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Domitian RIC II 0145
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Domitian. 81-96 A.D. AR Denarius. Rome Mint, 82-83 A.D. (3.23g, 19.0 mm, 6h). Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG PM, laureate head right. Rev: SALVS AVGVSTS (in. clockwise from lower l.), Salus seated left with corn ears and poppy. RIC II 145 (R), BMC 54, RSC 412.
In late 82 A.D., Domitian dramatically reformed the mint, increasing the fineness of the silver issues to Augustan standards after years of decline. New reverse types, such as this Salus appeared, and Domitian’s portrait began to change to a more idealized look. Salus was the Roman goddess of safety, salvation, and welfare. Given Gresham’s Law, many of these post-reform coins are quite scarce.
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