My latest arrival is a rare Domitian 'PONT' denarius. Domitian AR Denarius, 3.17g Rome mint, 81 AD RIC 40 (R2), BMC -, RSC - Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG PONT; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r. Rev: TR P COS VII DES VIII P P; Altar, garlanded and lighted Acquired from London Ancient Coins, June 2017. The abbreviation 'PONT' for Ponitfex Maximus must have come early in the rapid sequence of titles Domitian employed on his denarii in 81 and likely was short lived if its rarity is any indication. The more usual 'PM' soon followed and was used for the remainder of the reign. The records of the Arval brothers do not show Domitian as Pontifex Maximus by 30 October 81, so presumably he acquired the title in either November or December. The altar on the reverse is a carry-over pulvinaria type struck for Domitian as Caesar under Titus, perhaps representing the pulvinar of Vesta and Vulcan. Interestingly, the obverse legend displays the Greek influenced 'Y' instead of 'V', perhaps evidence of a Greek engraver's handiwork. More information about this can be read here: http://www.jhecoins.com/articles/article01.htm I could spend the rest of my life collecting all these early Domitian denarii!
I would suggest investigating to see if Pontif Maximus was a title that was conferred only on a certain date (like Consul) or after a formal ceremony so that PONT would indicate he was not yet PM just like DES VIII indicates he was not yet COS VIII. There never was more than one PM but I do not know the status of the office after the death of the old PM.
You make a good point. PONT did not stand for Pontifex Maximus under Augustus but did so under Nero (PONT was used after Nero was already Pontifex Maximus, BMC 9). So, it seems likely PONT was an abbreviation of Pontifex Maximus for Domitian too. Although it is possible he followed in Augustus' footsteps and used the temporary title 'PONT' until the ceremony electing him to the position was completed. The office seems to have had no fixed date of appointment - Titus assumed it fairly quickly after his accession in June 79. Domitian presumably waited until his election as Pontifex Maximus before it was displayed on the coinage, perhaps Titus did not?
Incredible eye-appeal!!! I LOVE that portrait! This is the closest I have (Well, it does have a garlanded altar): Silver denarius, RIC II, part 1, Titus 266 (C2); RSC II 397a; BMCRE IITitus 92; BnF IIITitus 76; SRCV I 2676, F, toned, Rome mint, weight3.331g, maximum diameter 17.7mm, die axis 180o, as caesar, 80 - 81 A.D.; obverse CAESARDIVI F DOMITIANVS COS VII, laureate head right; reverse PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS (the first of youths), flaming and garlanded altar.
Similar Devices; different legends Domitian Denarius 80 AD (Under Titus) - CAESAR DIVI F DOMITIANVS COS VII, laureate head right / PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS, lighted & garlanded altar 19.1mm 3.55g
