Domitian Denarius, Special to Some

When one is collecting the denarii of Domitian the dating combination of the TRP, COS, and IMP numbers is very important. They help to distinguish the many different issues, with some combinations being rarer than others. I recently acquired a rare denarius which records Domitian's 17th imperial salutation.


Domitian
AR Denarius
Rome mint, 88-89 AD
RIC 657 (R), BMC 148, RSC 247
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VIII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: IMP XVII COS XIIII CENS P P P; Minerva stg. r. on capital of rostral column, with spear amd shield; to r., owl (M2)

Domitian did not take the consulship in 89, so this rare denarius is dated by TR P VIII between September 88 and September 89. The date can be further narrowed down by the 17th imperial acclamation. A military diploma dated 7 November, 88 records Domitian as IMP XVII, so this issue must have been struck briefly at the end of 88, perhaps just a month or so due to the rarity of the acclamation number on the denarii and the fact they were being awarded at a fairly rapid pace due to increased military activity along the Danube.

I would imagine a coin like this appeals only to a specialist. Correct me if I'm wrong.

 

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Maybe but your specialist knowledge of this coin made it much more interesting to me.

 

It's for sure something I wouldn't have noticed. However, reading your writeups is always informative. One out of many reasons why CT is a great place is just that : people kindly sharing their knowledge with others in a relax way and not patronizing

Thank you
Q

 

Thanks for the kind words. As you well know, being a specialist sometimes can be lonely. It's good to know that others appreciate the coins and the work involved.

And I agree about CT, it's a wonderful place full of great people. I just wish I came here sooner.

 

+1

 

I can absolutely relate. No one here on CoinTalk collects Air Force trade tokens but there are a few members that appreciate seeing them.

 

I LOVE your precise passion @vespasian70

That's a very cool example. Congrats!!!

While I may not purchase a coin for a particular 'variety' I find those that do (and 'specialize') clarify so many aspects of a specific coin that I otherwise would have never been aware of ----and all those aspects interest me.

In the near future I will post a 'variety' that may be 'rare' to the 'specialist' (or even unique) but for most of us simply appears to be a coin with high eye-appeal. I think appreciating the subtle differences within coins, added value or not, is what makes this hobby so fascinating---each coin has so much to say.....

 

Thanks Mikey. It seems as if CT is full of kindred spirits.

 

While I'm much more superficial in my coin collecting habits, I can appreciate someone like you who specializes and is willing to share their knowledge. We have several here on CT and is just one of the reasons I love hangin' around here.

It just so happens I have the same iteration as the OP coin (not on purpose mind you)

DOMITIAN
AR Denarius
OBVERSE: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG - GERM P M TR P VIII Head laureate right
REVERSE: IMP XVII COS XIIII CENS P P P Minerva fighting right with spear and shield atop capital of rostral column, owl at her feet
Struck at Rome, 88-89 AD
3.55g, 18.44mm
RIC 657 (R )

 

Splendid! I must admit, I've admired your example for quite sometime before acquiring one of my own. Thanks for posting it.

 

Thank you. I like the details of the reverse on your new coin best.

 

And I think yours has the better portrait. Together they would make one fabulous coin!

 

Another great coin David. I am another that appreciates your expert descriptions of these coins. They have, on more than one occasion, helped me to decide on a coin to acquire.

 

I also greatly enjoy the rare issues you post David. I recently picked one up, although not yet delivered. It's neither the clearest nor the finest but I'm quite happy due to the rarity. The XXII on the reverse has some die shift but I believe this has to be RIC 737. Of course I'm always open to being corrected!

 

Thanks Nemo! Your kind words are greatly appreciated.

According to the photo your coin does appear to be IMP XXII. If so, you have a very rare denarius!

Once you have it in hand it should be easier to tell.

 

Thanks David. The way I see it, the only options with this date combination is either RIC 737, IMP XXII or 732, IMP XXI. With the spacing between the XX and COS, I think II is almost a certainty. I am looking forward to examining it in hand as you said. This one might be a couple weeks unfortunately.