two-wheeled carriage drawn by two mules. There are two inscriptions: MEMORIAE DOMITILLAE (above the cart), referencing Domitilla’s memory, and S P Q R (in exergue), denoting
senatus populusque romanus, meaning "the Senate and people of Rome". The carriage depicted on the coin was known as a carpentum. Beyond mere conveyances, carpenta held social, political, and spiritual significance. Religious and political elite employed carpenta, particularly Rome’s wealthy and powerful women. Carpenta were tricked out with arched rooftops, elaborate and customized interiors, and even metal- and leather-strap based suspensions. Besides mules, optional powertrains included horses and oxen. Carpenta also sported metal-shod wheels, making them noisy, even at low speeds.
The spectacle of Rome’s powerful women traversing Rome via carpentum can only be imagined. We can gain some insight by inspecting ancient Roman sestertii (only Rome’s largest denomination was worthy for such a dramatic subject). The earliest example dates to Tiberius’ reign: a sestertius struck for Rome’s very first Empress, Livia, to celebrate her recovery from an illness. Another, notable example was a sestertius struck by Caligula to posthumously honor his mother Agrippina Senior. Subsequently, the numismatic image of the carpentum increasingly represented funerals and remembrance of Rome’s imperial women.
As a group, the so-called “carpentum sestertii” provide a fascinating insight into the early Roman Empire and a popular subject for ancient coin collectors.
Additional Reading:
The Cart Before the Mule: Carpenta on Roman Coinage, NGC Ancients, volume 10, issue 8, posted 8/16/2011.
Coin Details: ROMAN EMPIRE, Domitilla the Elder (Died before 69), Sestertius (24.4g, 35mm), Struck in Rome under Titus (79-81), NGC Grade: VF, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 2/5, Obverse: Carpentum drawn right by two mules, MEMORIAE DOMITILLAE, S P Q R (in exergue), Reverse: Large S C, encircled by IMP T CAES DIVI VESP F AVG P M TR P P P COS VIII, References: RIC II 262 (Titus); Vagi 976.