RIC 345 Domitian

AR Denarius, 3.05g
Rome mint, 85 AD (fifth issue)
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P V; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IMP VIIII COS XI CENS POT P P; Minverva stg. l., with spear (M4)
RIC 345 (R2). BMC 84. RSC 185. BNC 86.
Acquired from Akropolis Ancient Coins, August 2021.

An incredibly rare denarius struck sometime between mid September, when Domitian assumed TR P V, and December 31st, the last day of his eleventh consulship. Also, coined shortly after Domitian reduced the fineness of the denarius by 5% to the old Neronian level after having raised it in 82 to the Augustan standard. The aegis portraits on the denarii were completely phased out on this issue. They had become something of a symbol of prestige on the denarii after the mint's recent overhaul.