This is the first thread I've started here at CT and what better way to do so than to post a lovely coin. Perhaps something I should do more often. I was really quite thrilled to receive this in the mail from Germany this week. AR Tetradrachm Antioch mint, 91-92 AD RPC 1980 (12 spec.) Obv: AYTO KAIΣAP ΔOMITIANOΣ ΣEB ΓEPM; Head of Domitian, laureate, r., with aegis Rev: ETOYΣ NEOV IEPOY ENΔEKATOY; Eagle with wings spread on thunderbolt to l., head r., with wreath in beak; in r. field, palm branch Domitian's Antiochene tetradrachms are in general not very common. This type is probably the most common of the series and RPC only found 12 specimens in the core collections consulted. These tetradrachms are struck in a finer style than the first two issues, paralleling a change in style seen on coins from Alexandria around the same time. RPC speculates the whole Antiochene Domitianic series is "Alexandrian". The dies possibly engraved in Alexandria and the coins struck in Antioch. An extraordinary theory to be sure, but quite in keeping with how provincial coinage at the time could be engraved or struck in locations other than the "local" mint.
Great Tet! For those who don't know, David is an authority on Flavian silver. His collection of rarities is second to none!
It really is a nice example and as David has said these are not common. The style is very nice indeed and I find it a mark of the quality of the engraving that you could isolate the portrait and still recognise the bust as being Domitian. Very nice indeed. Martin
Love the coin !!! Love TETs---and love everything about that Domitian portrait!! So naturally, I HATE IT TOO !
