The Usurper Domitius Domitianus

318, Lot: 498. Estimate $1500. Sold for $3000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Domitius Domitianus. Usurper, AD 297-298. Potin Octadrachm (24mm, 12.22 g, 12h). Dated RY 2 (AD 297/8). Radiate head right / Sarapis standing right, raising right arm, holding scepter in left; palm frond to left, L B (date) to right. Köln 3367; Dattari (Savio) 10822-3; K&G 126.1. VF, recently cleaned reddish-brown surfaces. Despite the recent cleaning, this is still one of the nicer examples seen by this cataloguer.

The revolt of Domitius Domitianus in Egypt destabilized a vitally strategic region by interrupting the grain supply to Rome and opening the possibility of a 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 provincial denominations.