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Julius Caesar Craw. 480/5b160 viewsJulius Caesar. AR Denarius, 44 BC.
(19.00 mm 3.68 g)
Obv:. Laureate head right; before, CAESAR IMP; behind, star of eight rays.
Rev: P. SEPVLLIVS MACER. Venus standing left, holding Victory and sceptre (resting on star?).
Cr. 480/5b RSC 41 BMC 4165 Syd 1071Sear (2000) 1412
A very elegant portrait. Perfectly struck on broad flan. Areas of flatness and scratch on obverse, otherwise about VF.
Ex: Artemide Asti E-Auction 43 E, June 9, 2018.
This coin features a lifetime portrait of Julius Caesar as dictator. It took me a while to find one that I liked. When these come up for auction there is much competition for them. It is not that they are particularly rare, one can find numerous examples for sale at any given time, it is the fact that these are sought after by many collectors. A lifetime portrait of Julius Caesar is a major purchase (at least for me), and would be the centerpiece of many ancient coin collections.
This particular coin features a portrait of Julius Caesar on the obverse with the legend “Caesar Imp”, meaning Julius Caesar Imperator. At this time “Imperator” did not exactly mean emperor it was more like victorious general. On the reverse we see Venus standing and the name of the moneyer who issued the coin. Venus is important as Julius Caesar claimed he was a descendant of Venus. The moneyer’s name is P. Sepullius Macer. On some other lifetime denarii the obverse legend is “Dict Perpetuo” or dictator for life. For some Romans this was too much to stand for. The Romans had a troubled history with their kings and did not want to return to those times. Some believe that this coin so troubled high ranking Romans that it led to the assassination of Ceasar.
One fascinating aspect of these lifetime denarii is that they were minted before the assassination. This coin in particular was issued near the end of February which means it was minted mere weeks before the death of Julius Caesar on March 15. One of the ideas that attracted me to ancient coins in the first place concerned holding a piece of important history in one’s hand. It can be argued that the life and death of Caesar were very important to history. Holding one of these coins takes us back to an important and fascinating historical period.
As to the coin itself, it is struck on a large flan, the portrait is well centered, the obverse legend is very easy to read, and the reverse is quite pleasing as well with good details preserved. The obverse portrait has a deep scratch across the head. However, given the other qualities of the coin this was easy to overlook.
orfew
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RIC 0544132 viewsVespasian, 69-79 A.D. AR Denarius, 3.16g. 21.41mm. Rome, 73 A.D.
Obv: IMP CAES VESP AVG CENS. Laureate head of Vespasian to right.
Rev: MAXIM PONTIF. Nemisis walking to right holding caduceus over snake. RIC 544.
Ex: E. E. Clain-Stefanelli collection. Ex: Numismatica Ars Classica - Auction 92 Part 2, Lot 2133 May 24, 2016; Ex: Ed waddell
This denarius of Vespasian is interesting because of the reverse. The reverse features Nemesis walking with a snake. This reverse was also used earlier by Claudius. In fact, Vespasian revived many of the earlier coin types for his own coinage.
The other interesting fact about this denarius is the provenance. This coin once belonged to E. E. Clain-Stefanelli. She was senior Curator of the National Numismatic Collection in the Numismatics Division of the National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC. She also published works concerning ancient coins and their history.
orfew
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RIC 1473125 viewsVespasian (69-79). AR Denarius
(18.5mm, 2.77g, 6h).
Ephesus? , c. AD 76.
Obv: Laureate head r.
Rev: Pegasus stepping r.
RIC II 1473; RSC 114a; RPC II 1451.
Rare, Good Fine
St Paul Antiquities Auction 18 Lot 347 October 13, 2018
I knew when I saw this coin that I wanted it. I already have the Domitian with the Pegasus reverse. When I saw this Vespasian with a Pegasus reverse I wondered why this reverse would be on a coin of Vespasian. It appears as if this coin is a mule. The obverse portrait is muled with the Domitian Pegasus reverse.
The mysterious 'O' mint is one mint where this practice is known. There is an 'O' on these coins but little else is known about this mint. In RIC II Part one, the authors tentatively assign this group of denarii to Ephesus. The truth is the location of the 'O' mint is unknown.
This coin is another example of where the obverse is not the most attractive side of the coin. Imho the reverse is not only more interesting but features a very well rendered depiction of Pegasus. The engraving is truly artistic.
This leads me to another aspect of these coins-the legends are often blundered for this mint. Why the celators would take so much care with the devices and not as much with the legends is another 'O' mint mystery.
Mysterious or not, I was immediately attracted to this coin. I feel very lucky to have landed it because it is one of only a handful of examples I have seen or know about.
orfew
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RIC 0435122 viewsDOMITIAN, (A.D. 81-96), silver denarius, Rome mint, issued A.D. 86, Second Issue
(3.47 g),
Obv. laureate head of Domitian to right, around IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P V,
Rev. around IMP XII COS XII CENS P P P, Minerva standing to right, fighting, holding javelin and shield,
RIC 435 R, RSC 201b BMC 93
Attractive blue and gold patina, extremely fine.
Ex Dr V.J.A. Flynn Collection. With old dealer's ticket.
Noble Numismatics Auction 120 Lot 3217 April 4, 2019.
This coin was part of the second issue of Domitian for 86 CE. Most of the denarii for 86 CE are rare and this coin is no exception. However, that was only one of the considerations I had for buying this coin. The other is the amazing condition of this coin. There is very little wear on this coin at all. I find this remarkable for a coin that is more than 1900 years old. The quality of the portrait is superb and the condition helps to highlight this. Having said that, the reverse is no slouch either. the rendering of the Minerva is artistic and extremely well preserved.
I like worn coins as well because they tell a story. One wonders who has touched the coin, what did they buy with it? Coins like the one above were hardly used by anyone at all. So in one way the worn coin has the advantage of having a story that connects it to the people who used it. However, this is also something special about an artifact that is so well preserved that it can take you back to an earlier time. You are seeing the coin much as your ancestors saw it almost 2000 years ago. I would argue that this connect us to history as well. All ancient coins have a history and it is fascinating to speculate about that history.
I know that this coin looks like just another Minerva reverse for Domitian, but for me it is a special coin that shall take an honoured spot in my collection.orfew
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RIC 0362120 viewsDivus Vespasian, AR Denarius. Rome, under Titus, 80-81.
(17.5 mm, 3.24 g, 4 h),
Obv: Laureate head of Divus Vespasian to right; DIVVS VESPASIANVS [AVGVSTVS]
Rev: Slow quadriga to right, with car in form of small temple; EX S C
RIC 362 (R2); BMC 117; RSC 147; Hendin 1585a
Ex: Nomos Obolos Auction 16 Lot 1127 Sunday October 11, 2020
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Claudius RIC 0032110 viewsClaudius AR Denarius. 41-54 AD. Rome mint Struck 46-47 AD.
(17.28 mm 3.62 gr).
Obv: TI CLAVD CAESAR AVG P M TR P VI IMP XI, laureate head right
Rev: CONSTANTIAE AVGVSTI, Constantia seated left of curule chair, hand raised to face.
RIC 32 (R2), RSC 8 BMC 31.
Ex: AU Capital Management LLC
Claudius was rumoured to have been deformed in some way. This probably saved his life because no one considered him to be a threat. After the murder of Gaius Claudius apparently hid in the palace. He was found by the guards and he was proclaimed emperor.
One of his best known accomplishments was his successful invasion of England in 43 CE.
On the reverse of this coin is the figure of Constantia. She was the personification of constancy or steadiness. Since emperors often used their coins as propaganda, it is safe to assume that Claudius was trying to portray the empire as being in good hands and in untroubled condition. This would have been especially true in the case of Claudius who, one can assume, was untrusted by some as the result of his diasability.
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Tiberius Obol Ex Dattari plate coin Alexandria106 viewsEgypt, Alexandria. Dattari. Tiberius, 14-37 Obol circa 19-20 (year 6), Æ 20.1mm., 5.67g.
Obv: Laureate head r.
Rev. TIBEPIOY Hippopotamus standing r.; in exergue,
L Geissen -. RPC 5087 (this coin cited). Dattari-Savio Pl. 4, 103 (this coin).
Brown tone, About Very Fine.
From the Dattari collection.
Naville Numismatics Aution 43, Lot 250 September 23, 2018
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RIC 0028105 views Domitian AR Denarius 81 CE
3.2 g
Obv: Head laureate r; IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG PM
Rev: Minerva adv r with spear and shield; COS VII DES VIII PP
RIC 28 (R2)
At first glance this might seem like any regular coin of Domitian featuring Minerva on the reverse. However, this coin is special for when it was struck. It was minted in the first few months of Domitian's rule as Augustus. It is a part of what RIC calls group 3 denarii of 81 CE. Group 2 denarii are all very rare coins. Group 3 denarii are close to being as rare as group 2 coins. What separates these issues is the reverse legend. In the case of Group 2 denarii the reverse legends begins with PP. In the case of Group 3 denarii the reverse legend ends with PP. Though I have been looking for a couple of years I have only seen 1 Group 2 denarius available in the marketplace. Groups 3 denarii are not much easier to find.
I really like the youthful portrait on this coin. The reverse features an early Minerva. It would not be until 83 CE that the Minerva reverses would come to dominate the denarii issues of Domitian. My previous blog post concerned a denarius with "PONT" in the obverse legend. It so happens that this coin also has a version with "PONT" in the obverse legend. At the time the new RIC was published there was only one of these known. I would love to find one of these. In the meantime I will enjoy having the above rarity in my collection.
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RIC 0336102 viewsDomitian, 81-96. Denarius 85 CE Fourth Issue
(Silver, 20 mm, 3.32 g, 6 h), Rome.
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P IIII Laureate head of Domitian to right, wearing aegis.
Rev. IMP VIIII COS XI CENS POT P P Minerva standing front, head to left, holding thunderbolt in her right hand and a spear in her left; behind her, shield.
RIC 336 (R2) BMC 79. Cohen 178 var. (without aegis). .
Leu Numismatic E-Auction 8 Lot 1038 June 30, 2019.
I was absolutely thrilled to win this coin in an auction. There are 2 reasons I wanted it. First, it has CENS POT in the reverse legend. I am actively seeking out denarii with this legend. Secondly, have a close look at the bust on the obverse. Far down on the neck is an Aegis. In this case the Aegis is a Gorgon. While the Aegis does occur on both bronze and silver coins of Domitian, its use is quite rare on denarii. Usually these coins are misattributed in auctions. It is worth buying the reference book RIC II Part 1 if you are going to chase these coins. One reason is that many of these rare coins do not appear in any other reference.
