Domitian. AD 81-96. Æ Dupondius (28.5mm, 13.80 g, 6h). Ludi Saeculares (Secular Games) issue. Rome mint. Struck 14 September-31 December AD 88.

Electronic Auction 500
Lot: 733. Estimated: $ 500

Roman Imperial, Bronze

Sold For $ 1 200. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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Domitian. AD 81-96. Æ Dupondius (28.5mm, 13.80 g, 6h). Ludi Saeculares (Secular Games) issue. Rome mint. Struck 14 September-31 December AD 88. Radiate head right / COS XIIII LVD SAEC FEC, S C in exergue, Domitian standing left, sacrificing over altar; to left, River god (Tiber) reclining right; lyre and flute players standing right; hexastyle temple in background. RIC II 621 var. (number of columns on temple). Brassy surfaces, a few corrosion spots. VF. With an old envelope (probably late 19th to early 20th century).

Honoring the original system for the celebration of the games, Domitian held the Ludi Saeculares in October AD 88, coming close to the traditional 110-year standard. The reverses of the gold and silver issues typically employ a herald of the games, while the bronze issues convey the various events which occurred before and during the celebration. The legend LVDi SAECulares FECit is used throughout, and conveys the emperor as bringing the celebration of the games to the city.

The reverse type employed on some of these issues is alluded to by a passage in Suetonius in which heralds are described as going around the city, inviting people to a spectacle which “ ... [they] had never seen and would not see again.” He also states the fallacy of this event however, since the games had just been held 40 years earlier during the reign of Claudius in a break from past celebrations.

Closing Date and Time: 22 September 2021 at 14:04:00 ET.

All winning bids are subject to an 18% buyer’s fee.