Obverse: IMP CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIAN AVG P M, radiate Head of Domitian facing left.

Reverse: TR P COS VIII DES VIIII P P S C, Minerva standing left, holding thunderbolt in right and spear in left; shield at side.

RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Domitian 109. [Rome, AD 82].

Diameter: 27 mm. Weight: 13.1 g.

A beautiful and rare orichalcum dupondius of Domitian, struck in Rome in AD 82 just one year after he became emperor. Once Emperor, Domitian immediately sought to attain his long-delayed military glory. In AD 82, he travelled to Gaul, under the guise of conducting a census, and then suddenly ordered an attack on the Chatti. For this purpose, a new legion was founded, Legio I Minervia, which constructed some 75 kilometres of roads through Chattan territory to uncover the enemy's hiding places. Although little information survives of the battles fought, enough early victories were apparently achieved for Domitian to be back in Rome by the end of 83, where he celebrated an elaborate triumph and conferred upon himself the title of Germanicus. It seems likely that this issue with Minerva on the reverse was struck in honour of Domitian’s new legion. A rare example with an unusual left facing portrait, sharp details and an attractive, brassy tone.