Today I'm very I'll with a cold and don't have the stamina to do a lengthy post about my new purchase. Instead, I'll take the opportunity to have a little fun with it and ask you folks what do you think is special about this Domitian denarius?
Sorry about your illness get well soon. But the coin is pretty! That's what's special about it to me. Thanks, Jacob
If I am reading this correctly, the above combination of TRP VII, IMP XIIII, and COS XIIII refers to a revolt in Germany, according to RIC II Part 1. It also appears to be quite a rare coin. Depending on the type of Minerva it could be RIC 573, 581 or 585. Feel better soon David.
Looks like RIC II 573 which is listed as R2. It has Obv. 1b with "GERMAN" on the obverse. And Minerva in on her tippy-toes.
The best thing to treat a cold is to buy another coin! Buy two, and post them in the morning. Hope you feel better!
Feel better! I like the coin but you're too much of a specialist for me to know why you bought it. Get some chicken soup!
Correct! Domitian AR Denarius, 3.32g Rome mint, 88 AD RIC 573 (R2). BMC - . RSC - . Obv: IMP CAES DOMIT GERMAN P M TR P VII; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r. Rev: IMP XIIII COS XIIII CENS P P P; Minerva adv. r., with spear and shield (M1) Very rare with 'GERMAN'. So rare in fact, Ian Carradice needed confirmation these denarii existed with this spelling when he wrote Coinage and Finances In the Reign of Domitian in 1983. Since the publication of that work several examples have surfaced. The issue this denarius is from also features extremely rare aegis portraits. I think what we have here are the markings of a special issue, perhaps struck in conjunction with the Secular Games which were held in the same year the special denarii were struck. The series also feature many coins engraved in fine 'Flavian baroque' style, as clearly seen on this example. Thank you everyone who participated in my little quiz! NB: I am feeling much better today. Time to do some serious coining!
It was fun to examine your new goodie and do a little research on it. I am also glad to hear that you are feeling better, there are some nasty bugs making the rounds this Winter.
I might have to do this more often, it was fun reading what other folks saw in the coin. Thanks for the well wishes! No a 100% better, but the fever finally broke, which makes all the difference!