If you see a denarius of Domitian appear that has Aegis on the breast such as this one above, grab it before someone else notices it. There are a few sharp eyed Flavian fanatics out there who consistently scour the auction listings looking for rarities such as this one. I should know, I am one of them.
I would like to have the other Aegis coins from this issue but they do not appear very often.orfew
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Caligula RIC 001699 viewsSH86638. Silver denarius, RIC I 16 (R2, Rome), RSC I 2, Lyon 167, BnF II 21, BMCRE I 17, cf. SRCV I 1807 (aureus), VF, toned, attractive portraits, bumps and marks, some pitting, lamination defects, ex jewelry, Lugdunum (Lyon, France) mint, weight 3.443g, maximum diameter 18.2mm, die axis 180o, 2nd emission, 37 - 38 A.D.; obverse C CAESAR AVG GERM P M TR POT (counterclockwise from lower right), laureate head of Caligula right; reverse DIVVS AVG PATER PATRIAE (counterclockwise from lower right), radiate head of Divus Augustus right; ex Classical Numismatic Group, e-auction 69 (23 July 2003), lot 90
Ex: Forum Ancient coins, March 2, 2018.
This is my second denarius of Gaius. I was extremely happy to get this one. I know the surfaces are a bit rough, but it is still a VF example of a rare coin. Denarii of Caligula do not show up for sale very often outside of large auction houses. When they do appear they are often very expensive. I waited for about 2 1/2 years for a coin like this to show up. As soon as it did I bought it.
I want to share a quick word about where I bought this coin. It was a purchase from Forum Ancient Coins. Coins are guaranteed authentic for eternity, and the service is second to none. Forum is also an incredible source of information concerning ancient coins. If you have a question about ancient coins, chances are that question has been asked and answered on Forum Ancient Coins. Many experts frequent this site and they are always willing to share their expertise.
Anyone trying to assemble a set of the 12 Caesars in silver will need to find a denarius of Gaius. His is one of the most difficult to add along with denarii of Claudius and Otho. It has also been suggested by some that it is the fault of 12 Caesars collectors that drives the prices so high. While true that there is a lot of competition for these coins when they appear, it is also true that there are alternatives to the denarii of Gaius. One popular choice is the Vesta As. These are quite common and can be had in nice condition for reasonable prices.
On the obverse we have the typical portrait of Gaius, while on the reverse we see a portrait of his great grandfather Augustus. Augustus is depicted as a Divus or god. The reverse legend "Pater Patriae" refers to Augustus as the father of the country. One reason Augustus was on the reverse was to remind the people of Rome of their emperor's connection to the Julio-Claudian ruling dynasty.
Why are denarii of Gaius so scarce? One explanation is has to do with Gresham's law or bad money drives out good money. The theory is that the monetary reforms of Nero, which debased to coinage in both weight and fineness, caused people to hoard the older more valuable coins of emperors like Caligula and Claudius. The problem with this explanation is that there are plenty of "tribute penny" denarii of Tiberius. The other possibility is that perhaps smaller numbers of Gaius' denarii were originally minted. Maybe there was already enough silver coinage circulating and therefore fewer were needed. Whatever the real reason, we are unlikely to ever get a satisfactory answer.
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RIC 056899 viewsDomitian AR Denarius. Rome 88 CE Group 2
Obv: Head laureate r; IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERMANIC COS XIII
Rev: Minerva Minerva stg l with thunderbolt and spear; CENS P.P.P.
RIC-568 (R2) BMC 139 RSC 27
Jesus Vico Mail bid auction # 153 Lot 3133 March 7, 2019
I was very excited to win this one. It took a little over one month to receive the coin. It required export paperwork and this can be a slow process.
There is an interesting feature of the obverse legend on this coin. It is very common to see GERM in the obverse legend on coins of Domitian. What is not common is to see GERMANIC in the legend. That alone makes this coin special and worth collecting.
This coin is also special because of the reverse. Note that there is no typical edge lettering. The only legend is across the fields of the coin. This is not a typical Domitian Minerva denarius. In fact, there are only 2 types of Domitian denarii with CENS PPP on the reverse. There is RIC 568 like this coin which is rated R2 for rarity, and there is RIC 569 which is rated R. I have wanted this type for a while but because of the rarity I had to wait until one appeared on the market. When this one did appear I bid aggressively and won the coin.
The other special characteristic is the condition. I loved the portrait on this one. The photo does not do it justice. The portrait is in very high relief and is in fine style.
orfew
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RIC 007598 viewsDomitian AR Denarius (81 CE) (Group 4)
Obv: Laureate head left; IMP CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIAN AVG PM
Rev: Tripod with fillets, Dolphin above; TR P COS VII DES VIII PP
RIC 75 (R2)
Purchased from Monetarium on MA-Shops December 6th 2019
I was extremely glad to land this one as it is a very rare left facing denarius for Domitian. No one really knows why these coins are so rare. Left facing portraits for Domitian on his bronze issues are readily available but not on his denarii. I am extremely fortunate to own 3 different late facing portraits for Domitian. One is this coin and the others are RIC 1085 [Vespasian], and RIC 597 (also happens to be the RIC plate coin).
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Otho AR Denarius96 viewsOtho, 69.
Denarius, Rome;
3.03 g.
Obv: Head r .IMP M OTHO CAESAR AUG TR P
Rev:Equitas stands l. with scales and scepter. PONT MAX
BMC 6; Coh. 9; RIC² 19.
Fine tone fine
Ex: The Jyrki Muona collection
auction Fritz Rudolf Künker 304, Osnabrück March 2018, No. 1073
auction Fritz Rudolf Künker 312, Osnabrück October 2018, No. 2822.
I am thrilled to have bought my second denarius of Otho. Otho was the second of the emperors n the year of the four emperors in 69 CE. After losing a battle to Aulus Vitellius he took his own life rather than needlessly spill more blood.
I absolutely love the portrait on this coin. It is rendered in a truly artistic style. The PONT MAX reverse is rarer than the SECURITAS reverse of my first coin of OTHO. This coin was struck on a rather large flan and the quality of silver is very nice indeed.
After winning this coin I was contacted by Dr. Jyrki Muona who informed me that the coin once belonged to him. Dr. Muona has written on the topic of coins of Otho including the paper "The Rome mint coins of Marcus Salvius Otho". I am very pleased to own a coin of Otho from his collection.
Some have claimed that Otho was an insignificant historical figure and that his coins are only collected because collecting the 12 Caesars based on the book by Suetonius means that one needs a coin of Otho. I would have to disagree. Otho ruled in a time of civil war during a truly formative century for the Roman empire. He also gave his life to spare others. To me this makes him significant enough for me.
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RIC 004096 viewsRoman empire - Domitian (81-96 AD.) silver denarius
(2.87 g 18 mm). Rome. 81 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITANVS AVG PONT, laureate head right
Rev: TR P COS VII DES VIII P P, seat, draped, above, a winged thunderbolt placed horizontally.
RIC II 40. (R2)
Purchased from Lucernae on Catawiki auctions May 2019
Yes, I know the coin is worn, but I still wanted it. Why would I accept such a coin? The reason is that it is so rare that I might never see another in my lifetime available for sale. Sometime one has to sacrifice condition to availability. Such is the case here.
The reason this coin is so rare because of the obverse legend. Note that the legend does not end in the customary "AVG PM" common on these early coins of Domitian, but instead ends in "AVG PONT". All denarii with "PONT" for Domitian are very rare. If you see one be sure to snap it up as you may not see another for months or years.
The rarity alone was enough reason to own this coin. However, I also like that this coin is part of the very early issues for Domitian as Augustus.orfew
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RIC 000194 viewsTitus AR Denarius 79 AD Rome,
Judaea Capta issue.
(3.12 gram, 18 mm).
Obv: IMP T CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, Laureate head right)
Rev: TR POT VIII COS VII Captive kneeling right before trophy.
RIC 1, RSC 334a, Sear RCV (2000) 2505
Here is another interesting coin of Titus. First it is catalogued as RIC 1. This coin was probably minted in the first few weeks of Titus' rule as Augustus.
Take a look at the reverse. You will see a Jewish captive kneeling at the foot of a trophy. Titus' father Vespasian famously put a Jewish captive on the reverse of his own coinage. Since Titus was very involved with the suppression of the Jewish people in Jerusalem and the subsequent looting of the city, I suppose it makes sense that this subject would be continued on his coins.
I like this coin mostly for the reverse. However, I also think the portrait has some charm to it as well. One can clearly see his resemblance to his father.
orfew
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RIC 077394 viewsVespasian (69-79). AR Denarius (18.08 mm, 3.50 g, 6h). Rome, AD 75.
Obv: Bare head l. R IMP CEASAR VESPASIANUS AUG
Rev: Pax seated l., resting l. elbow on throne and holding branch.
PON MAX TRP COS VI
RIC II 773 (this coin); RSC –. Extremely Rare variety, near VF.
Ex Vecchi sale 13, 1998, 757.
Ex: St Paul Antiques auction 7 Lot 285 June 11, 2017
Vespasian ruled Rome for 10 years, and he was the last emperor in the year of the four emperors. His rule brought stability to the empire. He was famous for his military response to the Jewish revolt, and for the construction of the Flavian amphitheater. The looting of Jerusalem provided the funding for this building project. The colosseum was completed by his son Titus who became emperor after the death of Vespasian. The Flavian era had three emperors, Vespasian, his son Titus and his other son Domitian.
While this coin is worn, please take note of the bare head of Vespasian. There are only 2 known coin types that feature Vespasian with a bare head, all others are laureate. For one coin type there are several examples known to exist. For the coin type displayed below, this coin was, until very recently the only one to have surfaced. A second example has now been found by an expert on Flavian coinage. The reference Roman Imperial Coinage II Part 1 refers to my coin but does not have a photo of the coin. I sent a photo to the co-author of the volume, and I hope that a photo will be added when this edition is updated.
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RIC 0099 b92 viewsDomitian AR Denarius 82 CE First Issue
Rome
(18mm 3.68g)
Obv: Head Laureate right; IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG PM
Rev: Minerva stg left with victory and spear, at feet shield; TR POT COS VIII
RIC 99 (R)
Ex: Naville Numismatics Live auction 57 April 26, 2020 Lot 484.
This coin is the perfect exemplar for one of the reasons I love the first year denarii of Domitian. Just look at the portrait-how unusual is that? Truth is there are plenty of unusual portraits on Domitian within his first year denarii. The nose and the whole look of the portrait attracted me to this coin. However, this was not the only box this coin ticked for me. On the reverse is a rare appearance of the Minerva holding victory type. Perhaps one of the reasons I really like this type is precisely because it is so uncommon and is outside of the 4 major Minerva types that dominated the denarii of Domitian.orfew
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RIC 002791 viewsVespasian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 70.
