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RIC 555 Domitian
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AR Denarius, 2.88g
Rome mint, 88 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: COS XIIII across field; Minerva stg. l., with spear (M4)
RIC 555 (R2). BMC p. 325 note. RSC 233a. BNC 113.
Ex Private Collection.
88 AD was the year Domitian held the Secular Games and the Rome mint struck a series of denarii with reverses that explicitly commemorated the event. Additionally, the mint was experimenting with the denarius' standard Minerva reverse designs and legends. These special Minerva issues struck early in 88 may have a connection to the games as well. This denarius has the normal Minerva with spear (M4) but unusually has the consular date across field and lacks the IMP number. Denarii with the legends across field are very rare. It is a Reverse die match with the RIC plate coin, a good indication of how rare the type is.
A bit under weight, but in fine style and nicely centred.
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