RIC 572 Domitian

AR Denarius, 3.42g
Rome mint, 88 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IMP XIIII COS XIIII CENS P P P; Minerva adv r., with spear and shield (M1)
RIC 572 (C3). BMC 115. RSC 235. BNC 114.
Ex Gemini X, 13 January 2013, Harry N. Sneh Collection, group lot 806. Ex Helios, November 2010 (A. Lynn Collection).

A common type from a common issue - however, the portrait is stylistically quite well done. Do not think for a moment this is how Domitian appeared in reality! The portraits of Domitian after the mint overhaul earlier in the reign became quite idealised. Those of 88 AD contain some of the finest examples of this style.

Well centred with plenty of eye appeal.