A common Domitian denarius...with a twist

Hi, I purchased this common Minerva Domitian denarius yesterday. Can anyone tell me why? Hint: take a close look at the reverse.


Domitian AR Denarius 92 CE (First Issue)
Rome Mint
3.31g
Obv: Laureate head of Domitian right "IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GEM PM TR P XI"
Rev: Minerva standing left holding a spear and thunderbolt, shield at her side. "IMP XXI COS XVI CENS PPP"
Purchased from Aegean Nuismatics February 16, 2019.

 

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I saw this one, glad you got it.

 

nice capture!

 

I notice the nice portrait more than anything. The dates are fairly common. I'm stumped.

 

Problem with the last ‘P’ ???

 

Last P on reverse looks like an aborted PHI...

 

The die flaw where the dot runs into the 'P'?

 

It is the final "P". It is upside down and backwards. See how the stem of the "P" actually goes to the edge of the coin.

 

I don't believe it is an unintentional error by an engraver. IMHO, what you are seeing is die wear between the top of the 'P' and the dotted border. Not unusual with worn dies.

For example, the 'M' in DOMITIANVS on this coin.

 

Thanks David, I think you must be right. Oh well, it was worth a try.

 

Still a good coin and the price was right! It could definitely benefit from a better picture

 

FWIW, the coin has an above average portrait for the issue. That is well worth it.