3.18g, 18mm, 6h.
Obv: IMP CAESAR V[ESPASIANV]S AVG, laureate head right
Rev: COS ITER TR POT, Pax standing left, holding olive branch and caduceus.
RIC 27.
Roma Numismatics E-Sale 57 Lot 840 May 30, 2019
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RIC 059791 viewsDomitian, as Augustus (AD 81-96). AR denarius
(19mm, 3.54 gm, 6h). NGC VF 5/5 - 4/5.
Rome, 3rd issue, AD 88.
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VIII, laureate head of Domitian left
Rev: COS XIIII-LVD SAEC / FEC, herald advancing left, wearing feathered cap, wand outward in right hand, round shield in left.
RIC II.1 597 (This coin). Extremely rare with left facing portrait.
2020 January 26 Ancient Coin Selections from the Morris Collection, Part III World Coins Monthly Online Auction #61151 Lot #97225.
This coin is special for a few reasons. First it is a secular games issue. Since Minerva dominates the reverses for Domitian, It is unusual to see a reverse without her. This coin is a reminder that there is more to Domitian's denarii than minerva. This coin is also unusual because it features a left facing portrait for Domitian. There are left facing portraits for him on the bronze issues, but are very rare on his denarii. I have never read a convincing argument as to why. Finally, this coin is very special because this coin is the RIC plate coin. It is unusual to find a RIC plate coin in a private collection because many of these are in the major museum collections.
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RIC 0003 Var 91 viewsDomitian. AD 81-96. AR Denarius
(17.5mm, 3.47 g, 6h). Rome mint.
Struck 13 September-31 December AD 81.
Obv: Laureate head right; IMP CAESAR DOMITANVS AVG
Rev: Pulvinar (throne) of Jupiter and Juno: square seat, draped, with tassels: it has a triangular frame on it, on which are three vertical bars on each side and one palmette in center, there is a lituus under the triangular frame; TR P COS VII.
RIC II.1 3 (Var); RSC 554a.
Light tone over hairlined surfaces. Good VF.
From the Benito Collection.
CNG electronic auction 468 Lot 411
I wanted this coin for a few reasons. First I love collecting the rare variants of denarii for Domitian. The Lituus under the triangular frame makes this a rare variant of RIC 3. This variant will be recorded in the RIC II addenda. Secondly, I loved the portrait. Just take a look at that beard. The other reason I wanted this coin is that it was owned by a late Forum member.orfew
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RIC 065890 viewsDomitian (81-96). AR Denarius, 88-89.
( 19.00 mm. 3.39 g.)
Obv. Head right, laureate; IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG GERM P M TR P VIII
Rev. Minerva standing right on rostral column, holding spear and shield; at feet, owl; IMP XVII COS XIIII CENS PP P
RIC 658. Lightly toned.
EX: Artemide Aste E-Live Auction 17, March 27, 2021 Lot 380
This unassuming denarius is quite a rarity in 2 regards. First, as an individual coin type this particular coin is extremely hard to find. Secondly, the detail that makes this coin rare is a rare occurrence for the denarii of Domitian. So, if you went looking for D658 you would not find many documented. As to why it is rare, you need look no further than the obverse legend. Note the use of DOMITIANVS instead of the common DOMIT found on the vast majority of Domitian denarii. Legend variations on the Minerva denarii for Domitian are very rare. Another one that comes to mind is GERMAN instead of GERM. Of course, there are a few others that are used instead of GERM but that is a topic for another post.
Many consider the Minerva denarii to be quite dull or even excruciatingly boring. However, if you look carefully there is enough variation to make things interesting. The problem is sifting through Minerva after Minerva looking for the exceptions. I like spending my time this way but others may be forgiven for not feeling the same. As a result, the variations are often overlooked by sellers and collectors alike. That is okay by me since it means I get to find some of these gems, but there really should be more collectors of these interesting coins. It is easy I suppose to become indifferent to all the intricacies of the multiple titles that Domitian held, but these titles are not some random letter and number combinations. Instead, they refer to life and death struggles, forgotten wars, and past triumphs. All of these involved humans who were born lived and died almost 2000 years ago. However dim that past may now seem, we share their humanity.orfew
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RIC 098589 viewsTitus, as Caesar (AD 79-81). AR denarius. Rome. 77-78 CE
(19mm, 3.09 gm, 7h).
Obv: laureate head of Titus right; T CAESAR VESPASIANVS
Rev: Goatherder seated left on rocks, milking goat over vessel; IMP XIII,
RIC 985 (Vespasian).
Ex: Heritage Auctions 2021 January 20-21 Wednesday & Thursday World & Ancient Coins Weekly Online Auction #232103 / Lot #63167
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Tiberius RIC 000487 viewsTiberius, 14-37 Denarius Lugdunum circa 15-16, AR (18.55 mm., 3.85 g).
Obv: TI CAESAR DIVI - AVG F AVGVSTVS Laureate head r.
Rev: TR POT XVII IMP VII Tiberius holding branch and eagle-tipped scepter in triumphal quadriga r.
RIC 4. C 48.
Ex: Naville Numismatics Auction #25 Lot #407 September 25, 2016
Tiberius was the third of "The Twelve Caesars" as described in the Lives of the Caesars by Suetonius. He is well known as the emperor who would groom the next emperor, Gaius (more commonly known as Caligula).The denarii of Tiberius are sometimes referred to as boring by some collectors. One reason is that there were only a few types of denarii issued. By far the most common is the one that many refer to as "The Tribute Penny" of the bible.It must be said however that there are minor variations in the design of the reverse on the Tribute Penny and there are collectors who try to get as many variations as possible. The denarius below is much less common.
The reverse is very similar to a reverse on a coin of Augustus. This coin features Augustus on the obverse and Tiberius on the reverse in a quadriga. These denarii of Tiberius do appear from time to time, but when they do there is quite a bit of competition for them as they represent an alternative denarius to the Tribute Penny.orfew
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RIC 000287 viewsDomitian, Denarius, 81 Rome
Obv: Laureate head of Domitian right., IMP CAESAR DOMITIANVS AVG
Rev: Dolphin coiled around anchor.,TR P COS VII
RIC:2 (R); BMC 3
Purchased from Numiscorner on Vcoins
February 23, 2019
Here is an interesting coin. It is an early Domitian as Augustus issue. The 4 groups of coins in the first issue were minted in the first 3.5 months of Domitian's rule. What is interesting about this one is not the titles that are present but what is absent. The only titles here are TR P, IMP and COS. Notice that PP is nowhere to be seen. This means that group 1 denarii such as this must have been issued first of all 4 groups of 81 CE. This was not an easy coin to find. I have RIC 3 and RIC 3 Var, but these were my only group 1 denarii until now. Coins of this group are not as rare as group2 and group 3 denarii.
There are a few things I really like about this coin. First, the portrait has a very engaging style. Next, the reverse has really interesting devices. Lastly, the wear does not distract too much from the appeal of the coin. Although worn, I bought this coin because I did not know when I would see another. I would rather have a worn coin than no coin at all.orfew
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RIC 142586 viewsVESPASIAN (69-79). Denarius. Ephesus.
(3.00 g. 17 mm.)
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS III TR P P P.
Laureate head right.
Rev: PACI AVGVSTAE.
Victory advancing right, holding wreath and palm frond; monogram to right.
RIC² 1425. (R3)
Condition: Very fine.
Numismatik Naumann Auction 69 Lot 348
Here is another Vespasian denarius minted in Ephesus. The quality of the engraving on these issues never fails to impress me. While the portrait on this example is a bit worn, the reverse is truly impressive. The victory is lovely and the legend is clear and crisp. This is an example where, in my opinion, the reverse outshines the obverse.
The other interesting aspect of this coin is its rarity. According to a reliable source this example is the second known of its type. It is listed in RIC II Part One as R3-one known example in the collections examined. The RIC example is the other known example. I feel very lucky to be the custodian of this coin.
I will continue to pursue these Ephesian denarii mostly for their style and because the reverse themes make them interesting. I hope that more will find their way into my collection.
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RIC 0695 [VESPASIAN]86 viewsTitus Silver denarius, 74 CE Rome
(3.160g, maximum diameter 19.3mm, die axis 180o )
Obv: T CAESAR IMP VESP counter-clockwise from lower right, laureate head right;
Rev: PONTIF TR POT (priest, holder of Tribunitian power) counter-clockwise from lower right, Titus seated right on curule chair, long scepter vertical in right hand, palm branch in extended left hand;
RIC II-2 695 [VESP] (R3, this coin and this coin illustrated in the plates),
RSC-, BMCRE II -
This is the RIC plate coin! no recorded sales of the type on Coin Archives for the last two decades; extremely rare
Ex Stack’s Bowers Galleries January 2019 NYINC Auction 11-12 January 2019 Lot 41006 (part of a large lot)
Purchased from Forvm Ancient Coins on Jan 12, 2020
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RIC 066684 viewsDomitian AR Denarius 88 -89 CE
19mm., 2,93g.
Obv: Head laureate r; IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM PM TR P VIII
Rev:Minerva stg. L with spear; IMP XVIII COS XIII CENS PPP
RIC 666 (R2) BMC—RSC--
Purchased from Savoca auctions June 23, 2019
In 88 CE Domitian was fighting a series of battles. As a result Imperial acclamations for Domitian changed rather rapidly. According to hoard evidence cited in RIC coins from IMP XVIII may have been struck for as few as 38 days. Elsewhere in this gallery I posted RIC 655 which was IMP XVI and might have been struck for only 7-8 days.
As a result this coin is rather rare. RIC cites it as R2-very few examples known. I know the coin is rather worn, but when a rarity appears one sometimes has to take what one can get. As stated in the attribution this coin is not in BMCRE or RSC.
I love finding these rarities. The complex legends mean that one has to pay close attention of every detail on these coins. Coins like this one are frequently misattributed.
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RIC 0003 Var83 viewsDomitian. AR denarius (3.02 g,). Rome mint, struck A.D. 81.
Obv: IMP CAESAR DOMITIANVS AVG, laureate head right
Rev: TR P COS VII, draped throne, back decorated with grain ears Lituus beneath
the frame.
RIC 3 Var; RSC 554a.
Ex: Akropolis Ancient Coins
At first glance, this denarius looks exactly like Domitian (RIC 3). See my example in this gallery. There is one significant difference. Take a look at the reverse on this coin below, and the reverse on RIC 3 that I referred to above. On the in the photo below you will see the same triangular frame as RIC 3, but below the frame you will see a strange shape. It is a Lituus, a device like a crooked wand, used in augury.
