A couple of weeks ago I was browsing the auctions and came across this one. The listing said it was RIC 28. It is rated by RIC as R2. It turns out the auction house got the rarity rating correct but not the obverse legend. There are 8 types with the legend IMP CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIAN AVG PM, and this coin is one of them. As it happens I already have a RIC 72 but the portrait on this one is much nicer. The first coin below is the first one I acquired a few months ago. It was part of the "morris" collection. The actual previous collector was Phillip Peck of New York. The second one does not have the pedigree but because of the portrait I had to have it. Please post coins you had to have because of the portrait. Domitian, as Augustus (AD 81-96). AR denarius Rome 13 September-31 December AD 81 (18mm, 3.02 gm, 6h). NGC Choice Fine 4/5 - 4/5. Obv: IMP CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIAN AVG P M, laureate head of Domitian right Rev: TR P COS VII-DES VIII P P, pulvinar of Jupiter and Juno, draped, surmounted by thunderbolt. RIC II 72 (R2), BMC--, RSC--, Cohen-- 2019 August 18 Ancient Coin Selections from the “Morris Collection” Phillip C Peck of New York, Part II Monthly Online Auction #271933 Lot # 35169 ...and the new acquisition. Domitian AR denarius 81 CE (Group 4) Obv: IMP CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIAN AVG PM; Head laureate right Rev: TR P COS VII DES VIII P P; Seat draped above winged thunderbolt. RIC 72 (R2). Zeus Numismatics Prime 1 Lot 282 November 17, 2019
Here is my own photo. You can see the beard in my photo. The coin arrived today and I am very pleased with it.
Very nice new acquisition, Andrew! Regarding portraits I had to have, my avatar coin is one that wasn't great when I got it, much was covered up and I cleaned it up and now I just love its portrait. I had listed it for sale back in AMCC1 and it didn't sell, thankfully... After being away from it and "almost losing it" I realized how much I liked it, and I'm super happy to have it back in my collection (permanently, I'd think). It's a Titus restoration issue of Augustus... It's still not entirely a "looker", but I like it Divus Augustus, Died 14 AD AE As, Restoration Issue, Struck under Titus 80-81 AD, Rome Mint Obverse: DIVVS AVGVSTVS PATER, radiate head left. Reverse: IMP T VESP – AVG REST, Victory alighting left, holding shield inscribed SP/QR, S-C across fields. References: RIC Titus 446
Nice addition @Orfew! I am still on the look out for a good portrait of Domitian, as augustus. I was thinking of a nice specimen with minerva on the reverse, with the owl. Then again, there are many more interesting types... Any suggestion?
Nice one Andrew. One of the nice things about being a specialist is that you can pick out these misattributed specimens much better than a generalist like me. I am usually only able to find that a coin is misattributed after I buy it. Cudos to your knowledge and congrats on the new coin!
If you like the type with the owl that is a perfectly fine choice. Try to find one struck between 84-88 CE. There are some spectacular portraits of Domtian during these years. If you need help finding one just let me know. I would be happy to help you find one.