The Roman Empire
Domitia, wife of Domitian
Denarius 82-83, AR 3.56 g. DOMITIA AVGVSTA IMP DOMIT Draped bust r. Rev. CONCOR – DIA AVGVST Peacock r. C 2. BMC Domitian 151. RIC Domitian 61. CBN Domitian 65.
Very rare and among the finest specimens known. A magnificent portrait
struck in high relief on sound metal. Good extremely fine
Ex Nomos 2, 2010, 182 and Ira & Larry Goldberg 80, 2014, 3142 sales.

To collectors of Roman coins the peacock – the familiar of the goddess Juno – is a type frequently employed by empresses. The admiration of the peacock was nothing new even in Roman times, for it is said that upon reaching India Alexander the Great was so impressed with the variety and beauty of the plumage on this stately bird that he forbade killing them under the severest penalty. Though the Romans also held the bird in high esteem, they had no objections to eating the bird or its eggs. Although the peacock becomes commonplace on coins of the 2nd and 3rd centuries, especially as a symbol for the deified empresses, it was inaugurated by the Flavians on issues struck for Domitia and Julia Titi. A point of some interest is that on the issues Domitian struck for his wife Domitia the peacock is shown in profile with its tail feathers gathered, whereas on the issues he struck for his niece Julia Titi, the peacock is shown facing with its tail in full splendour