First I want to thank our own Victor for allowing me to use his photo of this coin. I was a bit off tonight after losing a few lots in the Heritage auction earlier tonight. It was part 4 of the Morris Collection. I already have a couple of these but wanted to add more. I did win one which will show up in another thread soon. Anyway, I was smarting after the auction and commiserating with a couple of fellow Flavian collectors. I decided to check Vcions and Victor had just posted this coin. Well I did not hesitate. This coin is very rare and does not come to market often. I grabbed it and I am very glad I did. What makes the coin rare is the use of "GERMAN" in the obverse legend. There are only 4 denarius types with this legend and they all R2 (very few examples known). They are RIC 573, 577, 581, and 585. This coin happens to be my second coin with this legend. I also own an example of RIC 573. However, rarity is not the only reason this coin is very special. Just take a look at the portrait! There were some extremely talented celators working in the mints at Rome during Domitian's reign and this coin is a prime example of that. Needless to say I am thrilled to add this one to my collection! If you are also entered in having one of these, read the obverse legends carefully. My 573 was misattributed by a major auction house. Domitian AR Denarius 88 CE (First Issue) Obv: Laureate head right; IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERMAN PM TR P VII Rev: Minerva standing left with spear; IMP XIII COS XIIII CENS PPP RIC 585 (R2); BMC--; RSC-- Purchased from Victor's Imperial Coins May 10, 2020.
Great find Andrew! That's one in the style that every Domitian collector desires. Nice bonus that it is also very rare.
The coin arrived today. Many thanks to Victor for the great service and a wonderful coin. It has a lovely light grey toning.
