In 88 Domitian's Rome mint was doing a little experimentation with the traditional Minerva series. In Part One https://www.cointalk.com/threads/experimentation-at-the-mint-part-one.311130/ I shared a denarius with a reverse design and legend that are a bit unusual. Part Two demonstrates how the mint was experimenting with the obverse legend as well. Domitian AR Denarius, 3.04g Rome mint, 88 AD RIC 585 (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 stg. l., with spear (M4) Ex Private Collection This denarius is from a very common issue struck in 88 which is peppered with exceedingly rare variants. Here we have an obverse legend spelling of 'GERMAN' instead of the much more common 'GERM'. The experimental nature of the scarce variants perhaps ties them with the Secular Games which were held later the same year. After 88, new legends and reverse designs did not make another appearance on Domitian's denarius issues until the last year (or months) of his reign in 95-96. Underneath the scratches and wear is a really fine portrait. The die engravers were turning out some really outstanding portraits during this time period in what I call 'Flavian Baroque' style. Sorry it has taken me so long to post Part Two, but life always has a way of intruding on our coining. Hopefully I'll be back on track in a couple of weeks.
Just when I think you have an example of all the Flavian coinage you find another variant. I love the "Flavian Baroque" style portraits.
Very nice addition. The long legends on Flavian coins are just terrific - I hardly know where that obverse legend begins Edit: spelling
Me too. They give Domitian a regal icy aloofness that fits perfectly with what the ancient writers have passed on to us about his personality.
This is another I would have just passed by as a common Minerva reverse. His portrait style does seem to be a cut above most other Imperial coins. Some era's just produced poor quality coins but others amaze me in their detail and artistry.
