Tantalus - the ancient coin registry

Coin Information: Tantalus S/N 13

Click coin images to view at maximum resolution.
Tantalus Coin Registry Tantalus Coin Registry
Image Rights: Copyrighted by User = Free to Reproduce with Copyright Holder Acknowledgement

This item has been viewed 451 times.
Coin type:Roman Imperial
Entered by:rasiel   (Seller rating: 5.0 out of 5, based on 16 buyer responses)
Added on: Aug 23, 2005
Ruler: Domitian (Augustus)
Coin: AR Denarius
IMPCAESDOMITAVGGERMPMTRPXII - Laureate head right
IMPXXIICOSXVICENSPPP - Minerva standing left, holding spear.
Mint:Rome (93)
Wt./Size/Axis:3.41g / - / -
References:
  • RIC 174
  • C 278
For Sale: This coin is for sale. ($160.00)
About this seller
Notes:Jul 4, 11 - Ego, of course, is common to all men. Some though, we're also aware, have much too much of it. Emperor Domitian could be said to have been one such guy. He was the youngest heir to Vespasian and something of a black sheep. His demeanor was haughty and he tended to sulk during his years as prince and over time his personality degraded further. While his brother Titus was emperor, who by the way seems to have loved him deeply warts and all, Domitian seduced Titus' daughter. Yes, his own niece. What a class act.

He is said to have allowed his elder brother to die of a what could have been an easily relieved fever in order that he may take over and the populace was all too sorry that he did come to power. While he himself was a womanizer he enacted many laws to curb what he saw as rampant indecency. He sent to the executioner scores of people he suspected of plotting against him. Or just plain that he didn't like them for one reason or another.

In the end his closest associates, including his own wife, began to get scared that their number might be next and they shook hands over a plot to do him in. He was stabbed to death in his own bedroom age 45.

Domitian has a "thing" for the goddess Minerva and she is prominently featured in most of his coins. Here she is, holding a spear or scepter, looking fashionable in that timelessly Roman don't-mess-with-me manner.

Part of my Roman Emperors collection

Contact rasiel about this coin


Comments: [+ Post Your Own ]
No comments have been posted for this coin.

Post a Comment

(No HTML; Comments are limited to 1500 characters.)

Enter only 3 characters with black color from image to TextBox captcha image

 
 

web site programming by blue ridge solutions