Another misattributed Minerva

The style looks official to me. Nice example with honest wear.

 

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Here's a Domitian with Minerva. I have no reason to think it's rare, but what do I know? Maybe the engraver's error on the obverse makes it a rarity. Perhaps one of you Flavian experts can tell me. I think it's cool because you can see the snake heads on Minerva's aegis.


Domitian, AD 81-96.
Roman AR denarius, 3.44 g, 17.2 mm, 7 h.
Rome, AD 91.
Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR XI (error; should read TR P XI), laureate head, right.
Rev: IMP XXI COS XV CENS P P P, Minerva advancing right, brandishing a javelin and holding a shield.
Refs: RIC 156; RIC² 724; BMCRE p. 336, note; Cohen 269; RCV --.

 

There is no note in RIC that mentions this error.I like the coin and in my opinion the error makes the coin more interesting.

 

Another question:
If Flavian rarities based on dating numbers (not things like the Colosseum sestertii) appear in a widely distributed sale (CNG level) but the description does not explain the rarity, how do the bids compare to exceptionally nice but common coins of the same type but with more common numbers? In Severan, I see really rare numbers selling for very little more while grade means a great deal more. That may be a sign of the relatively fewer people collecting the series. The Severan things that stand out as different to everyone always sell well but I have bought rare minor variations for little or no more than the similar common coin but know I have no chance whatsoever for things like the arch even though the CNG site shows them having sold six of them.
https://www.cngcoins.com/Coin.aspx?CoinID=175854


In that same time CNG has sold fewer than six Emesa Minerva coins (all scarce) and none with an owl (unless I missed it). I paid $80 (to someone you know) for this one and have seen none since (Martin may have one???). Does rarity matter? Is that different in Flavians?

 

Very simple. Many will tell you it takes two to drive up the price of a coin, but often it will take three or more bidders. Overall Domitian denarii with Minerva reverses are incredibly common. True some varieties (dates) are very rare, but it will take two people to care about the date to drive up a price. But what happens when both bidders are what some may call 'cheapskates'? The price stays low. Some day Domitian denarii may become supremely sought after, but who can tell?

 

Here's an AE denarius of Domitian which I don't think matches any official issue in RSC: e.g. RSC 234 would have obverse legend doesn't match (should be Na "VII" 87-88 AD) - 242b would be IMP XV 88-89 AD) no match OCRE either - any correction to my read is appreciated - also interested to know if a more specific date can be defined.

Domitian AE Denarius

Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM PM TRP VIII, laureate head right
Rev: IMP XIIII COS XIIII CENS P P P Minerva standing left, holding thunderbolt and spear, shield at her side
Size: 1.62g, 17.3-18.0mm
Date: 88 AD?
Note: Edit (AD not BC)

 

...AD?

 

A few questions. 1. Are you sure about the weight? 2. Are you sure this is AE and not silver?
3.The legends correspond to RIC 580- a denarius. I also read TR P VII and not TR P VIII. Are you sure it reads TR P VIII?

 

I must have republic on the brain, Yes : AD

1) yes just rechecked weight 1.62g
2) not 100% on AR vs. AE very green patina "limes" was my assumption
3) I see a VIII - but could be an odd end to bust?

 

Doug, your experience with Severan coins at auction pretty much corresponds with Flavian as well. Most folks don't care about a rare date on a common type (Domitian Minervas for example), but rare types are fairly hot. There is no comparison between Domitian's 'R2' Minervas and his 'R2' temple reverse denarii.

 

It indeed is a 'limes' denarius. The style isn't official and neither is the metal or weight! Very nice, BTW.

 

Between here and Forum I know at least 5 people who care about and actively collect Domitian's Imperial acclimations. Some are scarce, others very rare. While it's always nice to get a rarity, I think condition usually wins out, unless there's no chance of getting another anytime soon...like a winged Minerva TRP XVI

 

Touché!

 

Mistakes like that don't happen very often on Domitian's official coins. Needless to say that's a wonderful piece!

 

Nice!

Wait till I run out of horseman coins.

 

Hahaha

 

This is a very thought provoking thread to me. So far I've been a Roman "type collector," but I've wondered if I want to have an area to specialize in in addition to collecting by type. @Orfew and his interest in Flavian coinage has been a big inspiration in making me think I might want to "settle down" with one emperor or type. I'm not sure what I would specialize in yet, I assume it will come naturally, so I'm not going to try to force it.

 

IMO these are two important suggestions from your own words. Don't give up your old hobby to start over as a specialist. The two can exist side by side and you should not sell off coins you like just because you decided now you are a specialist in something else.

If you are a general collector with, say, 100 coins, you might just look at those coins and see what they have in common. If, for example, you have ten Flavians and only two Antonines, your collection may be telling you something. Specialties do not have to be time periods. Errors, women, quinarii, gold.....all have fans here. There are hundreds of possible specialties. One of the older sale catalogs I have was a collection of cows on coins.....not a pig in the bunch.

 

I was reading the titles from your larger image but I agree "the letters all run together" - I had to get glasses last year and I guess it was for a reason. Nice catch.

 

I agree. You can do both. This hobby is wonderful. It can take you in many directions at once...let it. I am still a 12 Caesars collector at heart. I might spend some time with the Flavians and may even specialize in this area but this does not mean that I am not a 12 Caesars collector. Pick up a few coins of your favorite emperor and find out if you have a passion for it. You can however have more than one passion at the same time.