RIC 738 Domitian

AR Denarius, 3.10g
Rome mint, 92 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P XI; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IMP XXII COS XVI CENS P P P; Minerva stg. l., with spear (M4)
RIC 738 (R2). BMC (spec. acquired 1990). RSC -. BNC -.
Ex Dionysos, eBay, January 2018.

This denarius is from a very rare issue struck towards the end of summer 92 and can be dated by the TR P XI and IMP XXII, an exceedingly rare combination. This series commemorating Domitian's 22nd imperial acclamation was most likely awarded for a victory against the Sarmatians and Suevi near the end of the campaigning season just before he became TR P XII on 14th September. The rarity of this dating combination indicates just how tight the window was for this issue. Perhaps struck for just a few fleeting weeks (or days).

A bit ragged, but in good metal and nicely centred.