Copper As of Domitian as Caesar under Vespasian RIC 722

AE As (26mm 11.08g) Struck A.D. 77-78 under Vespasian Rome

Obv: CAESAR AVG F DOMITIAN COS V laureate head right.

Rev: FELICITAS PVBLICA S C Felicitas standing left, holding caudecus abd cornucopia

RIC II 722 (Vespasian)
ex. Aes You Like It

.At this time, the Roman Empire was ruled by the emperor Vespasian, and this coin features his youngest son, Domitian, who was waiting in the wings as "Caesar" (the crown prince).

Here is a breakdown of what the coin says and why it was minted:

The Front (Obverse) — The Royal Portrait

The front features a portrait of a young Domitian wearing a laurel wreath (the ultimate Roman symbol of victory and honor).

• The Text: CAESAR AVG F DOMITIAN COS V
• The Meaning: "Caesar, Son of the Emperor (Augustus), Domitian, Consul for the 5th time."
• The Message: Domitian wants everyone to know exactly who he is. He is bragging about his royal bloodline ("Son of the Emperor") and showing off his political resume by pointing out he has already been elected as a Consul five times.

The Back (Reverse) — Good Vibes Only

The back features Felicitas, the Roman goddess of good luck, happiness, and prosperity. She is shown holding a caduceus (a staff associated with commerce and peace) and a cornucopia (the horn of plenty, overflowing with food).

• The Text: FELICITAS PVBLICA S C
• The Meaning: "Public Happiness" or "The Happiness of the People." The S C stands for Senatus Consulto, meaning the coin was officially authorized by the Roman Senate.
• The Message: This is pure ancient PR. After a brutal civil war just a few years earlier, the Flavian family (Vespasian and his sons) wanted to convince the public that under their rule, peace was back, the economy was booming, and everyone should feel happy and secure.

The Takeaway

This little bronze coin served as a pocket-sized billboard. It told everyday Romans, "Look at this capable young prince, Domitian. He’s part of the family that brought prosperity and good times back to Rome!" Ironically, when Domitian finally became emperor years later, he grew quite paranoid and ruled like a strict dictator—but when this coin was minted, it was all about promoting "good vibes" and a bright future!