Domitian RIC II 0334

Domitian. 81-96 A.D. AR Denarius. Rome Mint. 85 A.D. (3.08g, 22mm, 6h). Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P IIII, laureate head right with aegis. Rev: IMP VIIII COS XI CENS POT PP, Minerva stg. r. on capital of rostral column with spear and shield; to r. owl (M2). RIC II 334 (R2).

This is one of a scare issue of precious metal coinage from 85 A.D. immediately after the fineness of the silver and the weight were reduced to standards approximating those of Nero. In addition to the issue itself being scarce, the use of the aegis on the portrait is very rare in Domitian’s coinage. Despite the flan flaw, this is a decent example of a scarce type.