Domitian, 81-96. Sestertius (Orichalcum, 35 mm, 28.05 g, 6 h), Rome, 85. IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XI CENS POT P P Laureate head of Domitian to right, wearing aegis over his left shoulder. Rev. S - C Domitian standing front, head to left, holding parazonium in his right hand and inverted spear in his left; at his feet to left, river-god Rhine reclining right, holding reed in his left hand and resting his right arm on urn. BMC 335. CBN 357. Cohen 504. RIC 357. Rare. An attractive example with a magnificent enamel-like glossy green patina. Very minor deposits, otherwise, good very fine.



The reverse of this beautiful sestertius depicts the victorious emperor Domitian standing with parazonium and spear, placing his foot upon the reclining river-god Rhine. The imagery proclaims Roman military supremacy on the German frontier and alludes to Domitian’s campaigns against the Chatti in the early 80s.