CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY
- Emperor:
- Domitian
- Denomination:
- AE30
- Composition:
- Bronze
- Date:
- 81-83 AD
- Obverse:
- [IMPDOMITIANVSCAESAVG], Laureate bust of Domitian left
- Reverse:
- Large SC within laurel wreath of eight pairs of leaves terminating in a pellet; ϴ (theta) at 6 o'clock beneath SC
- Reference:
- Butcher 178; McAlee 410(i); SNG Copenhagen 180
- Size:
- 30mm, 15.5g, 12h
- Province:
- Syria, Seleucis and Pieria, Antiochia ad Orontem
- Grade:
- F, bevelled flan, dark green patina,
- Rarity:
- rare
Domitianus (Domitian) was the son and heir of the Roman Emperor Vespasian. His 15 year reign (the longest since Tiberius) came to an abrupt end when he was assassinated by court officials. The Antioch coinage of Domitian was struck both during Vespasian's reign and during Domitian's own reign as Roman Emperor. This coin was struck under Domitian's reign, evident by the broader leaves, simplified ties at the bottom of the wreath; the simplified wreath tie on the obverse' and the theta under the SC. Under Domitian's reign, the pellets would later be replaced with a numerical system. The purpose of the pellets and numeral letters on the coins from Antioch must have served some purpose but what that purpose was exactly has been lost in time and remains today the subject of some speculation.
I, Peter A. Piliouras of Ancient Coin Traders irrevocably guarantee for life to the Purchaser that this ancient coin is authentic. If this coin is deemed not to be authentic by a professional certification service, then I will refund to the Purchaser the full cost of acquiring the coin (including shipping) together with the certification fees.
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Signed: Peter Anthony Piliouras
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Date