Copper As of Domitian as Augustus RIC 249a

Copper As (28mm 9.59 gm) Struck A.D 84. Rome

Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG GERM COS X Laureate bust right with aegis on neck

Rev: S C Victory advancing r. holding aquila (legionary eagle) in both hands

cf. RIC II 249a, Sear 2810

ex Imperator Coin's (Joe Mastrario)

.The Front (Obverse): The Emperor’s Power Portrait

The side with the face tells everyone exactly who is in charge and what his titles are.

• The Picture: You see a portrait of Domitian looking to the right. He is wearing a laureate wreath (the classic Roman symbol of victory and leadership). The description also mentions an aegis on his neck—this was a mythical protective cloak associated with the gods Jupiter and Minerva. Wearing it was a subtle way of saying, "I have the gods on my side!"
• The Text (Legend): IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG GERM COS X
  • IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG: Imperator Caesar Domitianus Augustus. This is his official imperial name.
  • GERM: Short for Germanicus. Domitian added this title to his name in 83 AD after fighting the Chatti, a Germanic tribe. It was a massive brag that meant "Conqueror of the Germans."
  • COS X: This means he was serving his 10th term as Consul (one of the highest political offices in Rome). This detail is like a timestamp—it tells historians the coin was made exactly in 84 AD.

The Back (Reverse): The Military Flex

The flip side of the coin celebrates Domitian's military achievements and his control over the army.

• The Picture: You see Victory (the goddess Victoria) striding to the right. In her hands, she is holding an aquila—the famous legionary eagle standard carried by Roman legions.
• The Meaning: This imagery is pure political propaganda. By showing the goddess of victory holding the army's prized symbol, Domitian was broadcasting to the Roman public: "Under my rule, our armies are unstoppable, and we are bringing glory back to Rome." It was a perfect message to boost his popularity and keep the citizens feeling safe and patriotic.
• The Text: S C (Short for Senatus Consulto). This means "by decree of the Senate." Even though the Emperor held the real power, bronze coins were traditionally minted with the Senate's formal stamp of approval to keep up appearances of teamwork.