As is true with RIC 3, this coin was issued very early in Domitian's reign as Augustus. As such, the portrait on this coin has the same interesting nose as RIC 3. As for cataloguing, this variation does not appear in the major references. I think it makes sense to therefore call it RIC 3 Var (Variant).
Note also that this type of reverse was also issued for Domitian's brother Titus. On the Titus denarii the variants with and without Lituus also exist.
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Augustus RIC 0126 81 viewsAugustus (27 BC-AD 14), Denarius, Uncertain Spanish mint (Colonia Patricia?), 17-16 BC, (19 mm 3.73 g).
Obv: Bare head right
Rev: Augustus, Capricorn right, holding globe attached to rudder between front hooves; cornucopia above its back.
RIC I 126; RSC 21 SRCV (2000) 1592.
Purchased October 28, 2016 from vcoins store London Coin Galleries Ltd.
Although Augustus was the second Caesar covered by Suetonius, he really was the first ruler of the new Roman empire. Originally known by the name Octavian, he became Augustus as the new ruler of the empire.
The coin below is special to me for two reasons. First, I love the
anepigraphic (no legend) obverse. I feel this gives an elegant look to the portrait and make the portrait the focus of the coin. Many emperors were very particular as to how their images appeared on their coins and Augustus was no exception. It is difficult to tell when a coin of Augustus was issued by the portrait alone because his portraits did not age very much from his beginnings as emperor until his death.
Another reason I like this coin is the reverse. It depicts a Capricorn with globe and rudder. These devices appear on other coins of Augustus, and other emperors used them as well. Augustus would be associated with the image of the Capricorn for much of his rule.
Although this is not a perfect coin because of its imperfect flan shape, the combination of a great portrait and the Capricorn meant I had to have it.orfew
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Vitellius RIC 010178 viewsVitellius (AD 69). AR denarius
(18mm, 2.95 gm, 5h).
NGC VG 4/5 - 4/5. Rome.
Obv: A VITELLIVS GERM IMP AVG TR P, laureate head of Vitellius right
Rev: LIBERI IMP GERM AVG, bareheaded and draped busts of the children of Vitellius (Aulus Vitellius Germanicus Junior and Vitellia), facing one another.
RIC I 101. Rare.
Ex: Heritage Auctions November 29, 2018 Lot 65074
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RIC 034276 viewsDomitian. Denarius. Rome 85 CE. (Fifth Issue)
Obv: Head laureate r; IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM PM TR P V
Rev: Minvera advancing r with spear and shield; IMP VIIII COS XI CENS POT PP
RIC-342. (R2)
Jesus Vico Mail bid auction # 153 Lot 3136 March 7, 2019
This is yet another rare coin of Domitian. It is so scarce that even the British museum does not have an example. What makes it rare is the legend on the reverse.Note that instead of CENS PPP the legend reads CENS POT PP. There were only 2 issues that used this legend on denarii, the fourth and the fifth. All of the coins in this issue are rare. They are all either R2 (very few examples known) or R3 (unique).
The fourth and fifth issues of Domitian's denarii for 85 CE are important because the mark a reform to the coinage. According to RIC this reform took place between the third issue (CENS POTES) and the fourth issue (CENS POT). This reform reduced the fineness of the denarii to post reform Neronian standards.
For me the above does increase the interest of the coin, but I bought it because I loved the look of it. I love the way the CENS POT legend on the reverse frames the figure of Minerva. and I find the portrait well done and attractive.
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Vitellius RIC 009975 viewsVitellius AR Denarius
69 CE
17 mm 3.32 g
Obv: A VITELLIVS GERM AVG IMP TR P: Head of Vitellius, laureate, right
Rev: L VITELLIVS COS III CENSOR: Bust of Lucius Vitellius, laureate and draped, right; eagle-tipped sceptre in front
RIC 99
Ex: Silbury Coins January 27, 2019orfew
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RIC 0560 [VESPASIAN]75 viewsDomitian AR Quinarius 75 CE
(14mm 1.48g)
Obv: Laureate head right; CAES AVG F DOMIT COS II
Rev: Victory advancing right with wreath and palm; VICTORIA AVGVSTI
RIC 560 [VESP]
Purchased from INumis May 25, 2020
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RIC 141474 viewsRoman Empire, Vespasian 69-79, Denarius, 3.24g:
Obv: Laureate head of Vespasian right "IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS II TRPPP" Rev: "AVG" within an wreath, Phi-Alpha monogram above ties. "AVG" in the center.
RIC 1414.
Ephesos mint, Some roughness on the reverse.
Ex Savoca Auction #9, lot 533 8/21/16
Lot 152 Aegean Nuismatics Agora Auctions July 20. 2017.
Yes, this is yet another denarius of Vespasian. I like his coins for the variety they offer. There are many interesting reverses on his coinage. this one has an exceptional portrait. You might notice a difference in the portrait style of the denarius when compared to other denarii of Vespasian. This coin was minted in Ephesus. Apparently, the engravers that worked in that mint included some masters of the art. Compare the portrait style to the Rome mint denarii in this gallery.
The other interesting thing abut this coin is the reverse. It only has very simple design elements, the wreath and the title AVG forAugustus. Yet there is a real elegance to this reverse for all of its simplicity. There are other Vespasian denarii with this reverse, but my example is one of the rare examples.
As long as there are interesting and artistic example such as this one, I will continue to add Vespasian's denarii to my collection.orfew
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RIC 010374 viewsTitus, 79 - 81 n. Chr. Denar (2.96g). 80 n. Chr. Mzst. Rom.
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M, Kopf mit Lorbeerkranz n. l.
Rev.: TR P IX IMP XV COS VIII P P, zwei Gefangene sitzen Rücken an Rücken an einem Tropaeum.
RIC 103 (R2)
Ex Sammlung Shlomo Moussaieff, London, 1948 - 2000.
Condition: Dunkle Tönung, partiell Auflagen, ss
Ex: Gorny und Mosch e-auction 263 - 07.03.2019: Lot 3615
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RIC 002072 viewsTitus AR Denarius 79 CE after July 1
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M, Laureate head left.
Rev: TR P VIIII IMP XIIII COS VII P P, Capricorn left; globus below.
RIC 20 (R2), BMC p. 227 note, RSC 282
Ex: ANE Store on Vcoins
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RIC 0784 [VESPASIAN]71 viewsTitus as Caesar 75 CE
20 mm 3.30 g
Obv: Head laureate r; T CAESAR IMP VESPASIAN
Rev: Securitas seated l; head resting on raised arm; PONTIF TR P COS IIII
Ric 784 (R2) [Vespasian] BMC--, RSC--
Purchased from Zurqieh on vcoins; April 18, 2019
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RIC 085471 viewsDomitian AR Cistophorus 95 CE
(26mm 6h)
Obv: laureate head of Domitian right; IMP CAES DOMITIANVS
Rev: Distyle temple inscribed ROM ET AVG containing figure of Augustus, standing facing, spear in right hand, being crowned with right hand by female figure of Roma (on right), cornucopia in left hand
RIC 854
2020 September 9-10 Wednesday & Thursday World & Ancient Coins Weekly Online Auction #232037 Lot #62175
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RIC 051670 viewsTitus (AD 79-81). AR cistophorus
(26mm, 7h). Rome, AD 80-81.
Obv: Head laureate right; IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M, laureate head of Titus right
Rev: Aquila between two standards, one surmounted by hand and the other by vexillum.
RIC II.1 516, BMC 149, RSC 398
NGC VG, scratches.
2020 May 27-28 Wednesday & Thursday World & Ancient Coins Weekly Online Auction #232022 Lot 64156
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RIC 057368 viewsDomitian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 88. First Issue
3.25g, 19mm, 6h.
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERMAN PM TR P VII, laureate head right
Rev: IMP XIIII COS XIIII CENS P P P, Minerva standing right with spear and shield. RIC 573 (R2)
Ex: Roma Numismatics E-Sale 59 July 11, 2019 Lot 79
This lovely coin has a great portrait. However, what is most interesting is not the portrait but the obverse legend. Note that instead of GERM, the coin reads GERMAN. There are only 5 types of denarii listed in RIC that have GERMAN in the obverse legend and all of are at least R2 (very few examples known). This coin was attributed as RIC 572, a common coin. This coin is definitely not common. I had been looking for one for months when I stumbled across this example a few weeks ago. While there are a few encrustations near the left legend on the reverse, I quite like the look of this coin overall. Of course, it is a nice bonus that it is so scarce.
I love tracking down these misattributed coins that are missed by others, it is a lot of fun. I do not blame anyone for missing this one as GERM is so common in the obverse legend that many would not not even read the legend to begin with. My photo does not do it justice but this coin has lovely toning. I am lucky that this was in such nice condition, though if it was very worn or had other problems I would have bought it anyway. When a true rarity comes along I do not let condition bother me at all.
So, keep an eye out for legend variations on denarii of Domitian. GERMAN is not the only variation that exists. One of my other posts in this gallery has another Domitian denarius with just such a variation.orfew
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Vespasian RPC 243067 viewsEgypt, Alexandria. Dattari. Vespasian, 69-79 Diobol circa 70-71 (year 3), Æ 26.5mm., 9.15g. Laureate head r. Rev. Bust of Isis r.; in front, LΓ. RPC 2430 (this coin cited). Dattari-Savio Pl. 14, 382 (this coin).
Brown tone. Very Fine.
From the Dattari collection.
Naville Numismatics Auction #30, Lot 283, April 02, 2017.
What attracted me to this coin was the bust of ISIS on the reverse. This is just one of the many interesting reverses that appears on the Roman coins of Alexandria.
Another reason this coin was interesting was the provenance. It was a part of the famous Dattari collection of Egyptian coins. Dattari assembled one the most complete collections of Roman-Egyptian coins ever known. In the last several decades quite of number of coins from this collection have come to market. In the last year alone there have been several auctions featuring Ex Dattari coins. These have been very popular with collectors.
I do not buy coins just for provenance, however. In this case I really liked the look of the coin. A nice grumpy looking bust and a culturally significant figure on the reverse were enough to convince me to buy this coin. There was another fact about this coin which led to my purchase. This coin is plate coin. It is the coin depicted in a published collection of Ex Dattari coins. This coin was also cited by Roman Provincial Coins, and is on the Wilwinds.com database.
In short, there are many reasons to like this coin. What might appear at first glance to be a rather rough looking coin is far more interesting than mere appearance might suggest. This is one of just 3 bronze coins I currently own. All the rest of my posted coins are silver. A bronze coin has to be special to make it into my collection.
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RIC 016466 viewsDomitianus (81 - 96 AD).
Denarius. 83 AD Rome.
(20 mm 3.47 g)
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M. Head with laurel wreath on the right.
