Not rare...but

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by Orfew, Oct 28, 2020.

  1. Orfew

    Orfew Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus

    Yes, not a rare coin at all. In fact it is very common as a type. However, I have been looking for the right one of these for at least a year. There are plenty available but when I saw this one the checklist was fulfilled. I wanted a great artistic portrait, a clear Corinthian helmet on the reverse, and clear complete legends. I hope you agree that it is yes on all fronts.

    Also I have added the vimeo video of the coin. If there are any objections I will take it down.

    Domitian 271.jpeg








    Domitian as Caesar 80 CE
    Obv: Head laureate right; CAESAR DIVI F DOMITIANVS COS VII
    Rev: Corinthian helmet on draped throne; PRINCEPS IVVENTUTIS
    RIC: 271 [Titus]; BMC 98; RSC 399a
    Purchased from Harlan Berk HJB Fixed Price list 4
     
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  3. Ryro

    Ryro Trying to remove supporter status

    She's a beauty! Very nice video as well:wideyed:
    I posted mine a bit ago, not in same league but I was pleasantly surprised when it finally arrived:D Sorry about the picture:shy:
    share2925746297247944843.png
     
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  4. Orfew

    Orfew Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus

    Are there only two of us that have an example of this type? Please post your own examples.
     
  5. Alegandron

    Alegandron "ΤΩΙ ΚΡΑΤΙΣΤΩΙ..." ΜΕΓΑΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΣ, June 323 BCE

    Nope.

    Great example. I wonder what the significance or meaning behind the reverse?
     
  6. Marsyas Mike

    Marsyas Mike Well-Known Member

    Nice one, Orfew.

    I have a worn example. My notes below give a possible reason behind the reverse design - via FORVM.

    Domitian - Den. Helmet Altar Sep 2013 (0).jpg

    Domitian (Caesar) Denarius
    (80-81 A.D.)
    Rome Mint

    CAESAR DIVI F DOMITIANVS COS VII, laureate head right / PRINCEPS IVVE[NTVTIS], helmet on altar.
    RIC 271 (Titus); RSC 399a.
    (3.19 grams / 18 x 16 mm)

    Issued in 80 AD to propitiate the gods for the plague and fire in Rome and eruption of Vesuvius (destruction of Pompeii). Rites required the sacred couches of the gods (pulvinaria) be set out with emblems of the deity. Several coin issues of Titus and Domitian depict Minerva’s helmet on a draped couch.
    (www.forumancientcoins.com)
     
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  7. Orfew

    Orfew Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus

    That is cool. Thanks for posting that infomation
     
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  8. Nemo

    Nemo Well-Known Member

    Beautiful choice @Orfew. Perfectly centered, full legends and great style.

    I don’t have an example of Domitian, but here’s a Ptolemy I Soter tetradrachm with two helmets, Athena's has a crest, and an elephant headdress to boot.


    Ptolemy 30mms.jpg
     
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  9. Marsyas Mike

    Marsyas Mike Well-Known Member

    Here's a CNG auction with the same "Vesuvius" information - I'd still like to find out more about how this idea came about - it sure is interesting if true:

    https://www.cngcoins.com/Coin.aspx?CoinID=154039
     
    Orfew likes this.
  10. Orfew

    Orfew Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus

    OMG @Nemo that coin is a stunner. The details and the toning are simply superb!
     
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  11. David Atherton

    David Atherton Flavian Fanatic

    I don't disagree with CNG's proposal that these are pulvinar types ... but for what occasion? N. T. Elkins has proposed they commemorate the religious ceremonies, or lectisternium, for the opening games of the Colosseum. This theory seems very plausible to me.
     
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  12. gogili1977

    gogili1977 Well-Known Member

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