Domitian's denarii from 85 are quite rare. I had been looking for one for more than a year, but until last week without success. Last week I got a message from @Orfew that a rare 85 was listed. I bought it directly. @Orfew thanks again for your help. The coin is in a particularly good style, but it does have a fairly large crack. That has given me a sense of doubt. However, these rarely come onto the market and the question is whether I would ever find one other than this one. 85 is perhaps the most interesting year at the mint during Domitian's reign. Countless new types were introduced in bronze. For example, this was the first year in which Germania capta sestertii were issued. Silver also underwent the necessary development during this year. Domitian had assumed the new censor title and on the denarii that title appears in different ways. Domitian 81-96 AR denarius Struck 85 AD (Fourth issue) IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM P M TR P IIII Bust of Domitian, laureate, with aegis IMP VIIII COS XI CENS POT P P Minerva standing left, with thunderbolt and spear, shield at her side (M3) 3,39g/20mm Ric 336 (R2) Ex CGB Please show the coins you spent a long time looking for before you found one.
Congratulations - excellent Domitian coin. For the moment I am settling with 2 Domitians - a denarius from 87 and a provincial from Sestos. I can say I spent some time searching for this coin RIC II Trajan 130 Date Range: AD 103 - AD 111 Obverse Legend: IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P Type: Bust of Trajan, laureate, right (sometimes draped on left shoulder - like in my example) Reverse Legend: COS V P P S P Q R OPTIMO PRINC Type: Victory, naked to hips, standing right, left foot set on a step, inscribing DACICA on shield Not rare (I think the one from 111 with same reverse but legend SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI is a rare type) but I spent some time searching for a Trajan coin that 1. is clearly linked with conquering Dacia (apart from DACCAP examples as I don't find the design interesting enough) 2. is not very worn 3. doesn't have a 3 figure price. Apparently fulfilling all 3 conditions isn't very easy.
You flavian's collectors are very weird. @Orfew helped @Parthicus Maximus , @Jay GT4 helped @Orfew , @David Atherton helped @Jay GT4 ....and vice-versa... I just want to remind you that you are opponents, rivals in your hobby, you're suppose to hate each other and be willing to fight until death ! Not giving each other hints and help! That's the reason why I don't collect flavians; you guys are way too boring.
This is a visually stunning coin. In addition to the artistic quality of the portrait, I'm particularly drawn to the precision and beauty of the lettering in the legends, both obverse and reverse. I wonder if our resident expert Jamesicus would agree with my own opinion of the lettering? I hope the flan crack isn't too severe. Handle it with care -- maybe encase it in a Quickslab?
I definitely agree with @Ocatarinetabellatchitchix . I am the only remaining ancient coins collector in my area. To be ontopic, I also recommend handling the coin with care. I bought this Julia Mamaea denarius mainly because I liked the flan imperfection shown in these pics But taking the coin out of the album for a photo and putting it back .... made it snap. The Domitian coin has a different issue, but it would be a big shame to break it.
@Parthicus Maximus That is a special and stylish portrait. I am glad you got one. These do not show up very often at all. Your coin is very special also because of the Aegis on the portrait. The reverse legend is also rare as it contains CENS POT.
I could not agree more. If anyone is interested in a portrait like this then look for Domitian's denarii struck between 84-88 CE. These coins have, imho, the most artistic portraits for Domitian.
Nice coin. While I don't share the fascination with Flavian coins I wish you the best of luck in finding those rarities and oddities that are out there.
Those are wonderful coins Andrew! But don't advertise these coins too much, there is plenty of competition already
Thanks for the kind words and additional information. Soon I will get the new Ric (2007). I think that will intensify my interest in this type of legend variations even more.
