The Usurper Domitius Domitianus

328, Lot: 402. Estimate $500. Sold for $500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Domitius Domitianus. Usurper, AD 297-298. Potin Octadrachm (21mm, 11.76 g, 1h). Dated RY 2 (AD 297/8). Radiate head right / Serapis standing right, raising right arm, holding scepter in left; palm frond to left, L-B (date) across field. Köln 3367 var. (position of date); Dattari (Savio) 10821; K&G 126.2 var. (same); Emmett 4241.2. Near VF, thick green patina. Scarce.

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.