RIC 427 Domitian

AR Denarius, 3.35g
Rome mint, 86 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P V; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IMP XI COS XII CENS P P P; Minerva stg. r. on capital of rostral column, with spear and shield; to r., owl (M2)
RIC 427 (R). BMC p. 318 note. RSC 186. BNC 89.
Acquired from MNS, May 2014.

This denarius from the first issue of 86 recording Domitian's 11th imperial acclamation from the previous Autumn, due to the First Dacian War, can be somewhat closely dated between 1 January and the Spring (he received his 12th imperial acclamation between 17 March and 13 May). Later in 86 Domitian personally conducted the Second Dacian War due to severe reverses when two legates were lost in succession. This was the year the denarius coinage settled down into a consistent pattern which would be repeated year after year for the rest of the reign - an unadorned portrait on the obverse with the four standard Minerva types dominating the reverse. There would be exceptions to this of course, but they would be few and far between.

Stylistically the coin is pleasing, similar to those from 85. Hints of rainbow toning can be detected in hand as well.