RIC 496 Domitian

Æ As, 9.62g
Rome mint, 86 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM COS XII CENS PER P P; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., with aegis
Rev: S C in field; Mars adv. l., with Victory and trophy
RIC 496 (C). BMC 392. BNC -.
Acquired from Sam Sloat Coins, August 2021.

This Mars reverse was struck for Domitian's asses for a short period between 85-87 AD. No doubt it was part of the massive Germania Capta series struck on the bronzes at the time. It copies a reverse design previously struck for Vespasian's sestertii.

Despite the wear, the stylish portrait still shines through.