Domitian Denarius Rare Imperial Acclamation

In the denarii of Domitian the Minerva reverse are extremely common as a whole. However, within the Minerva series there are some rarities that do not turn up very often at all. Such is the case with this coin.

On the surface it looks like any other Minerva denarius. However, one needs to look closer. During 88-89 Domitian fought many battles. After these battles he was awarded acclamations including imperial acclamations. During 88-89 Domitian went through many imperial acclamations. Some of them were struck for only a few days before the next imperial acclamation was awarded. Some of the rare acclamations included IMP XVI (I have posted one of these before) and the current coin IMP XVIII. RIC estimates from the hoard evidence that this coin may have been struck for about 38 days. In the case of IMP XVI it may have been struck for as few as 7-8 days.

The coin has some wear but I could not pass up this rarity. It is missing from major references except RIC II.

Domitian AR Denarius 88 -89 CE
19mm., 2,83g.
Obv: Head laureate r; IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM PM TR P VIII
Rev:Minerva stg. L with spear; IMP XVIII COS XIII CENS PPP
RIC 666 (R2) BMC—RSC--
Purchased from Savoca auctions June 23, 2019