This was delivered to my PO box yesterday. Domitian AR Cistophorus, 10.66g Rome mint (for Asia), 82 AD RIC 844 (R), BMC p. 352, RSC 668, RPC 868 (3 spec.) Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIAN AVG P M; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r. Rev: Aquila between two standards, one surmounted by a banner, the other by a hand Ex. Berk 144, 13 July 2005, lot 572. A small issue of cistophori were struck in Rome for Titus and Domitian in 81-82 AD. Although lacking a date, this cistophorus is believed to have been struck along side the COS VIII dated examples in 82. There is a COS VIII cistophorus overstruck with this undated legend (RPC 869), so perhaps the undated coins were struck a bit later. Although the style and die axis suggests Rome as the mint, Butcher and Ponting in The Metallurgy of Roman Silver Coinage have concluded the silver content is from a different stock than contemporary denarii struck at the mint. They speculate recycled denarii or provincial silver was used in the striking of these Rome mint cistophori. At any rate, I really do love imperial cistophori and was very happy to add this one to my collection.
Great coin David. I have seen other examples and always thought it was a very attractive type. I almost bid on one just a few weeks ago. There is just something about big silver coins. Congrats!
That's a very cool coin!! I love the type!!! I keep trying to grab an example of a (AR) Cistophorus of Augustus but find there's always at least one other person who wants it more
I think I crossed over to addict when I began acquiring Titus' pulvinaria denarii based on how many corn-ears are displayed on a throne. lol
Possibly, but if you can follow through on the matter and find even a hint of a reason that there were different corn ear count (officina, year, month......anything) your 'addict' status becomes 'scholar'. In my case, Julia Domna Rome mint Venus reverse denarii come with drapery tails hanging down on the right left or both sides. It means something. The 'what' part is a work in progress. Perhaps your ears are, too. The number of rays in the crown of coins of the Kushan Soter Megas are pretty well accepted to be related to the date but it seems that the larger number of rays (14?) are earlier than the lesser (5) counting down one a year in general theories. Proof and details take longer. Addiction can be an acceptable thing if you are addicted to the right thing.
Fantastic coin, David. I have no Cistophorus of any kind and would love to get one in the near future.
Domitian's cistophori are not terribly expensive and are frequently seen in trade. For the price of two or three denarii you could have one of these nice large silver pieces!
