Very Scarce Domitian Denarius

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by Mat, May 31, 2020.

  1. Mat

    Mat Ancient Coincoholic

    I recently picked up this Domitian denarius for the simple reason I liked the reverse, which is pretty uncommon for him, and it compliments the tetradrachm I own of him.

    This was in an NGC slab as CH Fine & Ex. Morris Collection.

    Also below is the slab/sellers pic and my Tet.

    [​IMG]
    Domitian (81 - 96 A.D.)
    AR Denarius
    O: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M, laureate head of Domitian right.
    R: IVPPITER CONSERVATOR, eagle standing facing, head left, on thunderbolt, wings spread.
    Rome Mint, 82-83 A.D.
    3.18g
    19mm
    RIC II.1 144

    This reverse type commemorates the events during the civil war of 69 A.D. Upon the arrival of the flavian troops in Italy, Sabinus (the elder brother of Vespasian) was forced to seek refuge in the Capitoline fortress (the sanctuary of Jupiter). He also brought in Domitian, his nephew. Eventually the fortress was set on fire and Sabinus captured and executed. Domitian managed to escape and found shelter at one of his father's clients. Later in that place he built a temple for Jupiter Conservator (= the Protector). Source: Tacitus, Histories, the 3rd book, section LXXIV : "Domitianus.....ac potiente rerum patre, disiecto aeditui contubernio, modicum sacellum Iovi Conservatori aramque posuit casus suos in marmore expressam)

    [​IMG]


    [​IMG]
    Domitian (81 - 96 A.D.)
    SYRIA, Seleucis and Pieria. Antioch
    AR Tetradrachm
    O: AVT KAISAR DOMITIANOS SEB GERM, laureate head right; aegis at point of bust.
    R: ETOUS NEOV IEROV H, eagle standing facing right on thunderbolt; palm in right field. RY 8 (88/9 AD)
    14.77g
    26mm
    Prieur 145; RPC II 1978; Wruck 108
     
    Last edited: May 31, 2020
    Bart9349, PeteB, randygeki and 23 others like this.
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  3. Limes

    Limes Well-Known Member

    Nice addition @Mat. Here's mine:
    16.3.png
     
    PeteB, randygeki, dlhill132 and 13 others like this.
  4. Justin Lee

    Justin Lee I learn by doing

    Very nice, Mat! It isn't a reverse I've seen of his before, and it certainly does present more like a provincial than imperial. And it does compliment your tet well. Nice pick up!
     
  5. Orfew

    Orfew Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus

    @Mat That is a lovely coin. In addition i love the provenance. For me the history of the coin is part of the story of history. I love adding coins that were owned by a know collector. Their stories, if preserved, add to the history of the coin.

    Your coin is one of my favourite reverses for Domitian. I love the Minerva series as well because I love finding misattributed coins in auctions and dealer stock. The multiple acclamations and numbering mean there are rare gems to be found. It is important to keep in mind that for some coins the acclamations signify the addition of titles because of victories in battles fought by Domitian. So the numbers refer to actual events. I find this fascinating.

    The portrait is well rendered on your coin and the eagle is amazing. This was a talented engraver.

    Congrats my friend on a great addition to you collection.

    Mine is below. I still have to remove the encrustations. I bought it for the fine portrait.

    Domitian RIC 144.png
     
    PeteB, randygeki, Limes and 6 others like this.
  6. Jay GT4

    Jay GT4 Well-Known Member

    Great coins everyone.

    I've always loved this reverse for Domitian, and it took me a long time to find mine.

    Domitian_Eagle.jpg
     
  7. randygeki

    randygeki Coin Collector

    A great coin Mat!
     
  8. PeteB

    PeteB Well-Known Member

    Great, all. In 50+ years, I have never seen one....let alone have one in hand!
     
    7Calbrey likes this.
  9. PeteB

    PeteB Well-Known Member

    Sorry for the double post.
     
    Last edited: Jun 3, 2020
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