An Anomalous Domitian Aegis

I got this one earlier in the month but just now have gotten around to cataloguing it. IMHO, a really nice Flavian feather in the cap!

Domitian
AR Denarius, 3.18g
Rome mint, 95-96 AD
RIC 788A. BMC - . RSC - .
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P XV; Bust of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r. with aegis
Rev: IMP XXII COS XVII CENS P P P; Minerva stg. r. on capital of rostral column, with spear and shield; to r., owl (M2)
Ex Dionysos Numismatik (eBay), 27 March 2018.

An extremely rare Domitian aegis portrait from 95/96, possibly the second known example with this reverse type. Domitian's aegis portraits on denarii were more commonly struck in 84 and 85, exceptionally so afterwards. The Rome mint was experimenting with new reverse designs and portrait types for the denarius issues during the last year of the reign. Perhaps the reintroduction of the aegis may have been part of this new programme? Of course we shall never know - Domitian's assassination in September 96 cut short any experimentation with his coinage. This rare variant only came to light recently and has been added to the RIC II.1 Addenda as RIC 788A.

Feel free to share your aegis portraits!

 

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Hi David,
That is a great coin. Congratulations on adding such a rarity to your collection. I do not have a Domitian with Aegis, however I do have a Domitian with a very nice Minerva.
Domitianus (81 - 96 AD).
Denarius. 83 AD Rome.
(20 mm 3.47 g)
Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M. Head with laurel wreath on the right.
Rev: TR POT II COS VIIII OF THE XP P. Minerva with lance and shield on capital standing to the right, in front of it an owl.
RIC 164; C.606; BMC 4
Ex: Silbury Coins January 28 2018

 

Great coin David. I've been looking for mis attributed Domitians for a while now and got a few bargains. Did the seller know what he was selling?

 

A lovely coin, David. Congrats.

 

The Minerva on captial is my favourite of the four standard Minerva types Domitian struck throughout his reign. That is an exquisite example of it!

 

No. However, I still paid high retail for the piece. Apparently at least one other bidder realised what is special about it.

 

I am boring from all the domitian minerva , this is a nice coin.( i see them to much)

 

Admittedly, it takes a special kind of collector who appreciates campgates, fallen horsemen, and Domitianic Minervas. I am one of those weirdos.

 

you see the history and has the expertise,

 

aegis

 

Wow cool

 

That's a great reverse ro

 

Another great Domitian David. I only have one with aegis but I love it!



Domitian. AD 81-96. AR Denarius, 20mm, 3.50g. Rome mint. Struck AD 85
O: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P IIII; Laureate bust Domitian right with aegis
R: IMP VIIII COS XI CENS POT P P; Minerva standing right on capital of rostral column with spear and shield; aegis draped over back with snakes around; owl to right.
- RIC 334

 

an as with aegis

In case anyone missed the point here: 'Weirdo' is a complement in this group. If you are not just a little strange, you probably are not cut out to collect ancient coins. I am not a particular fan of Domitian and the Minervas that go with him but I am every bit as weird in a hundred other ways and proud of it.

 

A splendid example of the type! You can clearly make out the mysterious small figures on the capital. But that's a discussion for another thread!

 

Great addition!

 

thanks