RIC 763 Domitian

AR Denarius, 3.35g
Rome mint, 93-94 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P XIII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IMP XXII COS XVI CENS P P P; Minerva stg. l., with thunderbolt and spear, shield at her l. side (M3)
RIC 763 (C3). BMC 218. RSC 283. BNC 193.
Acquired from Rutten and Wieland, February 2014.

When dealing with a large issue it is sometimes hard to find a good die in fine style. This denarius was struck between 14 September 93 and 13 September 94, one of the largest issues of the reign. It consists of only denarii and all are very common. The portrait style is remarkably fine, not only for the issue but for the period as a whole. The style seen here is very reminiscent of denarii struck earlier in the reign, but with a plumper face.

The Second Pannonian War was conducted by Domitian between May 92 and January 93, which may account for the large series of denarii minted during this time period, war being costly and all. Domitian celebrated only an ovatio upon his return and not a full triumph, perhaps due to unsatisfactory results.

The coin is nicely struck and in good metal, quite a little beauty in hand.