RIC 0031

Domitian 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.