I know this one is a bit rough, but it is the first one I have seen come up for sale. Still I really liked the portrait. The second issue is important because the 4 standard Minerva types are presented for the first time. RIC also mentions the earlier looking portraits on these denarii and that these denarii mark the transition to larger more idealized portraits. RIC lists 2 examples, one in the British museum and one in Paris. Coryssa: 2 Acsearch: 2 OCRE: 1 (The British Museum example) CNG: 1 Please post your coins of Domitian Domitian AR Denarius 83 CE (Second Issue) March – 13 September 20.0 mm 3.04 g Obv:IMP CAES DOMITIANUS AVG PM; head leaureate r Rev:TR POT II COS VIIII DES X P P, Minerva stg l with thunderbolt and spear; shield at her side. RIC 167 Ex: Artemide Aste E-Live Auction 7 March 24, 2019 Lot 216
Specialists know that when it comes to very scarce or rare coins, they can't be too picky about state of preservation. If you hadn't have snatched this one up, you might have had to wait many years for another one to become available and it's possible you'd never have another opportunity in your lifetime. I like finding rare types that go unappreciated by others at auction or at a show. Neat addition to your collection. And here's a Domitian provincial for good measure. I haven't posted this one in a while, either. It features Domitia, not Minerva (not that there's anything wrong with Minerva). Domitian and Domitia, AD 81-96 Roman provincial AE Assarion; 5.12 gm. 20 mm Thessaly, Larissa, AD 82-96 Obv: ΔΟΜΙΤΙΑΝΟΝ ΚΑΙΣ ΘΕΣΣΑΛΛΟΙ, laureate head of Domitian, right Rev: ΔΟΜΙΤΙΑ ΣΕΒΑΣΣΤΗ, draped bust of Domitia, right Refs: SGI 891; BMC 7.7,76; RPC II 278; Rogers 88.
@Roman Collector is correct, with rarities you cannot be too choosy about condition. Congrats on your win Andrew!
The coin arrived today. Here is my attempt at a photo of it. It is a bit rough but I have not seen another for sale.
