Bronze as of Domitian (AD 81–96) struck at the mint of Rome around AD 90–91, belonging to issues produced at a time when the Flavian monetary system was functioning in a fully stabilized form.
The obverse shows the laureate head of the emperor facing right with the legend IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XV CENS PER P P. This titulature reflects several elements of Domitian’s official imperial status. The honorific Germanicus refers to campaigns conducted along the German frontier during the early years of his reign, while the reference to his fifteenth consulship (COS XV) and the office of censor perpetuus, assumed in AD 85, provides an important chronological marker used to date coin issues from this period.
The reverse depicts the personification Fortuna standing left, holding a rudder (gubernaculum) in one hand and a cornucopia in the other, accompanied by the legend FORTVNAE AVGVSTI and the letters SC (Senatus Consulto) in the fields. In Roman iconography Fortuna symbolized prosperity, stability, and divine favor toward the state, while the rudder represented the guidance of the empire’s destiny. This type appears in Domitian’s coinage during the early 90s AD as part of a broader iconographic program emphasizing the favorable fortune and stability associated with the emperor’s rule.
Roman Imperial
Domitian (81-96), As 90-91, Rome mint
Obverse: laureate head right
IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XV CENS PER P P
Reverse: Fortuna standing left, holding rudder and cornucopiae
FORTVNAE AVGVSTI
Diameter 27 mm, weight 10.08 g
