Censoria Potestas

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by David Atherton, May 7, 2021.

  1. David Atherton

    David Atherton Flavian Fanatic

    I was very thrilled to have recently won this fantastic denarius struck for Domitian in 85. The portrait is quite exquisite too.



    D323.jpg Domitian
    AR Denarius, 3.36g
    Rome mint, 85 AD
    Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P IIII; Bust of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., with aegis
    Rev: IMP VIIII COS XI CENSORIA POTESTAT P P; Minverva stg. l., with spear (M4)
    RIC 323 (R2). BMC -. RSC -. BNC -.
    Ex Heritage Auction 232117, 28-29 April 2021, lot 65186. Formerly in NGC holder #5749336-008, grade VF.

    An extremely rare denarius from the second issue of 85, struck before Domitian reformed the precious metal coinage once again by slightly lowering the silver fineness after raising it to nearly 100% in 82. The portraits also became more refined, prompting C. H. V. Sutherland to remark they possessed an expression of 'critical disdain, of a kind familiar to the medalist of Louis XIV'. This was also the first denarius issue produced after Domitian assumed the censorship (given right to conduct census), note the full spelling of the title in the reverse legend.

    The coin came slabbed, but was freed the moment I opened the mailer.

    It wasn't the only precious round object I received today.

    20210507_165942.jpg
     
    Last edited: May 7, 2021
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  3. Mat

    Mat Ancient Coincoholic

    Great addition & portrait.

    I get my first shot Monday, the 10th.:shifty:
     
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  4. DonnaML

    DonnaML Well-Known Member

    Congratulations on both round objects! A beautiful coin.

    One small typo: take another look at the Roman numeral after Louis.
     
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  5. Clavdivs

    Clavdivs Well-Known Member

    Awesome portrait! Congratulations!
     
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  6. David Atherton

    David Atherton Flavian Fanatic

    Thank you. Good eye!
     
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  7. hotwheelsearl

    hotwheelsearl Well-Known Member

    Didn’t know the Louii went to 44!
     
  8. David Atherton

    David Atherton Flavian Fanatic

    XIV = 14. The original typo was XLV (45).
     
  9. Orfew

    Orfew Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus

    Awesome coin David. Congrats! I hope that I can find one of these for myself. I have been looking but they are extremely elusive.
     
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  10. Parthicus Maximus

    Parthicus Maximus Well-Known Member

    Fantastic addition @David Atherton! Pre-reform silver is very special.

    Unfortunately I was the under bidder on this coin. If I had known that I was bidding against you I would not have made my bids. The only one benefiting from this kind of competition is the auction house.
     
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  11. Orfew

    Orfew Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus

    The aegis on the portrait looks a bit distorted. However, the portrait is excellent.
     
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  12. David Atherton

    David Atherton Flavian Fanatic

    The aegis is often rendered inaccurately on the small flan of the denarii.
     
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  13. Jay GT4

    Jay GT4 Well-Known Member

    Such an historically important coin. Great condition and you gotta love the Aegis and legend. Congrats!
     
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