Domitian Denarius With A Lovely Portrait

Though this denarius is quite rare that is not the primary reason I bought it. I took one look at the portrait and that was enough. The legends are full and readable and all of the devices are present and clear. The reverse has a rare legend ending in CENS POT PP. I had this on my watch list for a few weeks from MA-Shops. I thought the asking price was a bit high so I made an offer and the seller accepted! The worst someone can say is no. I am also polite when I make an offer and polite when the offer is accepted or refused.

According to RIC the denarii were debased to post reform Neronian standards between the 3rd and 4th issues. That makes this coin one of the first in the newly debased issue. The fineness would remain stable for the rest of Domitian's rule.

This coin will be my 17th Domitian denarius. I look forward to adding it to my collection. I think it is a double die match for the RIC plate coin.

Coryssa=0
CNG=0
OCRE=3 (BMC, Berlin,Albert Ludwigs Universitat)
Acsearch=1

There is one in the BMC acquired in 1987 (included in the OCRE results) and one in the Paris collection. The acsearch example is from the collection of Yves Gunzenreiner. There are 2 in the Forvm Ancient Coins gallery.


Domitian AR Denarius 85 CE (Fourth Issue)
(20.5 mm 3.22 g)
Obv: Laureate head r, IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM PM TR P IIII
Rev: Minerva stg r on capital of rostral column, with spear and shield; to r owl
IMP VIIII COS XI CENS POT P P
RIC 333 (R2); BMC 78(cross symbol), Cohen 180
Purchased from Phillipe Saive Numimatique March 15, 2019