Rev: TR POT II COS VIIII DES XP P. Minerva with lance and shield on capital standing to the right, in front of it an owl.
RIC 164 (R2); C.606; BMC 41
Ex: Silbury Coins January 28 2018
On first glance this looks like just another Minerva reverse denarius. However, there are 2 features which make it interesting. Firstly, it was minted in 83 CE. This makes it a first issue Minerva denarius. The Minerva series would dominate the denarii issues for the rest of Domitian's rule. Another piece of information which makes this coin interesting is that the silver of which it is composed is nearly 100% fine. This was due to monetary reforms instituted by Domitian.
Of course this coin is interesting for other reasons as well, including its rarity and condition. The new RIC II Part 1 (2007) designates this coin as R2 which means very few examples known. The other factor which needs to be considered is its condition. Personally I am not obsessed with the grades of ancient coins as I find grades to be difficult and not very useful at all. The portrait on the obverse is striking. Just look at that full head of hair. Of course it is the reverse where this coin really shines. The depiction of Minerva is fully detailed and quite sharp over 1900 years after it was minted. The full legends on both sides of the coin also make this coin both attractive and desirable. I was very fortunate to find this one.
This coin shall have an important place in my 12 Caesars collection.
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RIC 139566 viewsVespasian, 69-79. Denarius (Silver, 17 mm, 3.11 g, 1 h), Ephesus, 69-70.
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG Laureate head of Vespasian to right.
Rev: LIBERI IMP AVG VESPAS Titus and Domitian, veiled and togate, standing front, each with patera.
BMC 430. Cohen 248. RIC 1395. RPC II 805. Rare.
Minor marks and slightly rough, otherwise, about very fine.
From the R. Marbacher Collection, Switzerland.
Leu Numismatic December 09 2018 Web Auction 6Lot 908
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RIC 014565 viewsDomitian. Denarius. Rome 82-83 CE .
Obv: head laureate r; IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG PM
Rev: Salvs std l with corn ears and poppy; SALVS AVGVST.
RIC 145 (R).
Jesus Vico Mail bid auction # 153 Lot 3135 March 7, 2019
There are many who believe that the denarii of Domitian are boring. This is because the denarii of Domitian are dominated by the ubiquitous Minerva reverse. There are however denarii without the typical Minerva reverse. This is one of those. On the reverse you can see SALVS seated with corn ears and poppy. SALVS is a Roman goddess associated with safety and health. This applied to both the individual and the state in general.
Another interesting feature of this denarius is the portrait on the obverse. Although it looks rather flat in the photo, the portrait is in quite high relief. I also like that all of the devices on the coin are clear and that the legends are clear and readable.
In short, I think that this is a very attractive coin and that was enough for me to want to add it to my collection.
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RIC 0124 A65 viewsTITUS Auguste (79-81), AR denier, 80, Rome.
(3.23g.)
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG PM· T. l. à d.
Rev: TR P IX IMP XV- COS VIII PP Siège carré dr., avec un dossier triangulaire, décoré de cinq palmettes.
BMC 233, 61; RIC 124 A (R3).
Beau à Très Beau/Beau (Fine - Very Fine/Fine)
Purchased from Jean Elsen April 18, 2019
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RIC 058564 viewsDomitian AR Denarius 88 CE (First Issue)
Obv: Laureate head right; IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERMAN PM TR P VII
Rev: Minerva standing left with spear; IMP XIIII COS XIIII CENS PPP
RIC 585 (R2); BMC--; RSC--
Purchased from Victor's Imperial Coins May 10, 2020.orfew
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![Domitian_RIC_268_[Titus].jpg](albums/userpics/41352/thumb_Domitian_RIC_268_%5BTitus%5D.jpg "Filename=Domitian_RIC_268_[Titus].jpg
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Date added=Jul 03, 2020")
RIC 0268 [Titus]64 viewsDomitian as Caesar AR Denarius 80-81 CE
(18mm 3.06g)
Obv: Head laureate right; CAESAR DIVI F DOMITIANVS COS VII
Rev: Minerva advancing right with spear and shield; PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS
RIC 268 [TITUS] BMC 86; RSC 381a
This coin is part of the Westbury Sub Mendip hoard of 188 Roman silver denari, found during 2016 by a metal detectorist.
Purchased July 1 2020 from Silbury Coins
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![Domitian_RIC_1085_[Vespasian].png](albums/userpics/41352/thumb_Domitian_RIC_1085_%5BVespasian%5D.png "Filename=Domitian_RIC_1085_[Vespasian].png
Filesize=1292KiB
Dimensions=1377x710
Date added=Apr 21, 2019")
RIC 1085 [VESPASIAN]63 viewsDomitian as Caesar Denarius 79 to 24 June
18mm., 3,15g.
Obv:Head laureate l; CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS COS VI
Rev: Salus stg r resting on column feeding snake out of patera; PRINCEPS IVVENTUTIS
RIC 1085 [Vesp] (R2) BMC page 47 note. RSC 385.
Ex: Savoca Blue 19th auction April 21, 2019 Lot 1138
On first glance this looks like just another Domitian denarius and a very worn one at that. However, there is one large difference between this denarius and most other Domitian denarii-it has a left facing portrait. Left facing portraits occur on Domitian's bronze coins but for some unknown reason they are very rare on his silver coinage. Also, both Titus and Vespasian used left facing portraits on their denarii. Though in many cases these instances are rare they are not as generally rare as left facing denarii for Domitian. Again the reason is unknown. I have wanted a left facing Domitian denarius for a few years and finally found this one in a recent auction. Sometimes when you are chasing rarities condition becomes a secondary consideration. With some coins you have to ask yourself should I buy a coin in poorer condition or should I do without.
The other interesting fact about this denarius concerns the reverse. For coins minted when Domitian was Caesar there are several interesting reverses. One of these is the Salus reverse seen here. The reverse legend PRINCEPS IVVENTUTIS occurs on a number of different coins for Domitian as Caesar. Most of these are quite common, this one is an exception.orfew
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RIC 005063 viewsTitus (Caesar, 69-79). AR Denarius
(18mm, 3.26g, 6h). Rome, AD 79.
Obv: Laureate head l.
Rev: Jewish captive kneeling r. before trophy.
RIC II 50; RSC 297.
Ex: Bertolami Fine arts E Live Auction 38 Lot 610 December 11, 2016
Ex: Artemide Aste E Live Auction 11 Lot 362 January 26, 2020
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RIC 033362 viewsDomitian AR Denarius
(20.5 mm 3.22 g)
Obv: Laureate head r, IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM PM TR P IIII
Rev: Minerva stg r on capital of rostral column, with spear and shield; to r owl
IMP VIIII COS XI CENS POT P P
RIC 333 (R2); BMC 78(cross symbol), Cohen 180
Purchased from Phillipe Saive Numimatique March 15, 2019
This coin marks debasement in the fineness of Domitian's coinage. The previous 2 issues of 85 CE with the legends CENSORIA POTESTATE and CENS POTES are very rare and mark the end the the near 100% fineness of the silver denarii. This coin, RIC 333, is the first issue that returns the fineness to the post reform Neronian standards.
I wanted this for the legend variation. Most Minerva reverses have CENS P PP in the legend. The fact that this one does not is part of what attracted me to the coin. Of course the other factor was the appearance of the coin. This photo does not do the coin justice. It is struck on a large flan and there is actually very little wear to the coin. The outstanding feature for me is the portrait. Of course this is a rare coin and that also added to the allure. It is hard to tell from the photo but this coin has a lovely grey toning on both the obverse and the reverse.
I am very pleased that I could add this one to my collection.orfew
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RIC 036262 viewsVespasian 72-73
AR Denarius
3,24 g.
Obv: IMP CAES VESP AVG PM COS IIII; Head laureate right
Rev: VICTORIA AVGVSTI; Victoria stg r ; crowning standard and holding palm.
RIC 362 Cohen 618
Ex-Paul Schürer (1890-1976);
Ex-Fritz Reusing (1874-1956)
Purchased from Manfred Olding Munzenhandlung June 4, 2019
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RIC 002962 viewsVespasian AR Denarius (70 CE Jan-June)
Weight: 2.95 g 17.5 mm
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head of Vespasian right
Rev: COS ITER TR POT, Pax seated left, holding olive branch and caduceus
RIC 29
Purchased from Germania Inferior Numismatics on Vcoins June 16, 2019
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RIC 006761 viewsDomitian AR Denarius 81 CE (Group 4)
Obv: Laureate head right, IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG PM
Rev: Seat draped, above semi-circular frame decorate with three crescents TR P COS VII DES VIII PP
RIC 67 (R); BMC 17
Purchased from Romanrum.com
March 1, 2019
This coin is rare with this reverse legend. I really like the denarii from groups 1-4 of 81 CE because this was Domitian's first coinage as Augustus. There is some discussion about the production order of these 4 groups of coins. Domitian's denarii would become dominated by the Minerva reverse so these early issues are interesting for the variety of reverses they display. Many of the reverse were carried over from the denarii of his brother Titus.
Though worn, I still think this coin has lots of charm, especially the portrait. this combined with this reverse made this coin must have.
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RIC 067561 viewsDomitian AR Denarius (19mm, 3.23g, 6h). Rome mint, struck c. Sept 14, 88 - c. Sept 13, 89 (Sixth Issue).
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VIII, head laureate right;
Rev: IMP XXI COS XIIII CENS P P P, Minerva stg. R on capital of rostral column, with spear and shield; to r. owl. (M2).
RIC 675 (R2), BMC--, RSC –
This coin has a very expressive portrait featuring an interesting nose. Unfortunately, I have been unable to compare this coin to many coins because of its rarity. The 2 examples I found online reside in the collection of the American Numismatic Society, and in a private collection displayed on Forvm Ancient Coins. There does not appear to be an example in the British Museum collection.
This coin is rare because of the dating combination of the imperial titles. All of the coins in the sixth issue for 88-89 CE are rare but 2 of them are rarer than the other 2 coins. This issue is made up of only 4 coins. Each one is one of the 4 types of Minerva reverse.
