Product Details

Domitian (as Caesar), AV Aureus Struck under Titus, AD 80-81. Rome mint. 7.3g. Obv: CAESAR DIVI F DOMITIANS COS VIl, laureate head right. Rev: PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS, pulvinar of Minerva: crested Corinthian helmet on draped square seat. RIC II 270 (Titus); Calico 920. HISTORY & CONTEXT An empty throne standing in for a person This one shows an empty seat rather than a figure -- Minerva's own ceremonial throne, helmet resting on it -- struck under Titus in honor of his younger brother Domitian. It's a quiet, almost restrained way to depict an heir, especially compared to how loudly Domitian would later insist on Minerva's protection once he actually became emperor himself.