RIC 509 Domitian

AR Denarius, 3.04g
Rome mint, 87 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VI; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IMP XIIII COS XIII CENS P P P; Minerva stg. l., with thunderbolt and spear; shield at her l. side (M3)
RIC 509 (C). BMC 106. RSC 215a. BNC 105.
Acquired from Aegean Numismatics, December, 2013.

Domitian's denarius issues of 87 continued the same style and format of those from 86. From this time forward the four standard Minerva reverse types would dominate the denarii with a few minor interruptions. The mint during this period seems to have been divided up into separate officina based on reverse types according to Ian Carradice's careful die study of the issues (Coinage and Finances in the Reign of Domitian - 1983, p. 30). The officina system would continue until the end of the reign.

This denarius from the first issue of 87 is a good example of the quality and style of the mint at this time. Struck on a tight flan and darkly toned.