I wanted this coin for 2 reasons. First I had never seen one before and second I liked the look of it. I have really enjoyed the process of finding these rare variations for the Minerva denarii. It involves hours of researching online and in print references and this is a great deal of fun.orfew
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RIC 0863 [VESPASIAN]60 viewsTitus AR Denarius.Under Vespasian 76 CE (first issue)
3.14 g
Obv:Leaureate head right, T CAESAR IMP VESPASIAN
Rev:Jupiter standing facing with patera over altar, IOVIS CUSTOS
RIC 863 [VESP] (R2)
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RIC 002460 viewsDomitian AR Denarius 81 CE (Group 3)
Obv: Head laureate right; IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG PM
Rev: Curule chair; above wreath; COS VII DES VIII PP
RIC 24 (R2); BMC P. 299; RSC 58a
NGC Cert # 4683673-007; XF
Not in RIC plates
Stacks Bowers The February 2021 World Collectors Choice Online Auction Lot 71061 February 23, 2021
I cannot resist these early denarii for Domitian. If the denarius was struck in 81 CE, then I am interested. The short legend on the reverse makes this a group 3 denarius. I have been lucky enough to add a few of these to my collection. Note that the reverse legend does not include TR P. Since TR P would have been assumed as soon as Domitian rose to the purple, it is a mystery as to why it was omitted on these coins. Of course there are other reasons to like this coin. This includes the really interesting portrait and the overall look of the coin.
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RIC 073859 viewsDomitian AR Denarius Rome mint struck 92 CE (second issue)
18.5 mm 3.25 g
Obverse: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG-GERM P M TR P XI, laureate head of Domitian right
Reverse: IMP XXII COS XVI CENS P P P, Minerva standing facing, helmeted head left, vertical spear in right hand
RIC 738 (R2) BMC--
Purchased from Germania Inferior Numsmatics on Vcoins February 1, 2019
Here is another rarity. It is the second issue of 92 CE. The coin was minted between January and mid September.
Here is what RIC says about this issue.
"The second issue incorporates Domitian's final imperatorial acclamation (IMP XXII) which, on the basis of the extreme rarity of these coins, probably took place shortly before the change in his tribunician numeration on September 14th."
I am really enjoying the process of researching these coins. It is interesting and rewarding to find a little gem once in a while. I must admit though that I feel lucky to have found several rarities in the past few days. Of course the question is "Who cares?" They are just minor variations of a repetitive reverse. The answer is I do and I am fine with that. The nice thing is that I have made connections with a couple of people who have interesting coins of Domitian. Being able to discuss these coins with fellow enthusiasts makes the acquisition of these coins more fun.
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RIC 0124 c59 viewsTitus AR Denarius. Rome Mint
79-81 CE
(17 mm 3.15 g)
Obv: IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG P M, laureate head right
Rev: TR P IX IMP XV — COS VIII P P, draped processional chair, triangular frame by decorated with nine Palmattes Lituus under triangular frame.
RIC 124c
Ex: Savoca 16th Blue auction Lot 978 February 10, 2019
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RIC 033959 viewsDomitian AR Denarius 85 CE (fourth Issue)
(20.00 mm 3.35 g)
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG – GERM P M TR P IIII, laureate head right, wearing aegis
Rev: IMP VIIII COS XI – CENS POT P P Minerva standing left, holding spear in right hand
Ref.: RIC II 339 (R2), RSC 180a, BMC 80
Ex: Michael Kelly Collection
Ex: Spink numismatic e-circular 1 Part 1 Ancient Coins Auction 20120 Lot 228 (part). February 13, 2020.
Purchased from Germania Inferior Numismatics on Vcoins February 22, 2020.
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RIC 1489 [VESPASIAN]57 viewsDomitian AR Denarius Unknown mint in Asia Minor. ‘O’ mint. 76 CE
(3.13g)
Obv: CAES AVG F DOMIT COS III; Head Laureate right, a small ‘O’ is visible below the neck truncation.
Rev: PRINCEP IVVENTVT; SPES standing left with flower
RIC 1489 (R2); BMC 481 [VESPASIAN]; RSC 375a;RPC 1462
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RIC 000356 viewsDomitian. AR denarius Rome mint, struck 81 CE.
Obv: IMP CAESAR DOMITIANVS AVG, laureate head right
Rev: TR P COS VII, draped throne, back decorated with grain ears.
RIC 3 (R); BMCRE 2; RSC 554a.
Ex: William Rosenblum Coins Ex:Agora Auctions March 22, 2016 lot 52-174
Purchased from Agora Auctions March 22, 2016.
Domitian was the son of Vespasian. He became emperor after the death of Vespasian's other son Titus. Domitian was the last of the Flavian dynasty. Take a look at the obverse portrait on this coin. Domitian's Roman nose is quite prominent. On later issues the nose has been made less prominent. This is a good example of how emperors controlled their image by controlling their representation on the coinage.
Thiis coin is also interesting because some of Domitian titles are missing. The reason is that these had not been added by this point in his position as emperor. The use of COS VII dates this coin to the first month or so of his reign.orfew
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RIC 0950 [VESPASIAN]56 viewsTitus. AR Denarius as Caesar, AD 69-79. Rome, under Vespasian, Struck AD 77/8.
(19.04 mm, 3.22 g),
Obv: T CAESAR IMP VESPASIANVS, laureate head of Titus right.
Rev: COS VI, prow of galley right, sides ornameted with intricate cross-hatch and maeander patterns; above, star with sixteen rays.
RIC 950 (R); BMC 226; RSC 68. SRCV I (2000) 2441
Ex: Numismatik Naumann Auction 88 Lot 656 April 5 2020.
Ex: Roman coin shop dot com
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Augustus RPC 155555 viewsMacedon. Thessalonika
19 mm 8.0 g
Obv: ΘECCAΛONIKEΩN
Bare head of Augustus
Rev: ΘEOC.
Bare head of Julius Caesar
RPC 1555
Ex: Numismatik Naumann Auction 66 Lot 269
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RIC 042755 viewsAR Denarius (19mm, 3.30g, 6h). Rome mint, struck 86 (First Issue).
IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P V, head laureate right; IMP XI COS XII CENS P P P, Aventine Minerva replica (ἀπεικόνισμα) standing right on processional litter (ferculum), with spear and shield, owl to right (M2).
RIC 427 (R), BMC 90 p. 318 note , RSC 74.
Purchased from James Hazelton
Struck before September of 86 CE, this denarius is part of a rare issue. All coins of this issue with 2 exceptions are rare to very rare. I bought this coin for 2 reasons. First, I bought it for the dates of the imperial acclamations IMP and COS on the reverse. I did not have this dating combination so I wanted it for my collection. The other reason was the portrait. I really like the look of this portrait. It definitely has its own style. It has both veristic and artistic features. I liked this combination very much. Clearly the celator was a person of some talent.
While many might consider these Minerva types boring or dull, I do not. I like comparing the dates and I really like seeing the different styles of portraits used on the obverses of these coins.orfew
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RIC 042555 viewsDomitian AR Denarius. Rome, AD 86. First Issue
3.38g, 20mm, 5h
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P V, laureate head right
Rev: IMP XI COS XII CENS P P P, Minerva advancing right, holding spear and shield.
RIC 425 (R) BMC 88, RSC 194
Roma Numismatics E-Sale 57. Thursday 30th May 2019 Lot 861
Here is a lovely rare coin. the toning is beautiful and the portrait is excellent. Struck before September of 86 CE, most of the coins of this issue are very scarce to rare. I loved the look of this one and I did not have one so naturally I bought it.
Tracking down these rarities is a lot of fun and it forces one to become knowledgeable in terms of the relevant research books and references. It is almost as much fun to read about these coins as it is to possess them. I guess that is one aspect that really attracted me to collecting ancient coins; the opportunity to dive deep into the research concerning these coins.
i love this portrait and am trying to track down more coins from this issue. They are not easy to find, but that is part of the fun.
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RPC 2446 (This Coin)55 viewsVespasian Æ Obol of Alexandria, Egypt. Dated RY 7 = AD 74/5.
Obv: [AYTOK KAIΣ ΣEBA OYEΣΠAΣIANOY], laureate head right
(21mm 4.47g, 12h.)
Rev: Canopus right; L [Z] (date) in right field.
RPC 2446.1 (this coin); Dattari (Savio) 373 (this coin); Emmett 219.
Extremely Rare; the only known example.
This coin published in A. Savio, Catalogo completo della collezione Dattari Numi Augg. Alexandrini (Trieste, 1999);
This coin published in A. Burnett, M. Amandry, I. Carradice, Roman Provincial Coinage, vol. II (London and Paris, 1999);
Ex: Roma Numismatics Ltd., E-Sale 71, May 28 2020, Lot 710
Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., E-Sale 46, 5 June 2018, lot 406;
Ex Naville Numismatics 28, 22 January 2017, lot 314;
Ex Dattari Collection, formed in Egypt prior to 1901.
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RIC 066154 viewsAR Denarius (19mm, 2.88g, 5h). Rome mint, struck c. Sept 16, 88 - c. Sept 15, 89 (Second Issue).
IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VIII, head laureate right; IMP XVII COS XIIII CENS P P P, Capitoline Minerva cult statue standing left, with spear (M4).
RIC 661 (R), BMC 150, RSC 244.
Purchase from James Hazelton
All the coins in this issue are rare to very rare. Included are denarii with a very rare obverse legend variation. Though the coin is quite worn I still like it very much. One of the reasons I like this coin concerns the imperial titles. Due to increased military activity along the Danube imperial titles were being awarded very rapidly. According to RIC possible dates for coins of the issue span between November 3 and December 10 of 88 CE-just 38 days. The acclamation IMP XVII is known as of November 7th from a document. The previous imperial acclamation IMP XVI was perhaps operable for a much narrower time period, perhaps as few as 4 days. IMP XVII was perhaps only held for 9 days before the following Imperial acclamation. As one can see, the titles were changing very rapidly. This has led to a scarcity of many of the coins from this time period.
One cannot divorce the dating of these coins from the surrounding history. These are not some random dates they correspond to real world events such as the battles along the Danube in 88 CE. The history of these coins is a major motivating factor in my collecting of these coins. Though it is unlikely we will know specifically what happened during these months of 88, coins such as this one offer tantalizing clues.orfew
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RIC 007253 viewsDomitian, as Augustus (AD 81-96). AR denarius Rome
13 September-31 December AD 81
(18mm, 3.02 gm, 6h).
NGC Choice Fine 4/5 - 4/5.
Obv: IMP CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIAN AVG P M, laureate head of Domitian right
Rev: TR P COS VII-DES VIII P P, pulvinar of Jupiter and Juno, draped, surmounted by thunderbolt.
RIC II 72 (R2), BMC--, RSC--, Cohen--
2019 August 18 Ancient Coin Selections from the Morris Collection,
Part II Monthly Online Auction #271933 Lot # 35169
I really wanted this denarius of Domitian. Why? First, it was struck during Domitian's first year as Augustus. In 81 CE there were 4 issues of precious metal coinage. They are grouped in RIC by the reverse legend. The chronology of these 4 groups is uncertain. Some coins do not have titles that one would expect. For example, why is TR P omitted from some of these coins when it does appear for Group 1 denarii? The second reason I wanted this coin was for the rare obverse legend IMP CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIAN AVG P M. There are only 9 denarii types that have this legend. All of the coins with this legend are either R2 (very few examples known to the RIC authors) or R3 (only one example known). This coin is R2 and is a very difficult coin to find in trade. I also very much like the young portrait on this coin.
