They both arrived this week just in the nick of time to be counted for 2015. Neither denarius is extremely rare or unusual, but both have interesting portraits and no major flaws. Domitian AR Denarius Rome mint, 82 AD RIC 95 (C), BMC 28A, RSC 595 Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r. Rev: TR POT COS VIII P P; Curule chair, wreath above Coined at the very beginning of 82, just before Domitian overhauled the mint and increased the fineness of the denarius. The type is a continuation of the 'pulvinaria' series, most likely struck as a stop-gap until the mint master finished preparations for the new reverse designs. In good early veristic style with a rich dark tone. Domitian AR Denarius Rome mint, 95 AD RIC 772 (C2), BMC 224, RSC 287 Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P XIIII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r. Rev: IMP XXII COS XVII CENS P P P; Minerva stg. l., with thunderbolt and spear, shield at her l. side (M3) Domitian held the consulship in 95, which dates this denarius between 1 January and 13 September of that year. Flavian specialist Brian Jones speculates that during 95/96 Domitian waged a campaign against the Iazyges in the vicinity of Singidunum. This military activity may account for the large issues of denarii struck during the final years of the reign. Admittedly, tying denarius issues to military campaigns is guess work at best. The engravers in the last couple of years of Domitian's reign sometimes depicted his portrait with a slight upward tilt. Harold Mattingly described these portraits as 'eyes to heaven', similar to those struck much later for Constantine the Great. Happy New Year everyone!
I did admire the historical detailed approach of the Mints. Well done... And.. And.. HAPPY NEW YEAR 2016.
Guve it a shot, you wont go back. Im selling all my US coins as we speak. Here there is history AND art!
I'm also a blood born " Mason " and love the history and everything to do with it . My grandfather was willed his father mason ring, which one day will be mine . I can still remember the day my mother asked me what that ring was . My answer was and I quote: Its a mason ring and it mine . She made me choose between my grandfathers wedding ring, or the mason ring . I had to choose the wedding ring, it was from my grandmother to him . But I did tell my mother, the mason ring is mine too . I'm the only one to follow the trade and very proud I did .
I never paid any attention to them until I joined this site last year. Lots of designs and history to choose from and most are more reasonable than US coins. I can do both. Expanding my interest is a good thing. Happy New Year Rick
