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RIC 820 Domitian
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AR Denarius, 2.99g
Rome mint, 96 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P XVI; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IMP XXII COS XVII CENS P P P; Minerva stg. l., with spear (M4)
RIC 820 (R2). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Ex Savoca Numismatik, eBay, 10 April 2015.
It is not often one can date a coin to within four or five days. This very rare denarius, part of Domitian's last issue, was struck in the span of just a few days between 14 September 96, when he assumed TR P XVI, and 18 September 96, the date of his assassination. As far as I know this is the third known example of the Minerva type 4 (all three from the same dies) from this issue, indicating just how rare it is. The TR P XVI date is also known for the M1, M3, winged Minerva, and Maia types. Most likely the mint immediately halted production once word reached them of the assassination, melting down all the new coinage that had not already been issued because of the Damnatio Memoriae decreed by the Senate against Domitian.
Engraved in typical late period style. Unusually, Domitian is seen here with neck wrinkles.
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