The Usurper Domitius Domitianus

281, Lot: 255. Estimate $400. Sold for $600. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Domitius Domitianus. Usurper, AD 297-298. BI Octodrachm (22mm, 10.72 g, 12h). Dated RY 2 (AD 297/8). Radiate head right / Serapis standing right, holding scepter and raising arm in salute; L-B across field, [palm frond] to lower right. Köln 3367 var. (palm frond to left, date to right); Dattari (Savio) 6187; K&G 126.2. Fine, roughness. Rare.

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.