More information on the coin found with our lost elf at Penshurst Place!

As promised our curator Andy is sharing a bit more information on the coin found with our lost elf at Penshurst Place!

The coin our elf was carrying when he found himself lost in the woods is a replica Sestertius of Domitian, who was emperor from 81 – 96 AD. The coin is a FID EXERCIT reverse type with the front or obverse of the coin depicting a laurete head of Domitian facing right with the inscription: IMP CAESDOMIT AVG GERM COX XV CENS PER PP. On the reverse of the coin is Domitian on the right hand side in military uniform standing facing to the left on a suggestus, holding a sceptre across his left arm and raising his right arm; in front of him are three soldiers in military attire, standing right. The left soldier holds a scutum (shield) in his left hand and an aquila (standard) in his right, the central soldier holds a scutum in his left and the right soldier an aquila in his right. S C, which stands for SENATUS CONSULTO ‘by Decree of the Senate.’ FID EXERCIT ‘loyalty of the army’ below the figures. The original of the coin would have been minted in Rome around c. 91 AD.

Domitian was given the title of Augustus and thus became the emperor after Titus’ death. He campaigned extensively in Britain and present-day Germany, ultimately being successful in both areas.

do help us try and find our other lost elf and see what special coin they are carrying!

#Archaeology #Roman #History #Heritage #numismatics #replica #archaeologicalreplica #elfontheloose #historyscavangerhunt