This coin is a group 3 denarius issued in 81 CE. Group 2 denarii are very rare and group 3 are not much more common. While the reverse depicts an early Minerva it is not the first appearance of Minerva on a coin of Domitian. This coin (RIC 28) and a coin with a different obverse legend (RIC 27) were very early appearances of Minerva on a coin of Domitian as Augustus rather than as Caesar. (In order to determine the first appearance of Minerva on coins of Domitian as Augustus one would have to be certain of the order of the 4 groups of precious metal coinage. While the current order of the groups may be correct, I believe there is more work to be done) Both of these coins show Minerva advancing with spear and shield. This type was was continued under Domitian as Augustus after being used under Titus with Domitian as Caesar. RIC 29 and 30 introduce a new Minerva (with Victory and spear). As it is with RIC 27 and 28, the only difference between these coins is a variation in the obverse legend. The 4 dominant Minerva types would not emerge until the second issue of 83 CE. I very much enjoy studying the 4 groups of 81 CE. All of the coins in these groups were struck in the last few months of 81 CE and I am happy to add another of these early coins of Domitian as Augustus to my collection. Please post your coins that caused you to dive into the references. Domitian AR Denarius 81 CE 3.2 g Obv: Head laureate r; IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG PM Rev: Minerva adv r with spear and shield; COS VII DES VIII PP RIC 28 (R2)
Another nice one. You probably have more Flavians than anyone I know. I'm still on the one Domitian... Domitian AR Denarius 19mm. 3.10g. Rome Mint 87 A.D. Laureate head, r. IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VII Minerva advancing r., brandishing javelin and holding shield on prow of ship, eagle at feet. IMP XIIII COS XIII CENS P P P RIC II 92; RSC II 218
Thanks @Sallent but I can think of a few people who have many more than I do. I believe that @David Atherton has more than 200 denarii of Domitian alone. I like your Domitian. The portrait is lovely. In the new RIC your coin is RIC 518 (C).
Congrats on scoring an early rare one! Interesting to note, despite the rarity, yours is a different die pair than my example.
The coin arrived today. It is very difficult to photograph properly.The coin actually looks much better in hand than in the sellers photo or in my photo. The lettering is actually very nice and sharp and the youthful portrait has lots of definition.
Very interesting discussion and coins. I have an "early" Minerva of Domitian, but one of the Caesar types. Domitian (Caesar) Denarius (80-81 A.D.) Rome Mint CAESAR DIVI F DOMITIANVS COS VII, laureate head right / PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS, Minerva advancing right, wielding javelin and holding shield at the ready. RIC 268; RSC 381a, BMC 86 (2.65 grams / 18 mm)
I like that type very much. I have looked at a few but have not found the right one yet. Yours has a great portrait.
Really nice, Andrew!! I still need to get a Domitian in silver. I have a couple (worn) of his pop. I really like that she's on a prow rather than just ground represented by a line. Also, I think that is an owl rather than an eagle. It's very cool! *adds to want list*
