Domitian's group 2 denarii from 81 are very rare. They all have an unusual reverse legend arrangement of P P COS VII DES VIII in combination with various obverse legends that evolve from 'PONT' to 'P M'. I was lucky enough to win one at auction recently - my third example from the issue this year! Domitian AR Denarius, 3.10g Rome mint, 81 AD RIC 15 (R2). BMC - . RSC - . Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r. Rev: P P COS VII DES VIII; Seat, draped; above, semicircular frame decorated with corn ears Ex Savoca Blue 10, 30 September 2018, lot 1212. The rapidity in which Domitian's first denarius issues of 81 came one after another hint that he was in a great hurry to strike coins as Augustus after Titus' death in mid September 81 AD, presumably for a legionary donative. Dio records that Domitian hastened to the praetorian camp to 'receive the title and authority of the emperor' and promised the soldiers the same bounty Titus had provided. The Roman mint immediately began striking coins for the new emperor. This denarius was struck before Domitian had been awarded the power of the tribunate (TR P). Perhaps it may have taken a few days for the Senate to award the power of the tribunate to Domitian because they had assembled at the small town of Reate where Titus had died and needed to be in Rome in order to vote him the right. Although this Group 2 denarius is not part of Domitian's first RIC issue, it is very likely to have been struck within the first few weeks of him assuming the purple. RIC notes the chronology is not precise with these issues from 81 and they are grouped only for 'convenience'. Judging by the rarity of the Group 2 denarii they could not have been struck for any great length of time. The type of draped seat with semi circular frame is a carry-over 'pulvinaria' type from Titus, likely struck in connection with the Colosseum's opening games' religious ceremonies. Domitian's 'pulvinaria' coins are a stop-gap issue struck until proper reverse types were designed for the new reign in early 82 when the mint and coinage were overhauled. The coin has a good early style portrait, unsurprisingly reminiscent of those struck for him as Caesar under Titus. Feel free to post any coins you believe may have been part of a donative.
Fascinating story behind that coin's issue. It's information like this that makes ancient numismatics so interesting! I wish I had something comparable to share.
Congratulations David on adding this great rarity to your collection. I have been actively looking for a group 2 Domitian denarius for some time now. They always seem to command a lot of interest. This one is particularly interesting because of its purpose as a donative for the military. It fascinates me how these little pieces of history can open up pathways of understanding into the machinations of these historical figures.
I believe that all of Domitian's denarii of 81 were struck for this purpose. The fact that the coins show his imperial titles evolving over time hints they were struck very rapidly after his accession. Needless to say, there is a lot work that needs to be done untangling the issue's chronology!
