My latest acquisition is proof that even well catalogued numismatic periods still have many mysteries. Domitian AR Denarius, 3.53g Rome mint, 81 AD RIC 26 (R). BMC spec. acquired 1987. RSC 63. Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r. Rev: COS VII DES VIII P P; Dolphin coiled around anchor Acquired from CGB, November 2017. Ex CGB Live Auction, 1 August 2017, lot brm_440753 (unsold). An interesting denarius from Domitian's Group 3 denarii, a carry-over type from Titus' pulvinaria series. Curiously, the reverse legend lacks a TRP date (a title Domitian was awarded upon accession), yet it is matched with an obverse legend employed later in the year. This reverse legend is more appropriate chronologically paired with the early 'PONT' obverse dies with which it also shares a link. RIC notes the chronology is not precise with these issues from 81 and they are grouped only for 'convenience'. A possible explanation for such an odd legend pairing would be the mint workers continuing to use old reverse dies with newly engraved obverses. With that in mind, it is not surprising die links between Groups 2, 3, and 4 are known. Generally, denarii with the reverse legend lacking TRP are quite scarce - all of the types in the group have a frequency rating of rare or very rare. The dolphin and anchor reverse is probably the most common one in the issue. What also attracted me to the piece is the stylish 'pinched' portrait, almost Julius Caesar like. Feel free to post your numismatic mysteries, riddles, or enigmas.
I agree---- Within my limited experience, I would've considered that an unusual depiction of Domitian....especially from a coin struck in Rome. It's a terrific coin in many ways!!!
The portrait alone would be enough to grab my attention. I like this sort of thing where the style if far from the norm. A fascinating and beautiful coin.
You can tell from the portrait that it is an early issue. He still has his hooked beak. Overall, the coin is lovely and interesting. Congrats!
That is a great coin, especially the dolphin and anchor motif on the reverse. I would gladly make that coin a part of my collection. I do have one coin, which I have posted before, that is a bit of a medieval mystery: Edward III AR Esterlin 1335-1337 AD Bordeaux mint? (18mm 1.32g) Obv: EDWARD' REX AnGL', Crowned bust facing slightly left, leopard below. Rev: DVX AQV ITA nIE, long cross pattee terminated in trefoils, crowns in quarters Elias 56 What makes this coin a bit of a numismatic mystery is that scholars are starting to question the long accepted origin of this coin. The reverse legend declares Edward the Duke of Aquitaine, and thus the coin was always assumed to be an Anglo-Gallic issue. There are several problems with that, one being that the coin is not to the standard of Anglo-Gallic issues. Coins of this issue weigh in well above 1g and have a high fineness of silver. In contrast, Anglo-Gallic coins of Edward III were minted to the continental standard and were of lower weight and poor silver quality, often times being billon. Another problem is that these Esterlin aren't found in coin hoards in Aquitaine. Instead, they tend to be found in Britain, northern France, and the Low Countries. Lastly, the style of this Esterlin is unlike anything minted in Aquitaine. Medieval English coinage can be recognized by distinctive stylistic elements, which was by design. Coins struck in Ireland are visually distinct from those minted in England. Given the widely different silver quality of regional issues it made it very easy to know the value of a coin. So the unique design of this Esterlin would tend to indicate, along with the other evidence, that it is not in fact an Anglo-Gallic coin. But if it is not Anglo-Gallic then where and why was the issue minted? The leading 'new' theory is that the coin was minted for military operations in northern France or the Low Countries, hence the weight and fineness. To quote Cicero, "The sinews of war are infinite money" and this coin may have been minted of high quality silver to pay soldiers, yet made visually distinct from any other English coins so as to not disrupt the economy and cause inflation.
I find this to be a fascinating coin. I have looked for an example for my own collection. I have not found one yet, though I have seen an example of the rarer demi-sterling for sale. I have almost bought it several times.
My similar coin lacks TRP but crowds the PP having left plenty of room for the TRP. I wonder if the die was engraved while awaiting instructions on which titles to add or on the theory that the TRP could be added later. The portrait seems less 'pinched' but has not yet become idealized as we expect from later Augustus coins.
The very first coins that rolled out of the mint upon Domitian's accession include the TRP title which he would have assumed immediately. However, they do not show him as Pontifex Maximus or even just 'PONT'. Domitian AR Denarius, 3.36g Rome mint, 81 AD RIC 1 (C). BMC p. 298 note. RSC 553. Obv: IMP CAESAR DOMITIANVS AVG; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r. Rev: TR P COS VII; Curule chair; above, wreath Acquired from Forvm Ancient Coins, January 2010. Domitian AR Denarius, 3.08g Rome mint, 81 AD RIC 2 (R). BMC 3. RSC 551. Obv: IMP CAESAR DOMITIANVS AVG; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r. Rev: TR P COS VII; Dolphin coiled around anchor Ex Den of Antiquity, eBay, March 2014. Domitian AR Denarius, 3.13g Rome mint, 81 AD RIC 3 (R). BMC 2. RSC 554a. Obv: IMP CAESAR DOMITIANVS AVG; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r. Rev: TR P COS VII; Seat, draped; above, triangular frame decorated with corn ears Acquired from Museum Surplus, July 2013. Domitian AR Denarius, 3.18g Rome mint, 81 AD RIC 4 (C). BMC 1. RSC 554. Obv: IMP CAESAR DOMITIANVS AVG; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r. Rev: TR P COS VII; Seat, draped; above, thunderbolt Domitian AR Denarius, 3.30g Rome mint, 81 AD RIC 5 (C). BMC 4. RSC 552. Obv: IMP CAESAR DOMITIANVS AVG; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r. Rev: TR P COS VII; Tripod with fillets; above, ravens, l. and r., and dolphin over wreath Ex Lanz, eBay, 17 November 2013. So, it is very odd that an issue would appear afterward without TRP in his titles. I'm at a lost to explain it. And as my OP coin shows, the reverse dies lacking TRP continued to be used until the end of 81 alongside others that display it! Maybe Domitian was onto something when he reformed the coinage and the mint the following year?
I really enjoy these Flavians, mysterious or otherwise. Mine are all common and mostly ugly. I do have a mystery, however - it was my first CT post, a Greek something or other that remains unsolved. So I thought I'd toss it out there again, in case any new information comes about: https://www.cointalk.com/threads/un...ios-and-rose-help-please.291928/#post-2664412
That is a really interesting coin Marsyas Mike. The obverse reminds me of a tet of Rhodes and the reverse reminds me of bathroom stall graffiti from a truck stop. Or a Georgia O'Keeffe painting, which is pretty much the same subject.
There was a lot of amusement and speculation along those lines in the OP. I was worried I'd violate Coin Talk obscenity protocols!
I love the unusual portrait of Domitian! My example of the same type also shows an unusual portrait but with a "normal" neck:
Yours makes three examples us Cointalkers own. Given how elusive it is, that's pretty amazing. BTW, a really nice one!