This coin makes 10 denarii I have from 81 CE. I am always on the lookout for more as I find these early denarii for Domitian fascinating. I like them for the mysteries they contain, the rarity, and the interesting obverse legends. For example, it is within groups 2, 3, and 4 that one finds the elusive PONT denarii. PONT occurs in the obverse legends on these coins and all of them are rated R2 or R3. In other words the PONT denarii are all very rare to extremely rare.
I hope that this coin will not be my last purchase from these first year denarii. Also, while I usually free a coin from its slab as soon as I receive it, this one will stay in the plastic. The reason is that this coin has a provenance. It was part of the Morris collection. I like having this information directly on the slab where it cannot be separated from the coin. I have been very interested lately in collecting coins with provenance. Because of the ever increasing regulations and agreements being applied to ancient coins I feel that provenance is going to become very important to collectors in the next few years.
I will leave you with a tip. If you are looking for a coin like mine with an unusual obverse legend be sure to check the auctions and dealer inventory very carefully. These coins are often misattributed. It is quite possible to find coins like this marked as common because the legends have been misread.
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RIC 0072 (2)53 viewsDomitian AR denarius 81 CE (Group 4)
Obv: IMP CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIAN AVG PM; Head laureate right
Rev: TR P COS VII DES VIII P P; Seat draped above winged thunderbolt.
RIC 72 (R2).
Zeus Numismatics Prime 1 Lot 282 November 17, 2019
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RIC 068552 viewsVespasian. AD 69-79. AR Denarius Rome mint. Struck AD 74.
(18.47 mm, 3.39 g, 6h).
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESP AUG Laureate head right
Rev: PONTIF MAXIM Vespasian seated right, holding scepter and branch.
RIC II 685; BMCRE pg. 27 ; RSC 386.
Ex: J. Eric Engstrom Collection
Ex: CNG E-auction 373, Lot 366 April 20, 2016
I like collecting interesting coins of Vespasian. While not as rare as my examples already posted, this one is certainly not all that easy to find either. What attracted me to this coin was the dark toning. I really like the way the highlights on the portrait and the figure on the reverse seem to come to life against the darker background.
This coin is an example where the emperor is featured on both sides of the coin. His portrait is on the obverse, but he is pictured seated on the reverse. This coin has plenty of detail left on both sides. I also really like that the full legend on both the obverse and reverse are preserved. The legend "Maxim Pontiff" refers to Vespasian's role as chief priest of the empire.
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Augustus RIC 022452 viewsOctavian as Augustus, 27 BC – 14 AD Denarius
Lugdunum circa 13-14,
18mm., 3.56g.
Obv: Laureate head r.
Rev. Tiberius in triumphal quadriga r., holding laurel branch and eagle-tipped sceptre.
RSC 301. RIC 224.
Ex: Naville Numismatics Live auction 50 Lot 439 June 23, 2019
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RIC 006851 viewsDomitian AR Denarius
(3.13gr 18mm)
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG PONT; laureate head right
Rev: TR P COS VII DES VIII P P; seat, draped, above, a winged thunderbolt placed horizontally.
RIC 68 (R2)
Ebay: August 24, 2019
I really wanted to wait before writing comments on this one because I wanted an upgrade. Well, almost 2 years have gone by and I have not seen another. One sold in 2008, and there are 0 examples on OCRE. There are 5 on forum including this one. This coin is a very rare PONT denarius. You can see PONT in the obverse legend. To me these denarii are an important part of the first year denarii for Domitian. I am always on the lookout for these rare coins but I am also aware that I am not the only one looking for them.
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RIC 0539 [VESPASIAN]50 viewsDomitian as Caesar AR Denarius 73 CE
(3.04 gm). Rome
Obv: Leaureate head r: CAES AVG F DOMITIAN COS II
Rev: Domitian on horseback, rearing left, right hand raised adlocutio, scepter in left.
RIC 539 (R) [Vesp]
I absolutely love the portrait on this coin. It is a very different portrait for Domitian. It depicts Domitian as Caesar and was issued under Vespasian in 73 CE. The seller misattributed this coin as a common coin which it is not. The legend is different and the direction of the legend is clockwise where it is anti-clockwise on the common type.
I find the reverse to be just as attractive as the obverse.It depicts Domitian on horseback carrying a sceptre. I think the depiction of the horse is quite dynamic.
This coin will take a treasured place in my 12 Caesars collection.
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Augustus RPC 414249 viewsSELEUCIS and PIERIA, Antioch. Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. AR Tetradrachm
(27mm, 14.56 g, 12h). In the name and types of the Seleucid king Philip I Philadelphus. Dated year 26 of the Caesarean Era (24/23 BC).
Obv: Diademed head of Philip I right within fillet border
Rev: Zeus Nicephorus seated left; monogram to inner left and below throne, ςK (date) and thunderbolt in exergue; all within wreath.
Prieur 19; McAlee 19 (this coin illustrated); RPC I 4142; SC 2491.16; HGC 9, 1360p. Toned, some porosity and surface striations. Fine. Rare, seven known to Prieur, and two in CoinArchives.
From the Michel Prieur Collection, purchased privately from Richard McAlee.
CNG E-Auction 451 Lot 272 September 4, 2019orfew
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RIC 131248 viewsVespasianus, 69-79. Denarius Minted 69/70, Tarraco (Tarragona).
3.41 g.
Obv: Bust Laureate right, IMP CAESAR VESPASIANUS AVG
Rev; Pax Seated with branch and Caduceus., COS ITER TR POT
RIC II/1, 1312 (R3)
Dr. Busso Peus Nachf. E-Auctions 6 Lot 259. January 13, 2018.
On first glance this coin looks like a typical Pax seated reverse. This type of reverse is perhaps the most common of reverses for denarii of Vespasian. However, one needs to look more carefully at the portrait side. This portrait of Vespasian seems quite different than portraits on the Rome mint Pax seated denarius. It is true that on this issue, there ca be very dramatic difference in portrait styles for the Rome mint, but this one is so distinctive that RIC II Part one tentatively ascribes this issue to a Spanish mint like Tarraco. It is important to note that this attribution is tentative. The authors of RIC II were not sure that this coin was minted in Tarraco.
Checking other examples of coins minted in Tarraco, there is a similar look to this coin. The authors of RIC II have designated this coin as RIC 1312 rather than the much more common RIC 29. They have also described its rarity as R3. R3 means that only one example was known at the time of publication. However, I have found at least 3 other examples in collections I am aware of. One expert has commented on my coin that it appears to be an obverse die match to the RIC plate coin. This would seem to strengthen the attribution of this coin to RIC 1312.
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RIC 007348 viewsDomitian, AR Denarius 81-96 CE. (81 CE Group 4)
Obv: Laureate head right; IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG PONT
Rev: Tripod with fillets; dolphin above; TR P COS VII DES VIII P P
RIC: 73 (R3) Not in the RIC plates
Purchased from Barakat Gallery Los Angeles
I was very happy to grab this one. It is a rare PONT denarius. All PONT denarii are either R2 (very few examples known to the authors of RIC 2007) or R3 (one example known). This coin happens to be R3, so there was only one known at the time of publication. I know where there are 3 of these. One is the RIC reference coin (it is not in the plates), the second one is owned by a Forum Ancient Coins member, and this one is the third.
I really like these first year coins of Domitian as Augustus. I find the reverse types interesting and I like the unsanitized portraits. For example, his later coins have a much more attractive nose. These coins tend to have a resemblance to coins of Titus. Understandable I suppose as Titus died unexpectedly after only 2 years in office and the delators must have been in a rush to begin the striking of new coinage.
I now have several PONT denarii. As is common with coins of Domitian, a number of these coins were misattributed. If you are going to look for a PONT denarius it is important to check the references twice when you are looking at a potential coin. I highly recommend RIC (2007), as it is the most up to date. RIC contains references for many coins of Domitian that do not appear in BMCRE or RSC. This is especially true for the PONT denarii. There are many PONT denarii the appear in RIC (2007) that do not appear in the other references.
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RIC 0950 [VESPASIAN]47 viewsTitus. AR Denarius as Caesar, AD 69-79. Rome, under Vespasian, Struck AD 77/8.
(19.04 mm, 3.25 g),
Obv: T CAESAR IMP VESPASIANVS, laureate head of Titus right.
Rev: COS VI, prow of galley right, sides ornameted with intricate cross-hatch and maeander patterns; above, star with sixteen rays. RIC 950 (R); BN 202; BMC 226; RSC 68.
Ex: Incitatus Coins
Titus was very much involved in the suppression of the Jewish revolt in Judea. His other claim to fame was that he completed the construction of the Flavian Amphitheater after the death of his father Vespasian.
Titus had something else in common with his father. Like his father, Titus used coin types that were throwbacks to earlier times. One such example is the coin below. On the reverse you will see a ship's prow and a star overhead. This image hearkens back to the Imperatorial period on coins of Marcus Antonius and Ahenobarbus. However, it goes back even further to the republic when it was used on many bronze coins. On the issue of these coins copying earlier designs, a friend who is also an expert in Flavian coinage has this to say:
"I believe that many of these antiquarian reverse types of Vespasian and Titus were struck because the mint was recycling the finer republican and early imperial denarii. The older denarii were struck at nearly 100% silver fineness, the Flavian denarii at 80% fineness. Thus the mint was able to turn over a tidy profit."
This was not an easy coin to find. I had been looking for unusual reverse of Titus and this one popped up at an opportune time. This coin was minted when Titus was Caesar, or next in line to be emperor.orfew
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RIC 002147 viewsDomitian AR Denarius, 81 CE (Group 3)
3.24g
Rome mint, 81 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG PONT; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: COS VII DES VIII P P; Curule chair, wreath above
RIC 21 (R2). BMC p. 299 note. RSC 58
Ex: Harry N. Sneh Collection
Ex: David Atherton Collection
Though I already had an example of RIC 21, when this became available I had to have it. First of all it is a rare PONT denarius. This refers to the use of PONT in the obverse legend. The speculation is that PONT was used before Domitian was officially named Pontifex Maximus.
Another reason I wanted the coin is the condition. Just look at that expressive portrait. These early portraits of Domitian have a lot of character.
Another reason I wanted the coin is that it was once owned by Mr. Harry Sneh. After Mr. Sneh passed away his collection was dispersed to many other collectors through auctions. Mr. Sneh certainly had good taste in coins. He also had many rarities such as this coin.
