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RIC 0663 Domitian as Caesar [Vespasian]
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Æ Dupondius?, 10.48g
Rome mint, 73-74 AD
Obv: CAESAR AVG F DOMITIAN COS II; Bust of Domitian, laureate, draped, bearded, r.
Rev: S C in field; Spes stg. l., with flower
RIC 663 (R2). BMC -. BNC -.
Acquired from CGB.fr, December 2020.
For Domitian Caesar's first major bronze issue at Rome under Vespasian draped busts are reserved for dupondii and the Spes reverses for asses. Therefore, this rare coin with a draped bust and Spes on the reverse presents quite a conundrum. RIC notes the discrepancy but does not make a ruling leaving the matter an open question (literally with a question mark). This specimen appears to be made of copper, hence an as, but the borderline dupondius weight of 10.48g does not clear things up. A puzzling coin type indeed!
Fine early style and dark green patina.
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