Nomos 2

Domitian. AD 81-96. Dupondius (Orichalcum, 12.73 g 6), struck to commemorate the Secular Games, Rome, 14 September-31 December 88. IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VIII CENS PERP P Radiate bust of Domitian to right. Rev. COS XIIII LVD SAEC FEC Domitian, togate, standing left before a temple facade, sacrificing from a patera over a burning altar to left; to left, flute player and harpist standing right; at their feet, personification of the Tiber lying right, holding cornucopiae. BMC 432. Cohen 91. RIC 621. Rare. Attractive green patina with brown highlights. Nearly extremely fine.

Ex Gorny & Mosch 151, 9 October 2006, 422.

The Secular Games, Ludi Saeculares, were religious ceremonies that took place in Rome every 100 or 110 years; they had a mythological origin but were actually held in 249 and 140 BC, after which they fell into abeyance until Augustus revived them in 17 BC. They involved sacrifices to a number of different gods and goddesses, after which there were theatrical performances and some athletic events. Domitian’s celebrations were commemorated on an extensive series of coins in all metals, with those in orichalcum and copper being the most elaborate. In the present example we see Domitian sacrificing in the presence of the Tiber, with two attendants adding a musical accompanyment.