Yes, not a rare coin at all. In fact it is very common as a type. However, I have been looking for the right one of these for at least a year. There are plenty available but when I saw this one the checklist was fulfilled. I wanted a great artistic portrait, a clear Corinthian helmet on the reverse, and clear complete legends. I hope you agree that it is yes on all fronts. Also I have added the vimeo video of the coin. If there are any objections I will take it down. Domitian as Caesar 80 CE Obv: Head laureate right; CAESAR DIVI F DOMITIANVS COS VII Rev: Corinthian helmet on draped throne; PRINCEPS IVVENTUTIS RIC: 271 [Titus]; BMC 98; RSC 399a Purchased from Harlan Berk HJB Fixed Price list 4
She's a beauty! Very nice video as well I posted mine a bit ago, not in same league but I was pleasantly surprised when it finally arrived Sorry about the picture
Nice one, Orfew. I have a worn example. My notes below give a possible reason behind the reverse design - via FORVM. Domitian (Caesar) Denarius (80-81 A.D.) Rome Mint CAESAR DIVI F DOMITIANVS COS VII, laureate head right / PRINCEPS IVVE[NTVTIS], helmet on altar. RIC 271 (Titus); RSC 399a. (3.19 grams / 18 x 16 mm) Issued in 80 AD to propitiate the gods for the plague and fire in Rome and eruption of Vesuvius (destruction of Pompeii). Rites required the sacred couches of the gods (pulvinaria) be set out with emblems of the deity. Several coin issues of Titus and Domitian depict Minerva’s helmet on a draped couch. (www.forumancientcoins.com)
Beautiful choice @Orfew. Perfectly centered, full legends and great style. I don’t have an example of Domitian, but here’s a Ptolemy I Soter tetradrachm with two helmets, Athena's has a crest, and an elephant headdress to boot.
Here's a CNG auction with the same "Vesuvius" information - I'd still like to find out more about how this idea came about - it sure is interesting if true: https://www.cngcoins.com/Coin.aspx?CoinID=154039
I don't disagree with CNG's proposal that these are pulvinar types ... but for what occasion? N. T. Elkins has proposed they commemorate the religious ceremonies, or lectisternium, for the opening games of the Colosseum. This theory seems very plausible to me.