Domitian, 81-96. Aureus (Gold, 20 mm, 7.67 g, 5 h), Rome, 82. IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M Laureate head of Domitian to right. Rev. TR POT IMP II COS VIII DES IX P P Bust of Minerva to left, wearing Corinthian helmet and aegis. BMC -. Calicó 938b. CBN -. Cohen -. RIC 140. Rare and with a particularly charming Flavian rendering of Minerva. Tiny marks, otherwise, very fine.



Domitian was a staunch traditionalist regarding Roman religion and personally oversaw various religious duties throughout his reign. Although the reasons are unclear, he had a particular affinity for the goddess Minerva, even maintaining a shrine to her in his personal quarters. Minerva was prominently featured on his coinage, including this lovely aureus, which displays an elegant helmeted bust of her on the reverse. The reverse also shows her wearing the aegis, a protective breastplate or shield adorned with the head of a gorgon. She is similarly prominent on Domitian's sole reign silver denarii, which often feature her on the reverse.