This coin rates as R2 or very few examples known to the authors of RIC II part 1 (Carradice and Buttrey, 2007). I have 1, there is one in Vienna, one in Copenhagen (RIC), and one at Albert-Ludwigs university (OCRE). I have not been able to find any others.
I would love to add more of these PONT denarii to my collection.orfew
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RIC 003147 viewsDomitian AR Denarius 81 CE (Group 3)
(3.22g)
Obv: Head laureate right; IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG PONT
Rev: Draped seat, Semi-circular frame with crescents; COS VII DES VIII PP
RIC 31; BMC 7; RSC 59
Purchased from Munzencontor Kornblum on MA-Shops
I was very happy to add this coin to my collection. It is not everyday when one gets the opportunity to add a rare PONT denarius to the collection. I try to add these when they appear for sale but there are several other collectors of Flavian coins that are also on the lookout for these.The speculation is that PONT was used before Domitian assumed the title PONTIFEX MAXIMUS. Of course the rarity is only one feature of this coin. As you can see from the obverse, this coin has an amazing portrait. While it is not apparent in the photo, this coin has some lovely iridescent toning. The reverse is also lovely. This is a group 3 denarius. While all of the group 2 denarii are very rare to extremely rare, group 3 also contains its share of rare denarii.
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RIC 147747 viewsVespasianus (69 - 79 CE).
Denar (Silber). 76 CE Uncertain ‘o’ mint, possibly Ephesus
(18mm. 2.92g)
Obv: Kopf mit Lorbeerkranz rechts; IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG. Kopf mit Lorbeerkranz rechts.
Rev: Geflügelter Cadeceus; PON MAX TR P COS VII.
RIC 1477; BMC 483; RSC 375a
Ex: Solidus Auction 76 April 6, 2021 Lot 1247
I am very happy to add this unusual denarius of Vespasian to my collection. It is obvious from the portrait that this is no ordinary denarius of Vespasian. What is also clear is that this coin was definitely not struck in Rome. In fact, there is still some mystery as to where it was actually struck. RIC places this coin as "Uncertain Mint(s) of Asia Minor Uncertain: Ephesus?" I agree with placing this coin in Asia Minor and I do not think it likely that it was struck at Ephesus. The portraits on the Ephesian denarii do not at all look like the portrait on this coin. The other mystery concerns the mint mark found on these coins. Though not visible on this coin a mint mark in the form of a ring or annulet ocurrs under the neck truncation. Many call these 'O' mint denarii because of the annulet. All of these coins are rare to extremely rare. 'O' mint denarii were also struck for Titus and Domitian. This is my third denarius from the series. I am always looking to add more but there are other Flavian collectors who feel exactly the same way, so there tends to be competition for them when they appear. orfew
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RIC 008946 viewsTitus (79-81). AR Denarius, 79-80.
2.93 g 19.00mm
Obv: Head right, laureate. IMP TITVS CAES VESPASIAN AVG PM
Rev: Bonus Eventus standing left, holding patera, corn-ears and poppy; BONVS EVENTVS AVGVSTI
RIC (2nd ed.) 89. AR.
Toned. About VF.
Atrtemide Aste E-Live auction 8 Lot 268
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RIC 059245 viewsDomitian AR denarius 88 CE
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM PM TR P VII; Laureate head right
Rev: IMP XV COS XIIII CENS P P P
RIC 592 (R2)
Purchased from Gary Miller Londinium Coins
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Nero RIC 003444 viewsNero. As Caesar, A.D. 50-54. AR denarius
(18.40 mm, 3.37 g, 7 h). Lugdunum (Lyon) mint.
Obv: NERO CAESAR AVG IMP, bare head right
Rev: PONTIF MAX TR P VII COS IIII P P, EX S C across field, Roma standing right, holding and inscribing shield supported on knee, foot on helmet; dagger and bow at feet to right. RIC 34 (R3); RSC 231. aVF, toned. Rare.
From the D. Thomas Collection;
Ex Hohn Leipziger Munzhandlung.
Nero Denarius 54-68 CE
August 28, 2017
I knew when I started building my 12 Caesars collection that I would eventually want a pre-reform denarius of Nero. The problem is that these are quite scarce in any condition. Also, there is much competition for them the they do appear for sale. Denarii like this one were minted before Nero decided to debase the silver coinage. Pre-reform denarii like this one are at near 100% fineness. This dropped considerably after the debasement. The earlier denarii are also heavier than the post reform coinage.One reason Nero debased the coins was to make up for a shortfall in available cash because of the massive spending he committed to building projects.
This is not a perfect coin, but I like several things about it. First, I like the younger more slender portrait. Contrast this with the "Fat tyrant" portrait later Nero denarii. I also like that the legends are intact. True, they are worn, but they are still readable.orfew
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RIC 003444 viewsDomitian AR Denarius, 81 CE (Group 3)
3.23g
Rome mint, 81 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG PONT; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: COS VII DES VIII P P; Seat, draped; above, winged thunderbolt
RIC 34 (R3). BMC -. RSC -
Ex: Harry N. Sneh Collection.
Ex: David Atherton Collection
This very rare denarius of Domitian was struck in 81 CE, Domitian's first year as Augustus. Just how rare is this coin? It is marked as R3- one example known to Carradice and Buttrey, the authors of RIC II part 1 (2007). This coin appears to be a double die match for the RIC plate coin. This is hardly surprising. It would have been surprising if this coin had different dies which would have suggested a larger mintage. This coin appears to be the second one known of its type.
It is also not surprising that this coin is a PONT denarius. Many of the rarest issues in 81 CE are PONT denarii. These coins are particularly prized by collectors because of their rarity and because they are interesting. It is surmised that the use of PONT in the obverse legend was used before Domitian officially took the title of PM or Pontifex Maximus. In fact PM is used in many of the obverse legends in the 4 groups of denarii struck for Domitian in 81 CE.
There is another reason that I am thrilled to have this coin-the provenance. This coin was part of the collection of Harry Sneh. Mr. Sneh was a well known collector who had collected many interesting Flavian coins. After his passing, the coins were distributed in auctions. Mr. Sneh had a great eye for coins and I would love to have more from his collection. In fact, when I acquired this coin it came with another PONT denarius that was also once the property of Harry Sneh.
This will take an important place in my coins of Domitian collection.orfew
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RIC 044142 viewsDomitian AR Denarius 86 CE
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P V. Kopf mit Lorbeerkranz rechts.
Rev: IMP XII COS XII CENS P P P. Minerva mit Lanze nach links stehend.
RIC 441 (R)
Purchased from DVIN Numismatik on Ma-Shops
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RIC 0957 (Vespasian)42 viewsDomitian as Caesar AR Denarius. Rome 77-78 CE
Obv: Laureate head right; CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS
Rev: Horseman galloping right; COS V in exergue
RIC 957 (Vespasian); BMC 234 (Vespasian); RSC 49
Purchased from Soler y Llach. Subasta Numismatica, Collecion Scipio, Primera Parte June 30, 2021 Lot 518.
As a general rule I have been trying to grab the rare Domitian denarii before getting the easier and more common issues. However, as soon as I saw this one I thought it was very special. While it also has a great reverse image, it is the portrait that shines on this coin. So many of the portraits for Domitian as Caesar are strange, non-artistic, or just plain ugly. This one is exceptional. Many denarii of Domitian appear to be beardless because of normal wear. On this coin, the beard can be seen under the chin.
While I am used to seeing amazing portraiture of Domitian between the years 84-88 CE, so many of these earlier denarii are are best unattractive, and at worst are extremely ugly. The expressive portrait on my coin shows the hand of a very talented engraver. I would very much like to pick up more pieces by this artist. Even the reverse shows evidence of true artistic talent. This image is so often pedestrian on this type. However, here, the figure and horse show much energy and vitality.
I have many excellent portraits of Domitian, but I believe that this one will be a favourite for many years to come.While the denarii of 85-88 are beautiful they also show a sanitized image of the emperor. However, on this coin looks like a real human character. Even the typical Flavian nose is rendered here as an asset and not a detriment. Now that takes a very skilled engraver indeed.orfew
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![Domitian_RIC_788_[Vespasian].png](albums/userpics/41352/thumb_Domitian_RIC_788_%5BVespasian%5D.png "Filename=Domitian_RIC_788_[Vespasian].png
Filesize=1355KiB
Dimensions=1430x710
Date added=Apr 21, 2019")
RIC 0788 [VESPASIAN]41 viewsDomitian as Caesar Denarius 75 CE
18mm., 3,21g.
Obv: Head leaureate r; CAES AVG F DOMIT COS III
Rev: Spes stg l with flower; PRINCEPS IVVENTVT
RIC 788 [Vesp] (C) BMC 156
Ex: Savoca Blue 19th auction April 21, 2019 Lot 1143
I am interested in the minor variations that occur in the Minerva series for Domitian. I have a lot of fun tracking down the attributions by deciphering the legends on these coins. Every once in a while I find a rarity others have overlooked because of the seemingly monolithic nature of the Minerva denarii. So, when I find a coin like this one that does not feature Minerva, I am motivated to grab it. The figure on the reverse of this coin is SPES or "Hope" with a flower in her hand. The legend announces Domitian as the Prince of Youth.
I also find that I like the portraits on these coins for Domitian as Caesar. They are of a completely different character than the later portraits. Not that the later portraits are not good, in fact some are spectacular. Please see other posts on this blog for some examples.
RIC lists this as a common coin but I do not think they appear very often at all. While I really like the Minerva series I will always take the opportunity to add a non Minerva denarius to my collection.
orfew
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RIC 142139 viewsVespasian AR Denarius 70 AD, Ephesus
3.03g
Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS II TR PPP
Laureate head right
Rev: PACI AVGVSTAE
Victory advancing left holding wreath and palm.
RIC 1421 (R), BMCRE 446, RSC 278 determined by die match.
Ex-Flavian Logic Ancient Numismatics (1999), Ex-Ancient Numismatic Enterprises
orfew
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RIC 098039 viewsVespasianus, 69-79 CE
AR-Denar
Rom, 77/78 n. Chr.
3.21 g
Obv.: CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, Kopf mit Lorbeerkranz n. r.
Rev.: IMP XIX, Modius mit Kornähren
RIC 980, BMC 217
Ex: Kölner Münzkabinett January 15, 2019
This coin is a scarce reverse variant of the regular RIC 980. This variant has poppies between the grain ears on the reverse.
orfew
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RIC 006039 viewsDomitian AR Denarius
(3.24g)
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG PONT, Kopf mit Lorbeerkranz n. r.
Rev: TR P COS VII DES VIII P P, Minerva steht mit Schild, Lanze und Victoriola n. l.
RIC 60
Purchased from Kolner Munzcabinet
orfew
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