The Usurper Domitius Domitianus

275, Lot: 57. Estimate $300. Sold for $900. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Domitius Domitianus. Usurper, AD 297-298. BI Octodrachm (24mm, 11.49 g, 12h). Dated RY 2 (AD 297/8). Radiate head right / Serapis standing right, holding scepter and raising arm in salute; palm frond to left, LB (date) to right. Köln 3367; Dattari (Savio) 6187; K&G 126.2. Fine, rough brown surfaces.

Property of Princeton Economics acquired by Martin Armstrong. Ex Dürr (16 November 1998), lot 718.

The revolt of Domitius Domitianus in Egypt destabilized a vitally strategic region by interrupting the grain supply to Rome and opening the possibility of Persian (Sasanian) invasion. For almost a year, Domitius Domitianus controlled Alexandria and its mint, striking aurei and folles, as well as a series of pre-reform imperial Greek denominations.