In 82 AD Domitian overhauled the mint and increased the fineness of the denarius. He also apparently brought in new engravers who began working in a more elaborate, idealised style. By 84 the Rome mint was producing some of the best quality denarii of the whole Roman series. During this time the new style came into full bloom, as can be seen on this gorgeous example from the second issue of 84. Domitian AR Denarius Rome mint, 84 AD (second issue) RIC 186 (R2), BMC 48 , RSC 352 Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG GERMANIC; Bust of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r., with aegis Rev: P M TR POT III IMP V COS X P P; Minerva stg. l., with thunderbolt and spear; shield at her side (M3) All of the coins from 84 are quite scarce due to both Gresham's law and the low rate of production. Much experimentation was going on at the mint at this time with reverse types, busts, and style. I assume the amount of time an engraver spent on rendering these highly polished pieces was considerable, which could perhaps explain why they were not struck more commonly. The aegis draped over the left shoulder along with the icy regal portrait makes for a most compelling piece. Struck on a large flan (21 mm!) this is a very impressive coin in hand.
Thanks Mat. The weight is 3.48 g. Aegis busts for Domitian are fairly rare and normally go for a premium. But be patient, sometimes an example can fly under the radar.
V70, awesome coin love the details. i was just retaking a picture of my Domitian it has a owl at Minerva feet. i love owls on anything. hope you don't mind me posting mine. Domitian..90 AD. Ar, denarius.. Obv. laureate head right. Rev. Minerva advancing right, bearing javelin and shield. Owl at feet. 19mm x 3.34g.
Not a Denarius, but here is an As of Domitian with the nice aegis. Although many dealers and some collectors consider the small figure on the aegis to be Medusa, it is actually Phobos, the god of fear.
Domitian struck four standard Minerva reverse types every year between 83 and 96. M1 Minerva advancing right, brandishing spear M2 Minerva advancing right, brandishing spear, on capital of rostral column, accompanied by owl M3 Minerva standing, facing left, with thunderbolt and spear and shield behind her feet M4 Minerva standing left with spear Yours is M1, Minerva with the attributes of Mars, sometimes called the 'fighting' Minerva.
Curious about how you came by the Phobos reference, Seth. Do you mean specifically this coin or all coins with an aegis on the bust? Medusa has always made sense to me since the legendary aegis (shield of Athena) had the head of Medusa, and on some coins you see what appears to be snakes protruding from the head. Also, as on your coin, you see the wings on the head, resembling the depictions of the winged Medusa head.
Fantastic example, V70 ... very sharp indeed!! Yah, I have my sweet Domitian example to toss-in as well ...
I've always liked your 'M3'. Now all we need is someone to post an 'M4' and all four standard Minerva types will be accounted for! Bonus points if anyone can post a non standard Minerva.
Now when I look at it without preconceptions, you are most likely right @zumbly. My observation came from me being used to 3rd century canons, where rule of thumb is that Medusa is on the breast plate on seen from front busts while Phobos is on the shoulder aegis on so-called "heroic busts". Although there are also instances oh shoulder aegis that contains both Phobos and Medusa, like this Tacitus, that has the little Phobos head seen from the left side AND the winged Medusa head seen from front:
Domitian AR Denarius Rome mint, 86 AD RIC 441 (R), BMC p. 319 §, RSC 201 Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P V; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r. Rev: IMP XII COS XII CENS P P P; Minerva stg. l., with spear (M4)
Domitian AR Denarius Rome mint, 81 AD RIC 62 (C), BMC 13, RSC 564 Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG PM, Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r. Rev: TR P COS VII DES VIII P P; Minerva stg. l., with Victory and sceptre; at feet, shield
