Holy Cow! I got a 'Grail' Coin!

We specialist live and die by these so called 'grail' coins. They don't come along very often, but when they do it is a cause for celebration! I'm happy to report that I finally got one of mine. It only took 14 years.

Domitian
AR Denarius, 2.73g
Rome mint, 95-96 AD
RIC 816 (R2), BMC 243, RSC, 175
Obv: DOMITIANVS AVG GERM; Head of Domitian, bare, bearded, r.
Rev: Temple, eight columns, seated figure in centre; IMP CAESAR on architrave
Ex Private Collection.

Domitian struck a rare undated issue of denarii depicting five different temples. Based on portrait style and the fact that Domitian's moneyers were experimenting with new reverse designs after 94, the issue has been dated to either 95 or 96. Four of the five temples have been identified - Serapis, Cybele, Minerva, and Capitoline Jupiter. The fifth type is an octastyle temple, seen on the coin above, and its identification remains a mystery. Mattingly conjectured it could be the Temple of Divus Vespasian, P.V. Hill and D. Vagi thought it possibly the Temple of Jupiter Victor, R.H. Darwell-Smith speculated it is the Temple of Jupiter Custos, and M. Tameanko believed it to be the Temple of Divus Augustus. Tameanko makes the strongest case: Earlier renditions of the temple on the coinage under Caligula show it with a hexastyle facade. Domitian restored or rebuilt the temple after the fire of 80. His architect Rabirius may have completely overhauled the building in a more contemporary style producing an octastyle temple. Almost a hundred years later Antoninus Pius restored the temple again and struck a series of coins commemorating the event. His coins indeed depict an octastyle temple very much like the one seen on this denarius and may be additional proof that under Domitian the temple was rebuilt as an octastyle structure. However, until more evidence comes to light, the identification remains uncertain. Like Domitian's earlier Saecular Games series, the temple denarii were likely struck as a special issue, perhaps reflecting Domitian's new interest as builder. The remarkable bare headed portrait further enhances the issue as something special.

Needless to say it is a fantastically rare piece! Additionally, the eight column type may be the scarcest of the temple group, considering I have located only two other examples in trade over the last 15 years. The other two coins (OldRomanCoins 2002, HJB 145, lot 265) are obverse die matches with mine. Oddly, some specimens (BM 234 for example) lack IMP CAESAR on the architrave.

This coin will easily make my 2017 top ten list.

Please share your 'grail' coins!

 

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Awesome finds, congrats!

 

Congrats on finding one of your grail coins! Love the temple reverse.

 

Wonderful coin and, as always, terrific write-up. I had never heard of Domitian's "temple series" - very interesting.

 

Congrats! Very very nice coin.

 

I've experienced the high from acquiring a coin that I've been chasing for a long time—followed by a low or crash period when I ask my self now what? Those are the highs and lows of being a collector. I'm going through that right now after my latest Herod Antipas purchase. The high is definitely exhilarating! Congratulations @David Atherton !

 

I understand why it's so special to you. A major acquisition

Q

 

CONGRATULATIONS @David Atherton ! Wonderful write-up, awesome capture, and what a GREAT feeling! Since I enjoy a few specialized niches, I know that feeling of finally finding that fantastic coin that was difficult to find! Good job!

 

Very nice and I'm glad for you.

 

On the hunt for 14 years? I can only imagine how great it feels to finally have captured it.....Huge congrats!!!

 

This is a Temple anyway.

 

Congrats, mate!!!
What's next? the roman Coliseum...

 

Congratulations, that is a very attractive temple design with nice detailing. Too bad they are so rare i am sure everyone would like one now.

John

 

Nice find David, congrats!

 

Congratulations on the coin capture. Im sure after hunting for 14 years it feels a bit surreal to finally have the coin.

 

congrats. I know what it's like to finally get a certain coin after 14+ years... best feeling ever.

 

Congratulations! Crossing a coin off of your list after that long must be very satisfying!

 

Terrific! LOL

 

Please share your 'grail' coins![/QUOTE]
Any others to see would love to see more!!!