Nikomedeia (AD 81-96) AE 26 - Domitian

Domitian, 81-96 AD. AE26 (12.41g, 12h). ΑΥΤ ΔΟΜΙΤΙΑΝΟΣ ΚΑΙΣΑΡ ΣΕΒ ΓΕΡ, laureate bare bust right / Η ΜΗΤΡΟΠΟΛΙΣ ΚΑΙ ΠΡΩΤΗ ΒΙΘΥΝΙΑ, Demeter standing left, holding corn ears and long scepter, in a biga of winged snakes. Extremely rare (2 recorded examples per RPC II).

This rare example from Nicomedia, Bithynia, commemorates the cult of Demeter and Asclepius. This city was known to have struck extensive coinage throughout the Julio-Claudian and Flavian eras, but few examples survive. Dark brown patina with contrasts; reverse flatly struck, as is typical of the two surviving examples from this city.