I have been actively looking for an Eastern mint denarius of Domitian for quite some time. They come to the market every once in a while. When they do there is usually a lot of competition for them. There are only 3 denarii types for Domitian that feature SPES on the reverse. All 3 were struck for Domitian under Vespasian. They are RIC 788, 917, and 1489. Tis coin is RIC 1489 and I already have RIC 788. RIC 917 is known from a single example so far so I do not think I will ever find one of these. Another feature of this coin is the annulet under the neck truncation on the obverse. This is a mysterious 'O' mint denarius. Some believe that these coins were struck in Ephesus. I already have 2 'O' mint denarii for Vespasian but did not have one for Domitian. What should be obvious is the hole in the coin. I do not usually buy holed coins but I made an exception for this one. This is a case of taking what the market gives. If there were a better example available I would have bought it. I know of 2 others. One is the British Museum coin (also the RIC plate coin), and the other is owned by a Forum Ancient Coins member and is in the member's gallery. The British Museum coin is also the sole example on RPC online. Sometimes a coin is so rare you have to take any example because another is very unlikely to surface anytime soon. Please post your rare coins or coins of Domitian. Domitian AR Denarius Unknown mint in Asia Minor. ‘O’ mint. 76 CE (3.13g) Obv: CAES AVG F DOMIT COS III; Head Laureate right, a small ‘O’ is visible below the neck truncation. Rev: PRINCEP IVVENTVT; SPES standing left with flower RIC 1489 (R2); BMC 481 [VESPASIAN]; RSC 375a;RPC 1462
Fascinating addition Andrew! I don't know much about these 'O' mint coins. But it sounds very interesting. Do you know any publications that discuss the options of what this mint could be? Not rare, but a Domitian that I have not shown recently. Domitian Caesar 69-81 AR Denarius Struck 79 AD 3,13g/ 18mm CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS COS VI Laureate head right PRINCEPS IVVENTVTIS Clasped hands before legionary eagle Ric 1081 (Vespasian)
Congrats! I think I would be able to live with that hole too. Sometimes you have to live with less than perfect coins, and take, as you say, what the market can offer. I like the portrait, and the style of Spes on reverse. (I’m just talking, to hide that I don’t have any rare Domitians...)
That's a nice coin, hole or not. When I collected U.S. coins, coins with holes were a nono, but with ancients, I have gotten so much more relaxed with "problems" and that goes for some modern coins I have bought over the years. So long as the hole isn't on a central figure, I can live with it. Congrats.
I don't have any Flavian rarities but this sestertius of Septimius Severus is somewhat rare. Septimius Severus (Augustus) Coin: Brass Sestertius L SEPT SEV PE RT AVG IMP IIII - laureate and cuirassed bust right ANNONA AVG COS II P P - Annona standing left, holding grain ears over modius in right hand, cornucopia in left. Exergue: Mint: Rome (194AD) Wt./Size/Axis: 20.34g / 32.23mm / 360 Rarity: Rare References: RIC IV 677c Sear 6405 Cohen 33 Acquisition/Sale: wcnonline Ebay $0.00 10/17 Notes: Oct 9, 18 - See CNG Coin Shop #968670 Per CNG:"Only two known to Banti with this bust type." The Gary R. Wilson Collection
It fit better in your collection then mine. I'm glad you got it Andrew. Although looking at my "O" mints maybe I shouldn't have given it up! Laureate head right FIDES PVBL Hands clasped over caduceus, two poppies and two corn ears Uncertain eastern "O" mint 76 AD 3.21g RIC 1495 (R) Ex-Den of Antiquity; Ex-TC collection, Ex-Calgary Coin CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS laureate head right, small 'o' below neck truncation PON MAX TR P COS IIII winged caduceus. Uncertain eastern "O" mint 76 AD 3.24g RIC II 1496 (R2); BMCRE II, 489; RSC II, 369; RPC II, 1469. Apart from the COS IIII, these titles are appropriate for Vespasian, not Domitian as Caesar
I am very jealous of those 'O' mint denarii of Domitian. Great coins. I love that the portraits on these eastern issues have such an interesting portrait style.
Congratulations @Orfew. I can imagine for such an avid Flavian collecter as yourself, this catch must be very exciting. No 'o' denarii in my collection. I merely have a common denarius with pegasus reverse. But, in fact, two new coins of Domitian are on their way. I will post those when they arrive
Incredible find! I'm fairly new to ancients, and thus, do not have a huge collection yet. Here is my best Domitian... AR Quinarius, 1.66g, 15x14mm RIC 118, RSC 625, BMC 57 Rome, 81-82 AD Ex Gorny & Mosch Auction 122, Lot 2067, 3/10/2003 I do not normally go after NGC slabs, but couldn't pass this one up, as it is a rare type & in fantastic condition as well. Mine is actually the example shown on WildWinds, but is mis-attributed there as a RIC 121.
Domitian Ar Denarius RIC 1491 RPC 1463 Obv. Head right below small annulette. Rv.Winged caducesus (hybrid reverse to Vespasian) 3.49 grms 18 mm
Anyone know anything about this? I am no expert on coins and this came in a box of vintage and antique jewelry from an auction.
