Reproduction Aureus of Domitian - Germania

Obverse: Laureate head of Domitian, right. Text around: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P V.

Reverse: Germania, bare-chested and draped from the waist, seated to right on decorated hexagonal Germanic shield, placing her head on her left hand in attitude of mourning; below, broken spear. Text around: IMP XI COS XII CENS P P P.

History: This aureus, minted in Rome in AD 86, depicts on the obverse the head of Domitian, and on the reverse a female figure, the personification of Germania, mourning. Domitian is pictured crowned with a laurel wreath, a common symbol of victory and honour. The coins minted by Domitian depicting the victory in Germany are known as the “Germania Capta” type.

After he came to power, one of the first acts of Domitian was to acquire military glory, largely to match the achievements of his father and his brother, Vespasian and Titus. The occasion for this was given by the Chatti, a major Germanic tribe which raided Roman territory. Domitian’s triumph over the Chatti led him to receive the name “Germanicus” in AD 83. From then onwards Domitian moulded his public image into one which was very much associated with Martial ideology, the commemoration of his victories over the Germans being absolutely central in this. This aureus, then, can be viewed as part of this propaganda effort.

Date: Rome mint, 86AD

Diameter: 2.0cm