Another day, another gem the postman delivered. Domitian AR Denarius Rome mint, 82 AD RIC 99 (R), BMC 25, RSC 592a Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r. Rev: TR POT COS VIII P P; Minerva stg. l., with Victory and sceptre; at feet, shield This denarius is part of the last issue before Domitian reformed the coinage in 82 AD. Prior to the reform Domitian's coinage maintained the same reverse types, fabric, fineness, and style as those minted under Titus. After the reform all of that changed, along with the dismissal and banishment of the financial secretary Julius Aug. lib. who presumably did not approve of the new changes. Minerva and Victory did not become one of the standard Minerva types that were coined year after year until the end of the reign. It made its last appearance in this issue and is the scarcest type of the series. Struck in superb veristic style. A really beautiful denarius showcasing the fine technical and artistic craftsmanship of the Rome mint.
