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Domitian RIC-599

AR Quinarius, 1.61g
Rome mint, 88 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VIII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: COS XIIII LVD SAEC FEC; Herald adv. l., with wand and shield
RIC 599 (C2). BMC 134. RSC 78. BNC 122.
Ex CNG E404, 23 August 2017, lot 504. Ex Helios 1, 17 April 2008, lot 248 (The Frank L. Kovacs Collection).

Unusually, this quinarius lacks the de rigueur Victory on the reverse, instead we have an interesting historical type of a Herald announcing Domitian's Ludi Saeculares. This was the only saeculum type struck on his quinarii. The games were held in 88 following the Augustan cycle. Presumably this piece was struck for commemorative purposes in conjunction with the games. RIC places the frequency rating for this type as 'very common' (C2), however, this seems a bit over generous. Perhaps a rating of 'common' (C) would be more appropriate. The upcoming RIC II.1 Addenda notes the frequency discrepancy, citing C. Clay's concern that only nineteen specimens are in King's survey of Roman quinarii.

A lovely piece with dark toning and fine style.

File information
Filename:	D599.jpg
Album name:	David Atherton / Imperial Coinage of Domitian
Rating (1 votes):	(Details)
File Size:	179 KB
Date added:	Aug 29, 2017
Dimensions:	800 x 364 pixels
Displayed:	95 times
URL:	http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-139531
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Sam

[Aug 29, 2017 at 09:57 AM]

Nice and artistic reverse . Great addition to our FORVM !

Jay GT4

[Aug 29, 2017 at 10:17 AM]

Tough coin to find

Canaan

[Aug 29, 2017 at 10:27 AM]

Great example of the type, i love it!!!

FlaviusDomitianus

[Aug 29, 2017 at 10:49 AM]

Nice find, different dies than mine.

orfew

[Aug 29, 2017 at 12:26 PM]

Nice catch David

quadrans

[Aug 29, 2017 at 06:57 PM]

Nice small piece..

ancientdave

[Aug 31, 2017 at 06:14 AM]

Excellent find!

okidoki

[Aug 31, 2017 at 03:15 PM]

very nice details and looks