I was very excited when this one arrived over the weekend! Domitian AR Quinarius, 1.61g Rome mint, 88 AD RIC 599 (C2), BMC 134, RSC 78 Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P VIII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r. Rev: COS XIIII LVD SAEC FEC; Herald adv. l., with wand and shield Ex CNG E404, 23 August 2017, lot 504. Ex Helios 1, 17 April 2008, lot 248 (The Frank L. Kovacs Collection). Unusually, this quinarius lacks the de rigueur Victory on the reverse, instead we have an interesting historical type of a Herald announcing Domitian's Ludi Saeculares. This was the only saeculum type struck on his quinarii. The games were held in 88 following the Augustan cycle. Presumably this piece was struck for commemorative purposes in conjunction with the games. RIC places the frequency rating for this type as 'very common' (C2), however, this seems a bit over generous. Perhaps a rating of 'common' (C) would be more appropriate. The upcoming RIC II.1 Addenda notes the frequency discrepancy, citing C. Clay's concern that only nineteen specimens are in King's survey of Roman quinarii. Post your Ludi Saeculares coins!
Definitely a very cool example---well centered with full legends....and what a terrific reverse! I seem to lack Ludi Saeculares coins
Nice example of a scarce coin! Domitian's Lvdi Saeculares quinarius is definitely scarcer than the denarii. Here are my examples celebrating the Lvdi Saeculares of 88 A.D.
Thanks everyone for the kind words and terrific coins! Stay tuned for another rare Ludi Saeculares piece I acquired recently. I'll be posing it as soon as I can get some proper photos. In the meantime, where are all the later Ludi Saeculares coins? Please post them if you can.
