RIC 732 Domitian

AR Denarius, 3.47g
Rome mint, 92 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P XI; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IMP XXI COS XVI CENS P P P; Minerva stg. l., with thunderbolt and spear; shield at her l. side (M3)
RIC 732 (C3). BMC 192. RSC 272. BNC 178.
Acquired from Zuzim, May 2014.

Struck during a time of frenzied mint activity (one of the largest issues of Domitian's 15 year reign), this coin showcases the strict quality control imposed on the coinage by Domitian. The portraits are noble and idealised, the fineness high and consistent. Historical note: Domitian was campaigning against the Suebi and Sarmatians during 92, perhaps accounting for such a large issue.

Because this coin was struck in the midst of a massive issue, it is what I would consider a prototypical Domitian denarius - in good style and metal with average wear featuring one of the four standard Minerva reverse types.