*Rare* Domitius Domitianus, usurper in Egypt (r. 297-298 AD) Potin Octodrachm – Final Issue of Roman Alexandria
$38.49
$59.27
Description Roman Empire. Time of the Tetrarchy. Provincial series. Domitius Domitianus, usurper (r. 297-298 AD) Potin octodrachm. Mint of Alexandria, Egypt; dated Regnal Year 2 = 298 AD. Fine; a rare issue that represents the culmination of Roman Provincial coinage. With the end of Domitianus's revolt in 298, Diocletian ended the Egyptian practice of minting tetradrachms that were independent from the imperial money system. Though Alexandria would strike Imperial folles in the fourth century, this was the final coin of the semi-autonomous monetary systems that had once dominated the Roman East. Its design, with an imperial portrait on the obverse and a local, Egyptian deity on the reverse, was quintessentially Provincial and represents a fitting conclusion to the 350-year series. Design: Radiate head of Domitius Domitianus right / Serapis (Romano-Egyptian deity) standing right, raising right arm and holding scepter with left; palm frond to left, date across fields Reference: Dattari 10821. K&G 126.2 Emmett 4241.2. Dimensions: 22 mm / 11.15 gm Condition: Fine; repatinated. Rare and important piece.
