RIC 023 Domitian

AR Denarius, 3.13g
Rome mint, 81 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG PONT; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: COS VII DES VIII P P; Curule chair, wreath above
RIC 23 (R3). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
Acquired from eBay, July 2020.

An extremely rare Domitian First issue group 3 PONT denarius. RIC lists the frequency as R3 (unique), but apparently this is the third known example (one is cited by RIC from the Sotin Hoard and another is in the Forvm member's galleries). Notably, the unusual reverse legend lacks the standard TR P (an omission?). This early denarius was struck before Domitian became Pontifex Maximus and the completion of the necessary religious rites. These First issue coins were struck with rapidly changing titular titles (as Domitian racked them up) and were likely intended for legionary donatives.

Fine style and good metal.