Another rare Domitian added

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by Orfew, Aug 19, 2019.

  1. Orfew

    Orfew Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus

    I am very happy to have won this in a Heritage auction a few hours ago. The reason I wanted it was for the rare obverse legend IMP CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIAN AVG P M. On the denarii of Vespasian this legend only appears on 9 types. Of the 9, 2 are R3 (only one example known) and 7 are R2 (very few examples known). All 9 examples were struck in Domitian's first year as Augustus 81 CE between September 13 and December 31. There were 4 groups of precious metal coinage issued in 81 CE. Of the 9 types 1 was part of group 2, 1 in group 3, and 7 in group 4. The groups are separated by reverse legends. The chronology of these groups is not clear. That is part of what makes studying these early denarii of Domitian so interesting. Is there a reason why this obverse legend is so prevalent in group 4 yet so scarce in groups 2 and 3, and non existent in group 1? All I know is that much more study of these first year denarii is necessary.

    The legend is also interesting for another reason. It pays homage to Vespasian. While Titus issued many DIVVS Vespasian issues Domitian did not. the reverse is interesting in that like so many of the first year denarii, it carries on the pulvinar types from the reign of Titus.

    I really like the young portrait on this coin and it had another selling point. It was part of the Morris collection. I like coins with an interesting history or provenance.

    Since this coin is slabbed does anyone want to guess the grade it received? I would have bought it regardless of grade because I like it and it is interesting.


    Domitian, as Augustus (AD 81-96). AR denarius Rome
    13 September-31 December AD 81
    (18mm, 3.02 gm, 6h).
    NGC Choice Fine 4/5 - 4/5.
    Obv: IMP CAES DIVI VESP F DOMITIAN AVG P M, laureate head of Domitian right Rev: TR P COS VII-DES VIII P P, pulvinar of Jupiter and Juno, draped, surmounted by thunderbolt.
    RIC II 72 (R2), BMC--, RSC--, Cohen--
    2019 August 18 Ancient Coin Selections from the Morris Collection, Part II Monthly Online Auction #271933Lot # 35169


    Instead of using screenshots I have linked the photos. Please click on the O for the obverse and the R for the reverse.

    Obv
    Rev
     
    Last edited: Aug 19, 2019
    randygeki, chrsmat71, NLL and 16 others like this.
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  3. zumbly

    zumbly Ha'ina 'ia mai ana ka puana

    Very nice! I think that even those, like myself, who aren’t able to flyspeck Flavian coins can agree that this is a lovely piece. Congrats on the win.
     
    David Atherton, Orfew and TIF like this.
  4. Ancient Aussie

    Ancient Aussie Well-Known Member

    Congrats absolutely stunning coin.
     
    Orfew likes this.
  5. Roman Collector

    Roman Collector Well-Known Member

    That coin has lots of eye appeal, no matter the grade!
     
    Orfew likes this.
  6. gsimonel

    gsimonel Well-Known Member

    aVF, based on wear, but strong strike (4/5), well centered (obverse) and excellent surfaces (5/5)

    Beautiful coin!
     
    Orfew likes this.
  7. Orfew

    Orfew Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus

    Thanks @gsimonel

    NGC gave the surfaces 4/5. Other than that you got it exactly right. Nice job!
     
  8. Mat

    Mat Ancient Coincoholic

    Very nice, I really like the toning on it too.
     
  9. David Atherton

    David Atherton Flavian Fanatic

    Although I've seen this wonderful coin posted on Forvm, I do not see a photo in this post.

    Anyone else having the same issue?
     
  10. Orfew

    Orfew Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus

    Hi David, I think it is fixed now.
     
  11. David Atherton

    David Atherton Flavian Fanatic

    OK, thanks.
     
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