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RIC 144c Domitian
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AR Denarius, 3.53g
Rome mint, 82-83 AD
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IVPPITER CONSERVATOR; Eagle stg. front on thunderbolt, wings outspread flat, head l.
RIC 144c (R). BMC 52 var. (eagle's wings hunched). RSC 320 var. (same). BNC 53 var. (same).
Acquired from Kölner, June 2021. Ex Obolos 19, 8 May 2021, lot 835, Ex Brett Telford Collection. Ex CNG E302, 8 May 2013, lot 359.
In 82 AD Domitian banished his a rationibus Tiberius Julius and then proceeded to increase the fineness of both the silver and gold coins to pre-Neronian standards. The portraits also became more refined and stylish. This denarius from the first post reform issue features a reverse which possibly commemorates Domitian's escape from Vitellian forces after hiding in the Temple of Jupiter during the last days of the Civil War of 69 AD. There are three variants of this reverse type with the eagle's wings either: a. upright, b. hunched, or c. flat. This type c. is extremely rare - out of 76 specimens in the asearch.com database only 6 feature 'flat' wings, the remainder are the common 'hunched' variant. Type a. is only known on the aureus.
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