RIC 725 Domitian

AR Denarius, 3.29g
Rome mint, 91 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P XI; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IMP XXI COS XV CENS P P P; Minerva stg. r., on capital of rostral column, with spear and sheild; to r., owl (M2)
RIC 725 (C). BMC 183. RSC 270. BNC 171.

This common denarius was struck between mid September and 31 December 91. A noticeable dip in both the quality and style of some of Domitian's denarii started to appear in the early 90s. The rigorous high consistency of only just a few years prior had been replace by a more 'roughshod' appearance in some of the coins, reminiscent of denarii struck very early in his reign, however, the fineness remained at a higher level. This coin is a good example of the more relaxed standard, not fine, but not outright crude. Evidence of a large issue where many engravers had to be employed, some less talented than others!

A decent coin struck on a crowded flan in fair style.