








Roman Silver Denarius of Emperor Domitian (about 1,925-1,940 years ago)
This silver coin is a denarius issued during the reign of Emperor Domitian, who ruled the Roman Empire from 81 to 96 CE (about 1,925-1,940 years ago). As the last ruler of the Flavian dynasty, Domitian's coins were widely circulated throughout the vast Roman territories spanning Europe, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East.
Coin Description:
Front side: Portrait of Emperor Domitian facing right, wearing a laurel wreath. His name and titles appear in Latin around the edge.
Back side: Likely features a Roman deity, personification of a virtue, or commemoration of a military victory with accompanying inscriptions.
Technical Details:
Silver composition (usually 80-90% pure)
Denomination: Denarius (a day's wages for a skilled laborer)
Weight: Approximately 3-3.5 grams
Diameter: Approximately 18-20 mm
NGC Certified and slabbed for authentication and preservation
Minted between 81-96 CE
Condition varies based on specific certification
Historical Significance: Domitian's coinage reflects his efforts to strengthen the Roman economy through currency revaluation. As emperor, he expanded Rome's frontier defenses and launched ambitious building projects to restore Rome after devastating fires. During his reign, Roman forces under General Agricola attempted to conquer Caledonia (modern Scotland). Despite his administrative accomplishments, Domitian's authoritarian style alienated the powerful Roman Senate, ultimately leading to his assassination in 96 CE and the subsequent condemnation of his memory (damnatio memoriae).
This silver coin is a denarius issued during the reign of Emperor Domitian, who ruled the Roman Empire from 81 to 96 CE (about 1,925-1,940 years ago). As the last ruler of the Flavian dynasty, Domitian's coins were widely circulated throughout the vast Roman territories spanning Europe, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East.
Coin Description:
Front side: Portrait of Emperor Domitian facing right, wearing a laurel wreath. His name and titles appear in Latin around the edge.
Back side: Likely features a Roman deity, personification of a virtue, or commemoration of a military victory with accompanying inscriptions.
Technical Details:
Silver composition (usually 80-90% pure)
Denomination: Denarius (a day's wages for a skilled laborer)
Weight: Approximately 3-3.5 grams
Diameter: Approximately 18-20 mm
NGC Certified and slabbed for authentication and preservation
Minted between 81-96 CE
Condition varies based on specific certification
Historical Significance: Domitian's coinage reflects his efforts to strengthen the Roman economy through currency revaluation. As emperor, he expanded Rome's frontier defenses and launched ambitious building projects to restore Rome after devastating fires. During his reign, Roman forces under General Agricola attempted to conquer Caledonia (modern Scotland). Despite his administrative accomplishments, Domitian's authoritarian style alienated the powerful Roman Senate, ultimately leading to his assassination in 96 CE and the subsequent condemnation of his memory (damnatio memoriae).
This silver coin is a denarius issued during the reign of Emperor Domitian, who ruled the Roman Empire from 81 to 96 CE (about 1,925-1,940 years ago). As the last ruler of the Flavian dynasty, Domitian's coins were widely circulated throughout the vast Roman territories spanning Europe, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East.
Coin Description:
Front side: Portrait of Emperor Domitian facing right, wearing a laurel wreath. His name and titles appear in Latin around the edge.
Back side: Likely features a Roman deity, personification of a virtue, or commemoration of a military victory with accompanying inscriptions.
Technical Details:
Silver composition (usually 80-90% pure)
Denomination: Denarius (a day's wages for a skilled laborer)
Weight: Approximately 3-3.5 grams
Diameter: Approximately 18-20 mm
NGC Certified and slabbed for authentication and preservation
Minted between 81-96 CE
Condition varies based on specific certification
Historical Significance: Domitian's coinage reflects his efforts to strengthen the Roman economy through currency revaluation. As emperor, he expanded Rome's frontier defenses and launched ambitious building projects to restore Rome after devastating fires. During his reign, Roman forces under General Agricola attempted to conquer Caledonia (modern Scotland). Despite his administrative accomplishments, Domitian's authoritarian style alienated the powerful Roman Senate, ultimately leading to his assassination in 96 CE and the subsequent condemnation of his memory (damnatio memoriae).
Domitian (/dəˈmɪʃən, -iən/, də-MISH-ən, -ee-ən; Latin: Domitianus; 24 October 51 – 18 September 96) was Roman emperor from 81 to 96. The son of Vespasian and the younger brother of Titus, his two predecessors on the throne, he was the last member of the Flavian dynasty. Described as "a ruthless but efficient autocrat",[6] his authoritarian style of ruling put him at sharp odds with the Senate, whose powers he drastically curtailed.
Domitian had a minor and largely ceremonial role during the reigns of his father and brother. After the death of his brother, Domitian was declared emperor by the Praetorian Guard. His 15-year reign was the longest since Tiberius.[b] As emperor, Domitian strengthened the economy by revaluing the Roman coinage, expanded the border defenses of the empire, and initiated a massive building program to restore the damaged city of Rome. Significant wars were fought in Britain, where his general Agricola made significant gains in his attempt to conquer Caledonia (Scotland), and in Dacia (Modern-day Romania), where Domitian was unable to achieve a decisive victory against King Decebalus. Domitian's government exhibited strong authoritarian characteristics. Religious, military, and cultural propaganda fostered a cult of personality, and by nominating himself as perpetual censor, he sought to control public and private morals.