Just added a very rare Domitian denarius

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by Orfew, Feb 23, 2021.

  1. Orfew

    Orfew Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus

    Hi, I won a great coin today and it is very rare. RIC lists 2 examples, one in Berlin and one from a H.J. Berk catalogue. Since this coin is very rare I would like to see a photo of the Berk coin to rule it out as mine. The list is Berk 83 from 26/10/1994 Lot 382.

    Now to the coin. It was of course misattributed. I think 60-75 percent of all of the Flavian denarii I have collected were misattributed. My copy of RIC was a great investment. I have been able to find many rarities this way. Some will take the attribution at face value. @David Atherton @JayGT4 and I have had a number of conversations about how important it is to check the dealer attributions when considering a bid or purchase.

    At first glance this seems to be just another from the pulvinar series for Domitian. However, this one is special because it is a group 3 denarius for Domitian's first year as Augustus. Group 2 and Group 3 denarii are all very rare. In fact there is only one group 3 denarius that is rated R. All the rest from both groups are R2 or R3. In this RIC, R3 means that only 1 example was known to the authors at the time of publication. My new acquisition is R2, very few known.

    I love the look of this coin.The portrait is awesome and that beard...

    If anyone is interested the grade is XF

    Domitian AR Denarius 81 CE (Group 3)
    Obv: Head laureate right; IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG PM
    Rev: Curule chair; above wreath; COS VII DES VIII PP
    RIC 24 (R2), BMC P. 299; RSC 58a
    Not in RIC plates
    Stacks Bowers The February 2021 World Collectors Choice Online Auction Lot 71061 February 23, 2021

    D24.jpg
     
  2. Avatar

    Guest User Guest



    to hide this ad.
  3. curtislclay

    curtislclay Well-Known Member

    The Berk piece is a different spec. than yours, though apparently from the same rev. die.
     
  4. Orfew

    Orfew Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus

    Thanks very much Curtis. I really appreciate it.
     
    The Trachy Enjoyer likes this.
  5. Spargrodan

    Spargrodan Well-Known Member

    Stunning coin @Orfew congrats! Very good condition which in many time is not the case when hunting rares. You've been pretty successful in finding Flavian rarities the last year. Keep it up!
     
    kountryken and Orfew like this.
  6. Roman Collector

    Roman Collector Well-Known Member

    It's a great feeling to come across an unappreciated rarity and win it at auction! I am glad you were to acquire such a rarity for your collection, @Orfew.
     
    kountryken and Orfew like this.
  7. Jay GT4

    Jay GT4 Well-Known Member

    Wonderful coin Andrew. We're always on the lookout for these misattributed rarities and I agree, RIC is invaluable! The coin is where it belongs, in a serious Domitian collection.
     
    OutsiderSubtype, kountryken and Orfew like this.
  8. abc123

    abc123 Active Member

  9. Orfew

    Orfew Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus

  10. Parthicus Maximus

    Parthicus Maximus Well-Known Member

    Not only rare but also in a wonderful style. Congrats!
     
    Orfew likes this.
  11. David Atherton

    David Atherton Flavian Fanatic

    A really nice rarity that can fly under the radar. Congrats!
     
    Roman Collector and Orfew like this.
Draft saved Draft deleted

Share This Page