★ RARE! ★

Thrace, Philippopolis. Domitian, AD 88/9. AE. 4.90 g. 22.63 mm.
Obv.: [IMP] CAES DOMIT AVG GERM CO[S XIIII CENS PER P P]. Radiate head of Domitian, right.
Rev.: ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΠΟΛΕΙΤΩΝ. Ares wearing helmet standing, left, holding shield and spear.
Ref.: RPC II 353; Mouchmov 8; Varbanov, Philippopolis 15–18, Domitian II.2.
Very Fine.
Rare.
The purpose of these coins being issued in Philippopolis was likely to commemorate a significant event in the city’s history. It is suggested that the coins were struck either to mark Philippopolis' elevation to the status of metropolis of the province of Thrace or to celebrate the establishment of the Koinon (Common Council) of the Thracians, a key political development in the region. See, Eugeni I. Paunov, The Start of the Coinage of Philippopolis under Domitian, Notae Numismaticae 2018, vol. XIII, pp. 93–99.